เอ็ง
you [very informal; to a close peer or subordinate]
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- 1 you [very informal; to a close peer or subordinate]
A very informal second-person pronoun used mainly for a close peer or someone younger or lower in status. Depending on the relationship and tone, it can sound affectionate, condescending, or hostile.
you [very informal; to a close peer or subordinate]
Directly addresses a close peer or someone treated as younger or lower in status, with a tone that ranges from familiar to insulting.
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เอ็งไปไหนมา eŋ pay nǎy maa Where have you been? เอ็งไปไหนมา details
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ข้าเชื่อเอ็ง khâa chʉ̂a eŋ I trust you. ข้าเชื่อเอ็ง details
Learning notes
Explanation
เอ็ง is a second-person pronoun and can function as either the subject or object of a sentence. Among close friends or family members, it may convey familiarity similar to a rough but affectionate “you.” It is also used by someone addressing a younger or lower-status person, and tone can turn it into an expression of condescension, anger, or hostility. The pairing ข้า–เอ็ง often gives dialogue an old-fashioned, rustic, or period-drama flavor. However, เอ็ง is not limited to historical fiction; it still occurs in modern speech within particular relationships.
Usage
It is heard among certain close friends or family members, when an older person addresses someone younger, and in arguments or intimidating speech. It is also common in folktales, historical dramas, and fictional dialogue, especially alongside ข้า.
Caution
Learners should avoid using เอ็ง unless this form of address is already established in the relationship. Do not use it for strangers, customers, teachers, supervisors, or respected elders; use a name, nickname, คุณ, พี่, น้อง, or another relationship-appropriate form instead.
Differences from similar words
1 you [very informal; to a close peer or subordinate] synonyms
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คุณ is the standard polite form of “you” and is suitable for strangers and respectful interactions. เอ็ง is not respectful and cannot replace it in such settings.
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มึง is a much rougher pronoun used either within certain very close relationships or as a strong insult. เอ็ง can still be offensive, but it is generally less explicitly vulgar.
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แก is an informal “you” commonly used among friends. เอ็ง can also express familiarity, but more readily suggests a status difference, an old-fashioned voice, or a rougher attitude.