หน้าหนา

Explanation

The word combines หน้า (“face”) and หนา (“thick”), creating an image similar to having a “thick skin.” It suggests that embarrassment or social disapproval does not stop someone from acting. คนหน้าหนา means “a shameless or brazen person,” while เขาหน้าหนา means “he/she is shameless.” As a Thai descriptive word, หน้าหนา can function directly as the predicate without a separate verb meaning “to be.” The usual tone is negative. In contexts such as sales or negotiation, however, it may be used jokingly or self-deprecatingly to mean being bold enough to keep trying. The related abstract noun is ความหน้าหนา, “shamelessness” or “brazen behavior.”

Usage

It is commonly used to criticize someone who keeps asking after being refused, ignores normal courtesy, or shows no embarrassment about improper behavior. It can also be used humorously among familiar people to describe the bold persistence needed in sales or negotiation.

Caution

Calling someone หน้าหนา directly can sound insulting. In polite situations, a softer expression such as ไม่ค่อยเกรงใจ (“not very considerate” or “a little too forward”) is safer. หน้าด้าน is generally even harsher and more confrontational.

1 shameless synonyms

• หน้าด้าน

  nâadâan shameless

  หน้าด้าน is a harsher and more openly insulting word for someone who has no shame. หน้าหนา is also usually critical, but it can occasionally be used jokingly or self-deprecatingly for being bold and persistent.

• หน้าทน

  หน้าทน emphasizes enduring criticism or embarrassment without showing shame. หน้าหนา focuses more on brazenly asking for or doing something despite normal social restraint.