พี่เลี้ยง

Explanation

พี่เลี้ยง combines พี่, an older sibling or senior, with เลี้ยง, meaning to raise, support, or care for. Its underlying image is a person who stays close to someone and looks after them from a more experienced position. Its most common meaning is a nanny or babysitter. พี่เลี้ยงเด็ก makes the reference to childcare explicit. The word also extends to mentors who guide newcomers and to trainers or attendants who provide close support to athletes, particularly boxers. The usual classifier for counting these people is คน.

Usage

It is commonly used when families discuss hiring someone to care for a child. It also appears in workplace mentoring, supervised teaching practice, and sports contexts where a trainer or attendant closely supports an athlete.

Caution

เลี้ยงเด็ก describes the action of raising or looking after a child, while พี่เลี้ยงเด็ก refers to the person who does it. In mentoring contexts, พี่เลี้ยง usually suggests ongoing, hands-on support rather than only formal teaching or occasional professional advice.

1 nanny synonyms

• คนดูแลเด็ก

  คนดูแลเด็ก is a broad description for anyone looking after a child, including a relative or temporary supervisor. พี่เลี้ยง more often names an assigned or paid caregiving role.

• คนเลี้ยงเด็ก

  คนเลี้ยงเด็ก literally and explicitly means someone who looks after children. พี่เลี้ยง is a shorter role name and is commonly used for a nanny or babysitter.

2 mentor synonyms

• ครูฝึก

  ครูฝึก is an instructor or coach focused on training skills or physical ability. พี่เลี้ยง may also include personal care, encouragement, and practical support.

• ที่ปรึกษา

  ที่ปรึกษา is an adviser who provides expert advice and may not offer day-to-day support. พี่เลี้ยง suggests closer, continuing guidance and practical help.