สมน้ำหน้า

[laislica]

I find it hard to understand some expressions like sǒm-nám-nâa

 

My dictionary says สมน้ำหน้า  means serve somebody right.

However, I would rather think it would be:    Serves you right!

 

But I wonder if this expression could also mean, you lose face?

I'd guess that losing face would be quite a strong thing to say to a Thai?

 

สม means appropriate (proper); suitable; well matched or orange

น้ำ means water

หน้า means coming (next); face; fore (forward); front; in front of; main (front, e.g. door)

or ahead (in front, before); in front

or face (human); page (e.g. book); season

 

Any ideas please?

 

 

[tgeezer]

Are you trying to find out how it says what it says? 

I think that น้ำหน้า  is used to describe a person’s looks as reflecting their nature as less than good.    

สมหนำ้หน้า means: Serves You /her/him etal. right”depending on context.

It says that what has happened is  “Appropriate for your/his/her etal. face.” 

orange is ส้ม by the way. 

 

[laislica]

1 hour ago, tgeezer said:

Are you trying to find out how it says what it says? 

I think that น้ำหน้า  is used to describe a person’s looks as reflecting their nature as less than good.    

สมหนำ้หน้า means: Serves You /her/him etal. right”depending on context.

It says that what has happened is  “Appropriate for your/his/her etal. face.” 

orange is ส้ม by the way. 

 

Thanks, at first I thought it meant: Up to you.

but now I understand it means: Serves you right.

Many thanks for your reply

 

[surfdog]

yes 'serves you right' or 'serves him or her right', or 'serves them right'.

 

I think mostly this would be a phrase that you would say behind somebody's back, gossiping about other people.  It can be used directly spoken to the person who is 'served right' however this would be said in jest.  It is very strong, thus the joke or jest must be clear.  Attempting to jest yourself, may lose you a friend.