What's the correct form of address when talking to a monk?

I asked my Mrs and she said "I don't talk to monks" which translates as "I don't want you talking to monks".... oh she of little faith.

I called one ajarn once and he said "don't call me ajarn".

I live in the far north if it makes any difference.

First off, please address them with namasakarn (as opposed to sawasdee).

Then choose the appropriate...

Luang Peeh - for a monk lesser in age or only a bit older.

Luang Loong (or nah) - for a monk your father's age or more.

Luang Pooh (or Ta) - for a monk your grandfather's age.

Luang Paw - Yes it means father, but is reserved for monks of distinction.

Phra khun Jao - for more than one in your immediate presence.

There are more, but that'll keep you covered for the most part. So an example would be namasakarn, luang peeh.

Check with your wife for pronunciations...she will know how to pronounce these words which mean, elder, uncle, grandfather, father, and venerables. If she "doesn't know", then she really doesn't want you talking to monks.

BTW, Ajahn is often reserved for a monk with 10 years or more of ordination tenure, but may also be used for any monk actively teaching.

Thanks for that, useful information concisely put.

I talk to Prah Ajaan at my local temple regularly but have always managed to get away without actually using any particular form of address..... so far.

First off, please address them with namasakarn (as opposed to sawasdee).

Then choose the appropriate...

Luang Peeh - for a monk lesser in age or only a bit older.

Luang Loong (or nah) - for a monk your father's age or more.

Luang Pooh (or Ta) - for a monk your grandfather's age.

Luang Paw - Yes it means father, but is reserved for monks of distinction.

Phra khun Jao - for more than one in your immediate presence.

There are more, but that'll keep you covered for the most part. So an example would be namasakarn, luang peeh.

Check with your wife for pronunciations...she will know how to pronounce these words which mean, elder, uncle, grandfather, father, and venerables. If she "doesn't know", then she really doesn't want you talking to monks.

I was told to begin the address as Namasakarn Phra Song

What is the difference? Am I being rude?

First off, please address them with namasakarn (as opposed to sawasdee).

Then choose the appropriate...

Luang Peeh - for a monk lesser in age or only a bit older.

Luang Loong (or nah) - for a monk your father's age or more.

Luang Pooh (or Ta) - for a monk your grandfather's age.

Luang Paw - Yes it means father, but is reserved for monks of distinction.

Phra khun Jao - for more than one in your immediate presence.

There are more, but that'll keep you covered for the most part. So an example would be namasakarn, luang peeh.

Check with your wife for pronunciations...she will know how to pronounce these words which mean, elder, uncle, grandfather, father, and venerables. If she "doesn't know", then she really doesn't want you talking to monks.

I was told to begin the address as Namasakarn Phra Song

What is the difference? Am I being rude?

This is not rude, but is more appropriate as a plural address. It basically means, "I bow to you, monks of the Sangha."