Settling The Meaning Of A Term Of 'friendship'

[TAWP]

So as we have previously seen in this forum many people have their own understanding of a lot of Thai terms. Be it ever as simple terms as 'som nam na' or 'mai pen rai' to the more relationship based as 'gig' and others.

The reason I am not asking for the following terms meaning in the Thai language forum is because it is not a translation issue, it's a 'what does it mean in reality' issue.

The term I am seeking concensus is for is 'Khun Piset' (think that is a semi-proper transliteration). One translation would be 'special person', but how does it relate to other more common terms and what special connotation does the 'sender' of the term wish to give when labeling You with it?

Edited May 3, 2009 by TAWP

[TAWP]

Maybe it will garner more replies if I tell that it was said by a woman to a married man.

[mahtin]

Maybe it will garner more replies if I tell that it was said by a woman to a married man.

Maybe if you posted it in the language forum?

[sriracha john]

Maybe it will garner more replies if I tell that it was said by a woman to a married man.

In that situation, the missus tells me it would be indicative of a romantic overture or inclination and that in that context if it was something that the married man's wife over-heard, it would not be a good scene for all concerned, particularly for the married man.

She went on to say that yes, it does mean special person and that with its use, context was paramount to its specific meaning, which can change, eg. in another context, 2 young women might use it with one another to indicate they were best friends and not have any romantic overtures at all.

Edited May 3, 2009 by sriracha john

[F1fanatic]

In other words, someone thinks there is a chance (never mind how remote) that they can make you give up your wife for her!

Seeing as she clearly has no morals or scruples about the fact that you are married, I think you ought to tell your wife and let her sort it out!

[a2396]

The Thai language & translations thereof are so "fuzzy wuzzy" (imprecise) that who knows what anyone means, in many instances. The whole process of communicating with them, especially women, is extremely challenging.

[noise]

....yes, it does mean special person and that with its use, context was paramount to its specific meaning, which can change, eg. in another context, 2 young women might use it with one another to indicate they were best friends and not have any romantic overtures at all.

Sriracha John is absolutely correct. Like every language, the meaning applied to that phrase depends upon the context in which it is used. One proabably also needs to hear the tone of voice and see the facial expressions to ascertain whether or not it is a serious or sarcastic use.

[GuestHouse]

"Khun Piset" is the little fellow playing with your keyboard in your avatar and the wife who you are privileged enough to share him with.

Women who refer to married men are as 'Khun Piset' are as cheap as chips in Thailand ... or at least available for hire at very reasonable prices - Know her for what she is, and know now the value of what you have.

[Ta22]

If you go to a Noodle stall and ask for " Noodle Piset "

instead of 25 baht you be charge 30 - 40 baht ,..

so being Khun Piset - instead of paying thai standard pricing ,, you be paying from your nose .

SEE .. so easy to translate

good luck Khun Piset

[TAWP]

"Khun Piset" is the little fellow playing with your keyboard in your avatar and the wife who you are privileged enough to share him with.

Women who refer to married men are as 'Khun Piset' are as cheap as chips in Thailand ... or at least available for hire at very reasonable prices - Know her for what she is, and know now the value of what you have.

I agree that my son is the most valuable person in my life, but I wasn't asking for a relationship advice, but the actual meaning of the term so, uh, my friend...could accurately respond to it.

And I know that women that say that they love you are here in hundreds per man, trust me, I know. But she didn't and this isn't about a scam or trapping anyone.

And by typing it out I think I know the meaning more, even if it is not exactly what you assume...

[noise]

the actual meaning of the term ....could accurately respond to it.

?

Clarifying my earlier response.....I would suggest the very simple and literal meaning:

1. I think "khun" should be "khon" or whatever phonetic spelling you want to use for "person".
   
2. "piset" means "special".
   
3. literal translastion of khon piset would be special person.
   

Yes, piset can be used with food orders, and I use it when I want extra chicken on my kao mun gai (i.e., special order).

[TAWP]

Noise: Thanks,but even my OP mentions the literal meaning.I was asking for the implied meaning, but as informed it depends on so many variables so it is impossible for you to say one thing or another for sure, I have confirmed this with the Thai staff at work.

But that is alright, I think...my friend, knows the meaning based on the situation at hand.

[teacup]

To the OP

Khun piset…..aka - u r a special friend

Well I think there is no such thing as a special friend.

OK maybe a good friend, close friend, or best friend, but I think there is no such thing as special friend.

So in this case and context of yours, I would have to say….more likely she’s thinking of you as…..

More than "just" friends,

or

Not only friend but she likes you more than friend but avoid using the direct words

Honestly, she’s hitting on you !!!

Hope this help

[TAWP]

In some cases there can be 'special friend' when one cannot be anything more.

And no, she is not hitting on...my friend.

Thanks for the replies anyway.

So what we learnt is: It depends on the situation.