Can "Aow" Be Used To Say "Hello"?

[nalaknarak]

Sawasdee ka,

I have a question about the interjection "aow" (อ้าว)

In this clip: youtube.com/watch?v=7OFhfvdphfE the boy says that อ้าว is used to express disappointment. But I've heard many people say "อ้าว ว่าไงจ๊ะ" when they meet each other.

So, does "aow" have more than one meaning? So is it totally a different word(perhaps a different tone)?

Khop khun ka

[Chaam local]

This interjection (maybe with a higher tone?) could also express surprise, so I guess it could be used when you sort of bump into someone, a bit like "fancy meeting you here".

[doji]

Not necessary always to express disappointment

Aow has "at least" a few dozens of meaning… depending really on a context of the followed sentence.

In your case above, "อ้าว ว่าไงจ๊ะ", it's being used very informally in greeting… closer to "hey" than "hello"

Hey how are you?

[keo]

I'd agree with Chaam - expressing surprise.

That interjections video is quite good, thanks!

[Tywais]

That interjections video is quite good, thanks!

I've embedded it here now for convenience.

[ChAoS87]

Wow thanks tywais ..

[Groongthep]

Wow thanks tywais ..

I second that tywais. I found these clear explanations of everyday Thai colloquialisms from a native speaker who is obviously very fluent in English to be particularly helpful. Thanks.

[harrry]

Very clear and useful video.

[nalaknarak]

Thank you very much for replying ka.