The Drama Dojo

Hey there, drama lovers and language enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into the fun experience of learning Thai through BL dramas.

Thai BL dramas offer a unique blend of romance, humor, and social commentary that resonates with viewers worldwide. They tackle themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The BL genre has exploded in popularity in recent years. Part of the appeal of Thai BL dramas lies in the fact that they offer a unique escape for viewers craving positive LGBTQ+ representation. In a world where mainstream media often lacks diverse queer narratives, Thailand has become a surprising frontrunner.

But for a language enthusiast like me, this enjoyment goes beyond simply watching the dramas. They act as a unique gateway into Thai language and culture.

Thai BL Dramas: A Linguistic Adventure for Fans

Just like many of you, I found myself falling in love with these dramas and, unintentionally, picking up common Thai phrases along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned BL viewer or a curious newcomer, this post can help you gauge your love for the Thai language.

Essential Thai Phrases

Question Time!

Need a little more info? Here are some handy Thai question words:

Family

Learn the terms of address for family members:

Random Words/Phrases I Recall

เป็นห่วง (Pen huang) – Worried

ไปไหน (Bai nai?) – Where are you going?

คิดถึงจัง (Kit teung jang) – I miss you so much

กูหิว (Gu Hiu) – I’m hungry

น่ารัก (Naruk) – Cute

ช่างมันเหอะ (Chang man heu) – Whatever/ Let it be

จริงๆ (Jing-jing) – really/ seriously

สวย (Suay) – beautiful

หฺยุด (yut) – stop

ไป (bpai) – go

A Quick Look at Thai Grammar

Now that we have learned some vocabulary, let’s also learn a little bit of the basics of grammar to get you started on your journey.

Another thing to note is that Thai is a tonal language (we’ll cover about that in detail in another post someday), which might make correct pronunciation hard, but you might already be able to mimic the tones just by hearing them repeatedly in dramas. The more you listen, the better your pronunciation and intonation will become. Some of you are probably already experts at it! Plus, these phrases are handy for everyday interactions if you ever visit Thailand or converse with Thai speakers.

Join the Adventure!

Learning a language through the lens of your favourite dramas can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Embrace the journey, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and before you know it, you’ll be surprising yourself with your newfound Thai skills!

So tell me, how many phrases did you recognize? Share your favourite Thai phrases, BL dramas you’re watching, or any language learning tips in the comments.