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What is the significance of the wai?
As well as a greeting, and a way of saying goodbye, the wai is ultimately a sign of respect and is used instead of the traditional Western handshake or a wave. A wai can be a way of saying thanks, of showing understanding of a situation or person, and also as a polite way to apologize.
How do you do wai in Thai?
First, put your palms together in front of your chest so that each finger is touching its counterpart. Then, bring your hands to touch the middle of your chest and slightly bow your head so that your index fingers touch your nose; this is the basic wai, and it most resembles a slight bow.
Why do Thai put their hands together?
The Thai greeting Used when greeting one another, to say goodbye, or show respect, gratitude, or apology, the hands are placed together in prayer and raised upwards towards the face, while the head lowers in a slight bow and the eyes are lowered.
How do I wai a monk?
To wai a monk, press your palms together and raise them up to your nose, keeping your elbows tucked in. Now bow your head into your thumbs. Some people will pull their thumbs right up into their forehead (while lowering the head, of course) in this situation.
What country is Thai Smile?
Thailand is often referred to as “The Land of Smiles.” It got this nickname because in Thailand, a smile is much more than just a smile…it is a form of subtle interpersonal-messaging. There are at least 13 different smiles that a Thai person may use, each one having a very specific meaning.
Where did the wai come from?
Origins. The wai gesture originated in Buddhism and has similar origins as namaste in Hinduism. It was basically a yogic posture of the palms and signifies the equal meeting of the two palms.
What does wai mean in Thailand?
Greetings are accompanied by the gesture known as a ‘wai’, which is the placing of two palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. A wai indicates the level of respect for another person and is an acknowledgement of seniority. A person should bow their head with their palms pressed together to indicate respect.
What is wai in Thai language?
The Thai greeting referred to as the wai (Thai: ไหว้, pronounced [wâːj]) consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It has its origin in the Indian Añjali Mudrā, like the Indian namaste and Burmese mingalaba. The wai is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise.
What is kun in Thai?
The most common of these honorifics is คุณ /kun/ (Sir or Madam) which is usually OK to use with most people except it just might be a little formal to use with people really close to you.
Should foreigners give the Wai in Thailand?
Though foreigners should not go around giving the wai to everyone they see, they are often expected to return the greeting. The wai greeting is usually paired with the word “hello” in Thai, which is sawasdee, thereby making it a greeting and a way to say hello; however, it is also a way in which to show someone respect.
What is the proper way to Wai?
The second, and a bit more formal, way to wai is to bring your thumbs to the tip of your nose and your index fingers to your forehead. The third and most respectful way to wai is to lower your head until your thumbs are in-between your eyebrows with your palms at your chest. You should also bow slightly.
What is the wai greeting in Thai?
The wai greeting is usually paired with the word “ hello ” in Thai, which is sawasdee, thereby making it a greeting and a way to say hello; however, it is also a way in which to show someone respect. The Wai | © Mark Fischer / Flickr
Do Thais Wai monks?
Many Thais will also wai when they pass spirit houses, temples, shrines, or anything in regards to the monarchy—for example, a picture of the king. Many Thais will wai Buddhist monks, but monks are not expected to return the greeting.