Kreng jai เกรงใจ

kreng jai · from Thai

What does kreng jai mean?

Kreng jai is the Thai reluctance to impose on or inconvenience others, out of consideration and deference.

It can mean refusing help to avoid troubling someone, not voicing disagreement, or hesitating to ask a favour. It is central to Thai social interaction and workplace culture. It overlaps with Korean nunchi and the Chinese concern with face.

Examples

ไม่ต้องเกรงใจ mâi tông kreng jai (do not be shy, no need to hold back); declining a second helping to avoid imposing

Kungfucius says: Kreng jai: being so considerate you refuse the help you obviously need.