Lost in Thai translation

seafood.jpegMy Thai tutor attempted to teach me conversations normally used at a restaurant, or any food related circumstances. It was not looking well for me as I’ve not studied and the only meaningful time I’ve spent reviewing is when I sit before her with my notebook open, three times a week.

Review, review, review. My brain was whirling with all these different phrases; fish, chicken (gai), pork (muu?), shrimp, noodle (phad), sauce, English food (a han Ang grit), American food (a han A me ri caa), Japanese food, etc.,…

I thought she asked me what kind of food I like. I said seafood.

She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and a long sigh escaped her.

Tutor: “So now you want me to call you Ms. Seafood.”

Me: “I don’t understand. Mai khao jai, kha.”

Tutor: “I asked you what your name was. You said your name was seafood.”

Embarrassed that I made a technical faux pas but not wanting to relent, I said

“Oh, well then my name is Ms. Seafood. That was exactly what I wanted to say. Chai, kha.”

Later, as I was about to leave and was waving goodbye, my tutor waved back and looked at me seriously before she said:
“Bye kha, Ms. Seafood.”

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