The word “Nu” (หนู) can have several meanings.
Faye often calls Atom “Nong” (a term for someone younger) and “Nu” (a cute, affectionate way to refer to someone younger or smaller).
In its general sense, it literally means “mouse”, implying something small or tiny 🐭🧀
When used as a pronoun, it can function differently depending on context:
As a self-reference, it is commonly used by someone younger than the listener. Typically, this includes children, women, or transgender women addressing someone older.
When referring to others, it can be used for someone younger, such as a child or a younger woman.
So, translating it directly as “baby” or “babe” is not always accurate.
Because when I call a colleague ‘Nu,’ I don’t mean that she’s my baby.
If used for oneself, it usually just means “I” (in a polite or soft tone).
If used for someone else, it generally means “you” (with a sense of them being younger or more junior).
😅 That said, in the case where a translator chose “baby,” it’s hard to say what they interpreted from the context; maybe they saw a more affectionate tone hahaha
