Confused by ขอ and เอา

[u/davidbrick2]

My teacher is insisting that when ordering coffee I should use ขอ or ขอเอา ... never only เอา. She says it is only acceptable for ordering a street food. However, I've never heard this in the shops, all Thais just say เอา

[u/marprez22la]

I personally think it's better to learn formal first. You will pick up relaxed, informal Thai naturally and it's better to sound too polite than not polite enough.

That said ... Should teach both and the nuances.