Is Thai an SVO language like English? Or maybe an SOV language?
Yes, you guessed it correctly. This lesson is about sentence structure in Thai.
As a Thai learner, it’s important to know how to use proper Thai word order in sentences so that you can communicate like a native. Whether you’re a beginner or have been learning Thai for some time now, this is the perfect beginner guide to Thai sentence structure.
In this lesson, you’ll learn about word order in Thai and how to form sentences. We’ll start with basic information about how words are ordered, followed by four types of sentence structures in Thai grammar. You’ll also get to learn about Thai language word order with modifiers and how to transform sentences into yes-or-no questions. And at the end of this lesson, to ensure that you understand everything, we’ve included some word order practice for you.
Let’s start!
Table of Contents- Overview of Thai Word Order
- ประโยคประธาน
- ประโยคกริยา
- ประโยคกรรม
- ประโยคการิต
- Word Order with Modifiers
- Yes-No Questions
- Sentence Structure in Thai Tutorial
- Conclusion
1. Overview of Thai Word Order
Let’s start the lesson by learning about the very basics of Thai language word order. Basically, the pattern is subject + verb + object. However, there are also exceptions, and it would be easier to learn the four types of sentences.
1 – Types of Thai Sentence Structures
There are four types of Thai sentence structures, categorized by word order as shown below:
1. ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà-thaan) — sentence that starts with the subject
2. ประโยคกริยา (bprà-yòok-gà-rí-yaa) — sentence that starts with the verb
3. ประโยคกรรม (bprà-yòok-gam) — sentence that starts with the object
4. ประโยคการิต (bprà-yòok-gaa-rít) — sentence with relative clause of the object
We’ll explain these Thai language sentence structure variations in more detail a little bit later.
2 – Difference Between Thai Word Order and English Word Order
Now we’ll discuss the difference between Thai language word order and that of English. There are a few key differences that you should know.
- Word order in questions: For questions, you have to change the order of the subject and verb in English. However, the sentence structure for Thai questions is pretty much the same as that of affirmative sentences.
- Auxiliary verb: In English sentence structure, an auxiliary verb is always put in front of the verb. But in Thai, the auxiliary verb can be put either before or after the verb.
- Modifier: Modifiers in Thai are often put after the noun that’s modified.
Because of these differences, you can’t directly translate Thai to English or vice-versa.
2. ประโยคประธาน
Explanation: ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà-thaan) is the type of sentence that starts with the subject.
Thai affirmative sentence structure: subject + verb + object (if any)
Thai negative sentence structure: subject + ไม่ (mâi) + verb + object (if any)
Compared to English: This type of sentence is the same as the active form of sentences in English.
Example 1:
น้องสาวของฉันเล่นเปียโนทุกวัน
náawng-sǎao-khǎawng-chǎn-lên-bpiia-noo-thúk-wan“My younger sister plays piano everyday.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
พี่สาวของฉัน (phîi-sǎao-khǎawng-chǎn) My older sister | เล่น (lên) plays | เปียโน (bpiia-noo) piano |
Example 2:
นักฟุตบอลคนนั้นวิ่งเร็วมาก
nák-fút-baawn-khon-nán-wîng-reo-mâak“That football player runs very fast.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
นักฟุตบอล (nák-fút-baawn) Football player | วิ่ง (wîng) runs | – |
Example 3:
คุณครูไม่ตรวจการบ้านตอนเช้า
khun-khruu-mâi-dtrùuat-gaan-bâan-dtaawn-cháo“The teacher doesn’t check the homework in the morning.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
คุณครู (khun-khruu) Teacher | ไม่ตรวจ (mâi-dtrùuat) doesn’t check | การบ้าน (gaan-bâan) homework |
3. ประโยคกริยา
Explanation: ประโยคกริยา (bprà-yòok-gà-rí-yaa) is the type of sentence that starts with the verb. In Thai, there are only three verbs that can be used to start a sentence. Those verbs are มี (mii), เกิด (gòoet), and ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt), which mean “there is” or “there are” in Thai. However, nowadays, Thai people rarely use ปรากฎ (bpraa-gòt), and you’re likely to only see it in literature.
Thai affirmative sentence structure: มี (mii) / เกิด (gòoet) / ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) + noun + place
Thai negative sentence structure: ไม่ (mâi) + มี (mii) / เกิด (gòoet) / ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) + noun + place
Compared to English: This type of sentence is the same as a “There is …” or “There are …” sentence in English.
Example 1:
มีสัตว์มากมายอยู่ในป่า
mii-sàt-mâak-maai-yùu-nai-bpàa“There are a lot of animals in the forest.”
มี (mii) / เกิด (gòoet) / ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) | Noun | Place |
มี (mii) There are | สัตว์ (sàt) animal | ป่า (bpàa) forest |
Example 2:
เกิดอุบัติเหตุบริเวณนี้บ่อยครั้ง
gòoet-ù-bàt-dtì-hèet-baaw-rí-ween-níi-bòi-khráng“There have been many accidents in this area.”
มี (mii) / เกิด (gòoet) / ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) | Noun | Place |
เกิด (gòoet) There have been | อุบัติเหตุ (ù-bàt-dtì-hèet) accidents | บริเวณนี้ (baaw-rí-ween-níi) this area |
Example 3:
ไม่ปรากฎวัตถุอันตรายในทะเลสาบ
mâi-bpraa-gòt-wát-thù-an-dtà-laai-nai-thá-lee-sàap
“There is no dangerous object in the lake.”
มี (mii) / เกิด (gòoet) / ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) | Noun | Place |
ไม่ปรากฏ (bpraa-gòt) There is no | วัตถุ (wát-thù) object | ทะเลสาบ (thá-lee-sàap) lake |
4. ประโยคกรรม
Explanation: ประโยคกรรม (bprà-yòok-gam) is the type of sentence that starts with the object.
Thai affirmative sentence structure: object + ถูก (thùuk) + subject (if any) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: object + ไม่ถูก (mâi-thùuk) + subject (if any) + verb
Compared to English: This type of sentence is the same as the passive form of sentences in English.
Example 1:
แก้วถูกดุที่ไม่อ่านหนังสือก่อนสอบ
kâaeo-thùuk-dù-thîi-mâi-àan-nǎng-sǔue-gàawn-sâawp“Kaew is scolded for not reading the book before the exam.”
Object | ถูก (thùuk) | Subject | Verb |
แก้ว (kâaeo) Kaew | – | ดุ (dù) is scolded |
Example 2:
ตฤณเกือบถูกรถชน
dtrin-gùueap-thùuk-rót-chon“Trin is almost hit by the car.”
Object | ถูก (thùuk) | Subject | Verb |
ตฤณ (dtrin) Trin | รถ (rót) car | ชน (chon) is hit |
Example 3:
เมื่อวานมีโจรขึ้นบ้าน แต่เงินไม่ถูกขโมยไป
mûuea-waan-mii-joon-khûen-bâan dtàae-ngooen-mâi-thùuk-khà-mooi“There is a thief who broke into my house yesterday, but my money was not stolen.”
Object | ไม่ถูก (mâi-thùuk) | Subject | Verb |
เงิน (ngooen) money | – | ขโมย (khà-mooi) is not stolen |
5. ประโยคการิต
Explanation: ประโยคการิต (bprà-yòok-gaa-rít) is the type of sentence with a relative clause of the object. It represents the word order in a complex Thai sentence. Basically, it’s like combining two ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà- thaan), where the object of the first sentence is the subject of the second sentence.
Thai affirmative sentence structure: subject + verb + object A + verb of object A + object (if any)
Thai negative sentence structure: subject + ไม่ (mâi) + verb + object A + verb of object A + object (if any)
Compared to English: This type of sentence is the same as sentences with relative clauses of an object in English.
Example 1:
แม่บอกให้พ่อหยิบหนังสือให้หน่อย
mâae-bàawk-hâi-phâaw-yìp-nǎng-sǔue-hâi-nhòi“Mom asked Dad to bring her a book.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
แม่ (mâae) Mom | บอก (bàawk) asked | พ่อ (phâaw) dad |
พ่อ (phâaw) dad | หยิบ (yìp) bring | หนังสือ (nǎng-sǔue) book |
Example 2:
ฉันไม่ขอให้เธอช่วยฉัน
chǎn-mâi-khǎaw-hâi-thooe-chûuai-chǎn“I didn’t ask you to help me.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
ฉัน (chǎn) I | ไม่ขอ (mâi-khǎaw) didn’t ask | เธอ (thooe) you |
เธอ (thooe) you | ช่วย (chûuai) help | ฉัน (chǎn) I (me) |
Example 3:
ย่าชวนฉันให้ไปตลาดเป็นเพื่อน
yâa-chuuan-chǎn-hâi-bpai-dtà-làat-bpen-phûuean“My grandma asked me to go to the market with her.”
Subject | Verb | Object |
---|---|---|
ย่า (yâa) Grandma | ชวน (chuuan) ask | ฉัน (chǎn) I |
ฉัน (chǎn) I | ไป (bpai) go | ตลาด (dtà-làat) market |
6. Word Order with Modifiers
To be able to communicate in more detail, you should learn about sentence structure with modifiers. ส่วนขยาย (sùuan-khà-yǎai) is “modifiers” in Thai.
So how do you form sentences in Thai using modifiers? Look at the examples below:
1 – V-ing
Thai modifier: กำลัง (gam-lang)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: กำลัง (gam-lang) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: ไม่ได้ (mâi-dâi) + กำลัง (gam-lang) + verb
Example 1:
เขากำลังเดินทางมาที่นี่อยู่
khǎo-gam-lang-dooen-thaang-maa-thîi-nîi-yùu
“He is coming here now.”
Example 2:
ตาลไม่ได้กำลังทำงานอยู่
dtaan-mâi-dâi-gam-lang-tham-ngaan-yùu
“Tan is not working now.”
2 – Should
Thai modifier: ควร (khuuan); ควรจะ (khuuan-jà)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: ควร (khuuan) / ควรจะ (khuuan-jà) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: ไม่ (mâi) + ควร (khuuan) / ควรจะ (khuuan-jà) + verb
Example 1:
นักเรียนควรจะมาโรงเรียนตรงเวลา
nák-riian-khuuan-jà-maa-roong-riian-dtrong-wee-laa
“Students should come to school on time.”
Example 2:
เด็ก ๆ ไม่ควรนอนดึก
dèk-dèk-mâi-khuuan-naawn-dùek
“Children shouldn’t go to bed late.”
3 – Must
Thai modifier: ต้อง (dtâawng)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: ต้อง (dtâawng) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: ต้อง (dtâawng) + ไม่ (mâi) + verb
Example 1:
ขนิษฐ์ต้องทำงานนี้ให้เสร็จวันนี้
khà-nít-dtâawng-tham-ngaan-níi-hâi-sèt-wan-níi
“Khanit must finish this job today.”
Example 2:
เธอต้องไม่โกหก
thooe-dtâawng-mâi-goo-hòk
“You must not lie.”
4 – Can / Could
Thai modifier: สามารถ…ได้ (sǎa-mâat-…-dâi)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: สามารถ (sǎa-mâat) + verb + object (if any) + ได้ (dâi)
Thai negative sentence structure: ไม่ (mâi) + สามารถ (sǎa-mâat) + verb + object (if any) + ได้ (dâi)
Example 1:
โคลอี้สามารถทำอาหารไทยได้
khloo-îi-sǎa-mâat-tham-aa-hǎan-thai-dâi
“Chole can cook Thai food.”
Example 2:
เดวิดไม่สามารถกินเผ็ดได้
dee-vìt-mâi-sǎa-mâat-gin-phèt-dâi
“David can’t eat spicy food.”
5 – Will
Thai modifier: จะ (jà)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: จะ (jà) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: จะ (jà) + ไม่ (mâi) + verb
Example 1:
แดนจะไปเที่ยวญี่ปุ่นอาทิตย์หน้า
daaen-jà-bpai-thîiao-yîi-bpùn-aa-thít-nâa
“Dan will go traveling to Japan next week.”
Example 2:
ส้มจะไม่ไปทำงานพรุ่งนี้
sôm-jà-mâi-bpai-tham-ngaan-phrûng-níi
“Som will not go to work tomorrow.”
6 – May / Might
Thai modifier: อาจจะ (àat-jà)
Thai affirmative sentence structure: อาจจะ (àat-jà) + verb
Thai negative sentence structure: อาจจะ (àat-jà) + ไม่ (mâi) + verb
Example 1:
มันอาจจะพังแล้วก็ได้
man-àat-jà-phang-láaeo-gâaw-dâi
“It may be broken.”
Example 2:
เจอาจจะไม่ชอบกางเกงตัวนี้
jee-àat-jà-mâi-châawp-gaang-geeng-dtuua-níi
“J may not like these pants.”
7. Yes-No Questions
In Thai, if you want to change an affirmative sentence into a yes-no question, there’s no need to change the word order or anything. Keep reading to learn more.
1 – Changing Affirmative Sentences into Yes-No Questions
This is the easiest part of the lesson. To make a yes-no question, all you have to do is put ไหม (mǎi) or มั้ย (mái) at the end of a sentence (before ครับ [khráp] and ค่ะ [khà] if these words are present). ไหม (mǎi) and มั้ย (mái) have pretty much the same meaning and can substitute one another. However, ไหม (mǎi) sounds a little bit more formal, while มั้ย (mái) is used more in spoken language.
2 – Answering Yes-No Questions
There are two ways to answer yes-no questions, which we’ll explain below.
1. Long answer
To give a long answer, Thai people answer the question with an affirmative sentence for yes, and a negative sentence for no.
- If you want to answer yes, you just cut ไหม (mǎi) or มั้ย (mái) out to turn the question into an affirmative answer.
- If you want to answer no, you just cut ไหม (mǎi) or มั้ย (mái) out and then put ไม่ (mài) before the verb, adjective, or adverb that’s being asked to make a negative sentence.
2. Short answer
To give a short answer, Thai people answer yes-no questions with the verb, adjective, or adverb that’s being asked in the question.
- If you want to answer yes, you just reply with the verb, adjective, or adverb that’s being asked about.
- If you want to answer no, you just reply with ไม่ (mài) + the verb, adjective, or adverb that’s being asked.
Example 1:
Affirmative sentence:
ชนันต์ชอบว่ายน้ำ
chá-nan-châawp-wâai-nám
“Chanan likes to swim.”
Question:
ชนันต์ชอบว่ายน้ำมั้ย
chá-nan-châawp-wâai-nám-mái
“Does Chanan like to swim?”
Answer:
ชอบ
châawp
“Yes.”
Example 2:
Affirmative sentence:
จักรยานคันนี้ราคาแพง
jàk-grà-yaan-khan-níi-raa-khaa-phaaeng
“This bicycle is expensive.”
Question:
จักรยานคันนี้ราคาแพงไหม
jàk-grà-yaan-khan-níi-raa-khaa-phaaeng-mǎi
“Is this bicycle expensive?”
Answer:
จักรยานคันนี้ราคาไม่แพง
jàk-grà-yaan-khan-níi-raa-khaa-mâi-paaeng
“No, this bicycle is not expensive.”
8. Sentence Structure in Thai Tutorial
To finish learning about word order in Thai, we’ll give you a chance to practice. Let’s translate these sentences into Thai.
1 – Aunt buys fruits.
- Aunt buys fruits.
- Aunt buys fruits at the market.
- Aunt didn’t buy fruits at the market.
- Aunt will buy fruits at the market tomorrow.
- Aunt is buying fruits at the market.
- Will Aunt buy fruits at the market?
Can you translate all of the sentences above? Please try your best. And then, you can check whether you’re doing it correctly or not with the answers and explanations below.
English 1: Aunt buys fruits.
Thai 1: ป้าซื้อผลไม้ (bpâa-súue-phǒn-lá-mái)
Explanation 1: This is a ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà-thaan), the type of sentence that Thai people use often in daily life. This Thai sentence structure is “subject + verb + object (if any).”
English 2: Aunt buys fruits at the market.
Thai 2: ป้าซื้อผลไม้ที่ตลาด (bpâa-súue-phǒn-lá-mái-thîi-dtà-làat)
Explanation 2: To convey more detail, you can add the place where the action happened after the object.
English 3: Aunt didn’t buy fruits at the market.
Thai 3: ป้าไม่ซื้อผลไม้ที่ตลาด (bpâa-mâi-súue-phǒn-lá-mái-thîi-dtà-làat)
Explanation 3: This is the negative sentence of ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà-thaan). To change an affirmative sentence into a negative sentence, you add ไม่ (mâi) in front of the verb.
English 4: Aunt will buy fruits at the market tomorrow.
Thai 4: ป้าจะซื้อผลไม้ที่ตลาดวันพรุ่งนี้ (bpâa-jà-súue-phǒn-lá-mái-thîi-dtà-làat-wan-phrûng-níi)
Explanation 4: This is a sentence with a modifier. You simply add the modifier in front of the verb. จะ (jà) is “will” in Thai. In case you want to add time, you can add it either at the beginning or end of the sentence.
English 5: Aunt is buying fruits at the market.
Thai 5: ป้ากำลังซื้อผลไม้ที่ตลาด (bpâa-gam-lang-súue-phǒn-lá-mái-thîi-dtà-làat)
Explanation 5: This is a sentence with a modifier. You simply add the modifier in front of the verb. กำลัง (gam-lang) is “v-ing” in Thai.
English 6: Will aunt buy fruits at the market?
Thai 6: ป้าจะซื้อผลไม้ที่ตลาดมั้ย (bpâa-jà-súue-phǒn-lá-mái-thîi-dtà-làat-mái)
Explanation 6: This is a question with a modifier. You add the modifier in front of the verb, and then put มั้ย (mái) at the end of the sentence to make it a question.
2 – Prim plants flowers.
- Prim plants flowers.
- Prim plants orange flowers in the garden.
- Prim can plant orange flowers in the garden.
- There are no purple flowers in the garden.
- Mom asks Prim to plant purple flowers in the garden.
- Purple flowers are planted in the garden.
Like in the prior exercise, try to translate all of the sentences above. And then, you can check whether you’re doing it correctly or not with the answers and explanations below.
English 1: Prim grows flowers.
Thai 1: ปริมปลูกดอกไม้ (bprim-bplùuk-dàawk-mái)
Explanation 1: This is a ประโยคประธาน (bprà-yòok-bprà-thaan), the type of sentence that Thai people use often in daily life. This Thai sentence structure is “subject + verb + object (if any).”
English 2: Prim grows orange flowers in the garden.
Thai 2: ปริมปลูกดอกไม้สีส้มในสวน (bprim-bplùuk-dàawk-mái-sǐi-sôm-nai-sǔuan)
Explanation 2: To convey more detail, you can add the place where the action happened after the object. In case you want to add adjectives, you put them after the noun you want to modify.
English 3: Prim can grow orange flowers in the garden.
Thai 3: ปริมสามารถปลูกดอกไม้สีส้มในสวน (bprim-sǎa-mâat-bplùuk-dàawk-mái-sǐi-sôm-nai-sǔuan)
Explanation 3: This is a sentence with a modifier. You simply add the modifier in front of the verb. สามารถ (sǎa-mâat) is “can” in Thai.
English 4: There are no purple flowers in the garden.
Thai 4: ไม่มีดอกไม้สีม่วงในสวน (mâi-mii-dàawk-mái-sǐi-mûuang-nai-sǔuan)
Explanation 4: This is a ประโยคกริยา (bprà-yòok-gà-rí-yaa). The structure of this Thai negative sentence is “ไม่ (mâi) + มี (mii) + noun + place.”
English 5: Mom asks Prim to plant purple flowers.
Thai 5: แม่บอกให้ปริมปลูกต้นไม้สีม่วงในสวน (mâae-bàawk-hâi-bprim-bplùuk-dàawk-mái-sǐi-mûuang-nai- sǔuan)
Explanation 5: This is a ประโยคการิต (bprà-yòok-gaa-rít). The structure of this Thai sentence is “subject + verb + object A + verb of object A + object (if any).”
English 6: Purple flowers are planted in the garden.
Thai 6: ดอกไม้สีม่วงถูกปลูกในสวน (dàawk-mái-sǐi-mûuang-thùuk-bplùuk-nai-sǔuan)
Explanation 6: This is a ประโยคกรรม (bprà-yòok-gam). The structure of this Thai sentence is “object + ถูก (thùuk) + subject (if any) + verb.”
9. Conclusion
And finally, you’ve finished our Thai word order lesson. Your Thai language skills will certainly be better for it!
Is this topic hard for you? Is Thai word order different from that in your native language? If so, how? Please let us know in the comments below.
This may be a little confusing, as word order in Thai may be different from that in your native language. However, if you keep practicing, you’ll become better at it. Reading a lot of Thai articles, stories, or books may also help, as you’ll become more familiar with Thai word order this way.
Once you feel like you understand this lesson, don’t forget to check out other fun and interesting Thai lessons at ThaiPod101.com. Saving the earth seems to be in trend, so you should check out our lesson on this!
Guide to Thai Time: How to Ask for the Time in Thai & More
Time is an important part of our life. Thus, it makes sense for Thai learners to learn how to ask for and give the time in Thai. Knowing Thai time phrases enables you to plan your schedule, make appointments, and better understand Thai conversations.
Telling Thai time is pretty different from doing so in English. Most of the words and phrases we’re going to look at aren’t difficult to understand, but you will need some time to get used to using them. For example, you don’t have to worry about remembering a.m. or p.m. in Thai because there is none. And we can also assure you that the way Thai people tell time is pretty straightforward, so it’s not hard to remember.
In this lesson, we’ll teach you basic time-related vocabulary such as the hours, minutes, and seconds in Thai. You’ll also get to learn various ways of telling the time in the Thai language, grouped into formal and informal ways for easier understanding. Of course, you’ll get to see and practice with many examples. Moreover, this lesson also provides you with a list of adverbs of time in Thai for more fluent speech, as well as time-related proverbs.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents- Time-Related Vocabulary in Thailand
- Formal Way to Tell Time in Thai
- Informal Way to Tell Time in Thai
- Time Adverbs in Thai
- Time-Related Proverbs and Sayings in Thai
- Conclusion
1. Time-Related Vocabulary in Thailand
Before learning how to tell time in Thailand, there’s some vocabulary to get out of the way first. Here’s a list of words you should know.
1- Time
Thai word: เวลา (wee-laa)
Example:
จะเริ่มประชุมเวลากี่โมง
Jà rôoem bprà-chum wee-laa gìi moong
“What time will the meeting start?”
2- Day time
Thai word: กลางวัน (glaang-wan)
Example:
ตอนกลางวัน ข้างนอกร้อนมาก
Dtaawn glaang-wan khâang nâawk ráawn mâak
“In the day time, it is very hot outside.”
Additional note:
There are three words that are often followed by กลางวัน (glaang-wan), listed below. The meaning of กลางวัน (glaang-wan) and these three words are pretty similar, so they can be used interchangeably.
- เวลากลางวัน (wee-laa glaang-wan)
- ตอนกลางวัน (dtaawn glaang-wan)
- ช่วงกลางวัน (chûuang glaang-wan)
3- Night time
Thai word: กลางคืน (glaang-khuuen)
Example:
อย่าออกไปข้างนอกเวลากลางคืนคนเดียว ไม่ปลอดภัย
Yàa àawk bpai khâang nâawk wee-laa glaang-khuuen khon-diiao mâi bplàawt-phai
“Don’t go out alone at night time, it is not safe.”
Additional note:
There are three words that are often followed by กลางคืน (glaang-khuuen), listed below. The meaning of กลางคืน (glaang-khuuen) and these three words are pretty similar, so they can be used interchangeably.
- เวลากลางคืน (wee-laa glaang-khuuen)
- ตอนกลางคืน (dtaawn glaang-khuuen)
- ช่วงกลางคืน (chûuang glaang-khuuen)
4- O’clock
Thai word: นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa); โมง (moong)
Example 1:
เมื่อวานนี้ นายกรัฐมนตรีเดินทางไปประเทศญี่ปุ่นตอนเวลา 10 นาฬิกา
Mûuea-waan-níi naa-yók rát-thà-mon-dtrii dooen-thaang bpai bprà-thêet yîi-bpùn dtaawn wee-laa sìp naa-lí-gaa
“Yesterday, the prime minister went to Japan at 10 o’clock.”
Example 2:
เธอจะถึงตอน 4 โมง
Thooe jà thǔeng dtaawn sìi moong
“She will arrive at 4 o’clock.”
Additional note:
There are two points you need to know about the words for “o’clock” in Thai.
One is the difference between นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) and โมง (moong). นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) is used in formal conversations, while โมง (moong) is used in informal conversations.
Another point you should know is that นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) can also mean “clock” or “watch” in the Thai language.
5- Hour
Thai word: ชั่วโมง (chûua-moong)
Example:
1 ชั่วโมงในภาษาไทยคืออะไร
Nùeng chûua-moong nai phaa-sǎa thai khuue à-rai
“What is 1 hour in the Thai language?”
6- Minute
Thai word: นาที (naa-thii)
Example:
ขอเวลาอีกไม่กี่นาที
Khǎaw wee-laa ìik mâi gìi naa-thii
“I want a few more minutes.”
7- Second
Thai word: วินาที (wí-naa-thii)
Example:
1 นาทีมี 60 วินาที
Nùeng naa-thii mii hòk-sìp wí-naa-thii
“There are 60 seconds in 1 minute.”
Additional note:
In casual communication, Thai people often shorten the word วินาที (wí-naa-thii) to วิ (wí).
8. Clock
Thai word: นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa)
Example:
นาฬิกาของเธอสวยจัง
Naa-lí-gaa khǎawng thooe sǔuai jang
“Your clock is so beautiful.”
Additional note:
As mentioned above, นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) has many meanings in the Thai language. It can mean “o’clock” or “watch.”
9. Watch
Thai word: นาฬิกาข้อมือ (naa-lí-gaa khâaw muue)
Example:
นาฬิกาข้อมือของเธอนั้นราคาเท่าไหร่
Naa-lí-gaa khâaw muue khǎawng thooe raa-khaa thâo-rǎi
“How much is your watch?”
Additional note:
นาฬิกาข้อมือ (naa-lí-gaa khâaw muue) is the combination of two words: นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) which means “clock” and ข้อมือ (khâaw muue) which is “wrist” in Thai. Combined, the word refers to a clock on your wrist, which is a “watch.”
As mentioned above, you can also use the word นาฬิกา (naa-lí-gaa) to refer to a “watch” in the Thai language. However, comparing the two words, นาฬิกาข้อมือ (naa-lí-gaa khâaw muue) conveys a more specific meaning.
2. Formal Way to Tell Time in Thai
In the Thai time system, there are two main ways of telling time: a formal way and an informal way. We’ll start with the formal way first. Thai people rarely use this in daily conversation, and you’re much more likely to hear this in the news or an announcement.
The basic thing you need to know about the Thai clock is that Thai people use the twenty-four-hour clock in formal situations. Fortunately, this part is pretty easy.
1- Formal Way to Tell Time in Thai – Full Version
Below is the pattern you need to remember. You may recognize these words from the vocabulary section above.
….. นาฬิกา + ….. นาที
….. naa-lí-gaa + ….. naa-thii
….. o’clock + ….. minute
To tell the time, all you need to do is put the number in front of the unit. Just remember that Thai people use the twenty-four-hour format in formal situations. So from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., don’t forget to change the number of the hour to 13-24 instead. For example:
- 3 a.m. in Thai is 3 นาฬิกา (sǎam naa-lí-gaa).
- 4 p.m. in Thai is 16 นาฬิกา (sìp-hòk naa-lí-gaa).
- 10:26 a.m. in Thai is 10 นาฬิกา 26 นาที (sìp naa-lí-gaa yîi-sìp-hòk naa-thii).
- 11:58 p.m. in Thai is 23 นาฬิกา 58 นาที (yîi-sìp-sǎam naa-lí-gaa hâa-sìp-bpàaet naa-thii).
2- Formal Way to Tell Time in Thai – Short Version
XX:YY น.
Thai people only use this shortened version in writing. You have to remember the pattern above. XX is the hour and YY is the minutes, so just put the numbers for the hour and minute where they belong. For example:
- 3 a.m. or 3 นาฬิกา (sǎam naa-lí-gaa) is 3:00 น.
- 4 p.m. or 16 นาฬิกา (sìp-hòk naa-lí-gaa) is 16:00 น.
- 10:26 a.m. or 10 นาฬิกา 26 นาที (sìp naa-lí-gaa yîi-sìp-hòk naa-thii) is 10:26 น.
- 11:58 p.m. or 23 นาฬิกา 58 นาที (yîi-sìp-sǎam naa-lí-gaa hâa-sìp-bpàaet naa-thii) is 23:58 น.
3- Common Formal Time-Related Sentences and Phrases
Now, let’s practice some sentences and phrases for telling time in Thai in formal situations.
What time is it?
- ขณะนี้เวลาเท่าไหร่
- Khà-nà-níi wee-laa thâo-rài
The current time is …..
- ขณะนี้เวลา ….. นาฬิกา ….. นาที
- Khà-nà-níi wee-laa ….. naa-lí-ga ….. naa-thii
What time is the …..?
- ….. เวลาอะไร
- ….. wee-laa à-rai
Example:
ประชุมเวลาอะไร
Bprà-chum wee-laa à-rai
“What time is the meeting?”
The time for XXX is ….. o’clock ….. minute.
- XXX เวลา ….. นาฬิกา ….. นาที
- XXX wee-laa ….. naa-lí-gaa ….. naa-thii
Example:
ประชุมเวลา 10 นาฬิกา
Bprà-chum wee-laa sìp naa-lí-gaa
“The time for the meeting is 10 o’clock.”
3. Informal Way to Tell Time in Thai
You’ve already learned the formal way to tell the time. Now, let’s learn the informal way. Thai people use this a lot in daily communication, both for speaking and writing.
The first thing you need to know is the main difference between the formal and informal ways to tell time in Thai. For the formal way, Thai people use the twenty-four-hour clock; for the informal way, Thai people use the twelve-hour clock.
When Thai people tell time informally, they either give you the number specifically or tell you the general period of time. We’ll explain both below, respectively.
1- Informal Way to Say ….. O’clock in Thai
This is more difficult than the formal way of telling the time. Since the way you tell time is different for each period of the day, you have a bit to remember. For easy understanding, we’ve summarized what you need to remember in the table below.
Time | Thai word | Thai word | Example |
---|---|---|---|
1-5 a.m. | 1-5 a.m. | dtii….. | ตีสาม (dtii sǎam) is “3 a.m.” in Thai. |
6-11 a.m. | ….. โมงเช้า | ….. moong cháo | 7 โมงเช้า (jèt moong cháo) is “7 a.m.” in Thai. |
12 p.m. | เที่ยงวัน | thîiang wan | – |
1-5 p.m. | บ่าย ….. โมง | bàai ….. moong | บ่ายสี่โมง (bàai sìi moong) is “4 p.m.” in Thai. |
6 p.m. | หกโมงเย็น | hòk moong yen | – |
The informal way of telling time from 7-11 p.m. is special. The way to say this is …ทุ่ม (…thûm). However, instead of saying the number on the clock, Thai people start counting 7 as 1, 8 as 2, and so on. | |||
7 p.m. | 1 ทุ่ม | nùeng thûm | – |
8 p.m. | 2 ทุ่ม | sǎawng thûm | – |
9 p.m. | 3 ทุ่ม | sǎam thûm | – |
10 p.m. | 4 ทุ่ม | sìi thûm | – |
11 p.m. | 5 ทุ่ม | hâa thûm | – |
12 a.m. | 6 ทุ่ม | thîiang-kuuen | – |
2- Informal Way to Give the Minutes in Thai
The informal way of giving someone the hour is quite hard as there’s a lot to remember. However, that’s probably the most difficult part of this lesson and you’ve already passed it. Another bit of good news is that the minute part is pretty easy. There are only three points you have to remember.
0 minute in Thai
Thai word: ตรง (dtrong)
How to use: In English, if it’s XX:00 a.m. or XX:00 p.m., such as 3 p.m. sharp, you ignore the minute part. However, Thai people put the word ตรง (dtrong) after the o’clock time.
Example:
ตอนนี้เวลา 9 โมงตรง
dtaawn-níi wee-laa gâo moong dtrong
“It is 9 a.m. now.”
30 minutes in Thai
Thai word: ครึ่ง (khrûeng)
How to use:
There are two ways to use this word in Thai.
The first is to just put ครึ่ง (khrûeng) after the o’clock time.
The second is, if you want to say thirty minutes as a period of time, you use ครึ่งชั่วโมง (khrûeng chûua-moong), which means “half an hour” in Thai.
Example 1:
เจอกันตอนสองทุ่มครึ่งนะ
Jooe gan dtaawn nùeng thûm khrûeng ná
“I will meet you at 7:30 p.m.”
Example 2:
แม่ใช้เวลาทำซุปครึ่งชั่วโมง
Mâae chái wee-laa tham súp khrûeng chûua-moong
“Mom spent thirty minutes cooking soup.”
….. minutes in Thai
Thai word: XX นาที (naa-thii)
How to use: Now that we’ve covered the 0-minute and 30-minute rules, the rest is very easy. It’s the same as the formal way to tell the time. You just put the number followed by นาที (naa-thii).
Example:
หนังจะเริ่มตอน 10 โมง 15 นาที
Nǎng jà rôoem dtaawn sìp moong sìp-hâa naa-thii
“The movie will start at 10:15 a.m.”
3- Informal Way to Tell the Time Period in Thai
Now that you can tell the time, let’s learn the name of each time period Thai people use in daily life. Thai people use ตอน (dtaawn) followed by the names of each period, except midnight.
Morning (6-9 a.m.)
Thai word: ตอนเช้า (dtaawn-cháo)
Example:
ตอนเช้าแถวนี้รถติดมาก
Dtaawn-cháo thǎaeo níi rót thìt mâak
“In the morning, the traffic is very bad around here.”
Morning (9-12 a.m.)
Thai word: ตอนสาย (dtaawn-sǎai)
Example:
พ่อออกกำลังกายตอนสาย ๆ ทุกวัน
Phâaw àawk-gam-lang-gaai dtaawn-sǎai-sǎai thúk wan
“Dad exercises every day in the morning.”
Noon (12 p.m.)
Thai word: ตอนเที่ยง (dtaawn-thîiang)
Example:
ตอนเที่ยงอากาศข้างนอกร้อนมาก
Dtaawn-thîiang aa-gàat khâang nâawk ráawn mâak
“The weather outside is very hot at noon.”
Afternoon (1-3 p.m.)
Thai word: ตอนบ่าย (dtaawn-bàai)
Example:
ตอนบ่ายวันพรุ่งนี้ ฉันมีประชุม
Dtaawn-bàai wan phrûng-níi chǎn mii bprà-chum
“I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon.”
Afternoon (3-6 p.m.)
Thai word: ตอนเย็น (dtaawn-yen)
Example:
ร้านอาหารแถวบ้านคิวยาวมากตอนเย็น
ráan aa-hǎan thǎaeo bâan khiu yaao mâak dtaawn-yen
“The queue of restaurants near my home is very long in the evening.”
Evening (6-9 p.m.)
Thai word: ตอนค่ำ (dtaawn-khâm)
Example:
น้องกลับถึงบ้านตอนค่ำเพราะรถติด
Náawng glàp thǔng bâan dtaawn-khâm phráw rót dtìt
“My sister came back home in the evening because of a traffic jam.”
Night (9-12 p.m.)
Thai word: ตอนดึก (dtaawn-dùek)
Example:
เธอตื่นสายเพราะมัวแต่เล่นเกมส์ตอนดึกเมื่อคืน
thooe dtùuen sǎai phráw muua dtàae lèn geem dtaawn-dùek mûuea-khuuen
“She woke up late because she played a game last night.”
Midnight (12 a.m.)
Thai word: เที่ยงคืน (thîiang-khuuen)
Example:
เที่ยงคืนแล้ว ยังนอนไม่หลับเลย
Thîiang-khuuen láaeo yang naawn mâi làp looei
“I still can’t sleep despite it being midnight.”
4- Common Informal Time-Related Sentences and Phrases
Now that you know how to informally tell the time in Thai, you should practice some time-related sentences and phrases to use in real life!
What time is it?
- ตอนนี่กี่โมงแล้ว
- Dtaawn-níi gìi moong láaeo
The current time is …..
- ตอนนี้เวลา …..
- Dtaawn-níi wee-laa …..
What time is the …..?
- ….. ตอนกี่โมง
- ….. dtaawn gìi moong
Example:
กินข้าวเย็นตอนกี่โมง
gin kâao yen dtaawn gìi moong
“What time is dinner?”
The time for XXX is YYY.
- XXX ตอน YYY
- XXX dtawwn YYY
Example:
กินข้าวเย็นตอน 6 โมงครึ่ง
Gin khâao yen dtaawn hòk moong khrûeng
“The time for dinner is at 6:30 p.m.”
4. Time Adverbs in Thai
Now that you know how to tell time in Thai, it’s useful to know some time adverbs as well. They will enable you to include more detail and speak more like a native when telling the time in Thai. Here’s a list of time adverbs you should know:
1- Right now
Thai word: ตอนนี้ (thaawn-níi); เดี๋ยวนี้ (dǐiao-níi)
Example 1:
เธอต้องทำตอนนี้เลย
Thooe dtâawng tham dtaawn-níi looei
“You have to do it right now.”
Example 2:
ออกไปเดี๋ยวนี้เลย!!
Àawk bpai dǐiao-níi loei
“Get out right now!!”
Additional note:
ตอนนี้ (thaawn-níi) and เดี๋ยวนี้ (dǐiao-níi) are pretty much the same and can be used interchangeably. However, เดี๋ยวนี้ (dǐiao-níi) conveys a more immediate and urgent feeling.
2- Currently
Thai word: ปัจจุบันนี้ (bpàt-jù-baan níi)
Example:
ปัจจุบันนี้ โรงเรียนของเรามีนักเรียน 500 คน
Bpàt-jù-baan níi roong-riian khǎawng rao mii nák riian hâa-ráauy khon
“Currently, our school has 500 students.”
3- Before
Thai word: ก่อน (gàawn)
Example:
อย่าลืมล้างมือก่อนกินข้าว
Yàa luuem láang muue gàawn gin khâao
“Don’t forget to wash your hands before the meal.”
Additional note:
When using ก่อน (gàawn), the event that happens first is always in front of ก่อน (gàawn), while the event that happens later is put behind it.
4- After
Thai word: หลัง (lǎang)
Example:
หลังกินอาหาร ต้องทานยาทันที
Lǎang gin aa-hǎan dtâawng thaan yaa than-thii
“Take medicine immediately after meals.”
Additional note:
When using หลัง (lǎang), the event that happens later always follows หลัง (lǎang). But the event that happens first can be both in front of and after หลัง (lǎang).
5- Soon
Thai word: เร็ว ๆ นี้ (reo-reo-níi)
Example:
เจอกันเร็ว ๆ นี้
Jooe gan reo-reo-níi
“See you soon.”
6- Almost
Thai word: เกือบ (gùueap)
Example:
อาหารเกือบจะเสร็จแล้ว
Aa-hǎan gùueap jà sèt láaeo
“The food is almost done.”
7- In a while
Thai word: อีกสักครู่ (ìik sàk-khrûu)
Example:
งานจะจบในอีกสักครู่
Ngaan jà jòp nai ìik sàk-khrûu
“The event will end in a while.”
8- For a long time
Thai word: เป็นเวลานาน (bpen wee-laa naan)
Example:
เขาอาศัยอยู่ที่บ้านหลังนี้เป็นเวลานานแล้ว
Khǎo aa-sǎi yùu thîi bâan lǎang níi bpen wee-laa naan láaeo
“He has lived in his house for a long time.”
9- Anytime
Thai word: เมื่อไหร่ก็ได้ (mûuea-rài gâaw dâi); ตอนไหนก็ได้ (dtaawn-nǎi gâaw dâi)
Example 1:
เธอจะมาที่นี่เมื่อไหร่ก็ได้
Thooe jà ma thîi nîi mûuea-rài gâaw dâi
“You can come here anytime.”
Example 2:
พรุ่งนี้วันอาทิตย์ ฉันจะตื่นนอนตอนไหนก็ได้
Phrûng-níi wan-aa-thít chǎn jà dtùuen naawn dtaawn nǎi gâaw dâi
“Tomorrow is Sunday. I can wake up anytime.”
Additional note:
เมื่อไหร่ก็ได้ (mûuea-rài gâaw dâi) and ตอนไหนก็ได้ (dtaawn-nǎi gâaw dâi) are exactly the same and can substitute one another.
10- As soon as possible
Thai word: โดยเร็วที่สุด (dooi reo thîi sùt)
Example:
ฉันจะทำให้เสร็จโดยเร็วที่สุด
Chǎn jà tham hâi sèt dooi reo thîi sùt
“I will finish it as soon as possible.”
5. Time-Related Proverbs and Sayings in Thai
As you learn about Thai time, it’s a great idea to learn some proverbs and sayings about time in Thai. Below are five proverbs and sayings you should know!
1- ผัดวันประกันพรุ่ง
Thai pronunciation: phàt-wan-bprà-gan-prûng
Literal meaning: –
English meaning: Keep postponing the time
Explanation: This proverb is used to explain a situation in which something is being postponed many times over. For example, A promises to finish his homework on Saturday at first, but then he tells his mom that he’ll finish it on Sunday instead. When Sunday comes, he tells her that he’ll finish on Monday. ผัดวันประกันพรุ่ง (phàt-wan-bprà-gan-prûng) can explain A’s behavior well.
Example:
ทำให้เสร็จเลย อย่าผัดวันประกันพรุ่ง
Tham hâi sèt looei yàa phàt-wan-bprà-gan-phrûng
“Finish it now, don’t keep postponing the deadline.”
2- ไก่โห่
Thai pronunciation: gài-hòo
Literal meaning: Cock yells.
English meaning: Very early morning
Explanation: Since the cock often crows in the early morning, Thai people call the early morning time ไก่โห่ (gài-hòo).
Example:
วันนี้แม่ปลุกฉันตั้งแต่ไก่โห่
Wan-níi mâae bplùk chǎn dtâng dtàae gài-hòo
“Today, mom woke me up in the early morning.”
3- คาบเส้นยาแดง
Thai pronunciation: khâap sên yaa daaeng
Literal meaning: –
English meaning: Almost not finishing the task in time
Explanation: The Thai proverb คาบเส้นยาแดง (khâap sên yaa daaeng) is used to explain when someone nearly misses their deadline to do something.
Example:
เธอทำรายงานเสร็จแบบคาบเส้นยาแดงพอดีเลย
Thooe tham raai-ngaan sèt bàaep khâap sên yaa daaeng phaaw dii loeei
“She almost didn’t finish the report in time.”
4- เวลาเป็นเงินเป็นทอง
Thai pronunciation: wee-laa bpen ngen bpen thaawng
Literal meaning: Time is silver and gold.
English meaning: Time is valuable.
Explanation: This Thai saying is used to say that time is valuable. It’s often used in situations when you’re made to wait for no good reason or your time is being wasted.
Example:
ทำเร็ว ๆ หน่อย อย่าให้ต้องรอนาน เวลาเป็นเงินเป็นทอง
Tham reo-reo nàauy yàa hâi dtâawng raaw naan wee-laa bpen ngen bpen thaawng
“Quickly, don’t make me wait. My time is valuable.”
5- เวลาผ่านไปไวเหมือนโกหก
Thai pronunciation: wee-la phàan bpai wai mǔuean goo-hok
Literal meaning: Time passed quickly as if flying.
English meaning: Time flies.
Explanation: This Thai phrase is used to explain that time passes very quickly. Its meaning is exactly the same as “time flies” in English.
Example:
อีกไม่กี่วันลูกชายก็จะอายุ 20 ปีแล้ว เวลาผ่านไปไวเหมือนโกหก
Ìik mâi gìi wan lûuk chaai gâaw jà aa-yú yîi-sìp bpii láaeo wee-la phàan bpai wai mǔuean goo-hòk
“My son will be twenty years old in a few days. Time flies.”
6. Conclusion
What do you think about our Thai time lesson? Did you find it easy or difficult? How does time-telling in Thai compare to telling time in your own language? Please comment below to let us know.
In our opinion, some parts of this lesson are easy while others are a bit more complicated. However, with some practice, you can master it in no time. Try practicing this a lot with your peers or other Thai people you know. If you practice a lot, you’ll find everything you learned here a lot easier to remember.
And once you’re good with this lesson, don’t forget to check out other interesting and fun lessons at ThaiPod101.com, such as Songkran Festival, Noodle in the Boat, or Wat Phra Kaew. In addition to learning more about the Thai language, you’ll also get to learn about Thai culture and traditions!
Until next time, happy Thai learning!
Best Guide to Learn Directions in Thai
Where’s the bus stop? How do you get to this place?
Learning about Thai directions will make your travels in Thailand much easier. Further, knowing how to ask directions in Thai, and how to give them, is essential if you live or work in Thailand.
This article will help you successfully learn about directions in the Thai language. You’ll get to learn Thai vocabulary related to directions, such as “right” and “left” in Thai. In addition, you’ll be able to see how giving directions in Thai works through various sentences and phrases throughout this article. By the end of the lesson, you’ll be able to ask and give directions in Thai with ease.
Table of Contents- On the Map: Compass Directions in Thai
- On the Road
- Landmarks
- Basic Grammar for Conversations
- Must-know Phrases and Sentences to Ask Directions in Thai
- Must-know Phrases and Sentences to Give Directions in Thai
- Real Situation Example
- Conclusion
1. On the Map: Compass Directions in Thai
The map is an important tool when it comes to asking and giving directions. Still, you should know that Thai people won’t tell you to go north or south when giving directions in Thai. ทิศ (thít), which is “direction” in Thai, is often used to tell the region of province in Thai conversations.
That said, here are the most basic words related to maps that you should know!
1- Region
Thai word: ภาค (phâak)
Usage: ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction.
Example:
ประเทศไทยมี 5 ภาค
Bprà-thêet-thai mii hâa phâak
“There are five regions in Thailand.”
2- Central
Thai word: กลาง (glaang)
Usage: As mentioned above, ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคกลาง (phâak-glaang).
Example:
กรุงเทพอยู่ภาคกลางของประเทศไทย
Grung-thêep yùu phâak-glaang khǎawng bprà-thêet-thai
“Bangkok is in the central region of Thailand.”
3- North
Thai word: เหนือ (nǔuea)
Usage: As mentioned above, ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคเหนือ (phâak-nǔuea).
Example:
ตอนหน้าหนาว อากาศที่ภาคเหนือดีมาก
Dtaawn nâa-nǎao aa-gàat thîi phâak-nǔuea dii mâak
“In winter, the weather in the north is very good.”
4- East
Thai word: ตะวันออก (dtà-wan-àawk)
Usage: ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคตะวันออก (phâak-dtà-wan-àawk).
Example:
ภาคตะวันออกของไทยมีทะเลสวย
Phâak-dtà-wan-àawk khǎawng thai mii thá-lee sǔuai
“The east part of Thailand has a beautiful sea.”
5- West
Thai word: ตะวันตก (dtà-wan-dtòk)
Usage: ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคตะวันตก (phâak-dtà-wan-dtòk).
Example:
ภาคตะวันตกของไทยอยู่ติดพม่า
Phâak-dtà-wan-dtòk khǎawng thai yùu dtìt phá-mâa
“The west part of Thailand is next to Myanmar.”
6- South
Thai word: ใต้ (dtâi)
Usage: ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคใต้ (phâak-dtâi).
Example:
นักท่องเที่ยวชอบไปที่ภาคใต้ของไทย
Nák-thâawng-thîiao châawp bpai thîi phâak-dtâi khǎawng thai
“Travelers like to go to the south of Thailand.”
7- Northeast
Thai word: ตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ (dtà-wan-àawk-chǐiang-nǔuea)
Usage: ภาค (phâak) is often followed by the direction. So Thai people use the word ภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ (dtà-wan-àawk-chǐiang-nǔuea).
Example:
ภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือของไทยอากาศร้อนเกือบตลอดปี
Phâak-dtà-wan-àawk-chǐiang-nǔuea khǎawng thai aa-gàat ráawn gùueap dtà-làawt bpii
“The weather of the northeast part of Thailand is hot almost all year.”
Additional Information: The northeast part of Thailand has another name, which is ภาคอีสาน (phâak-ii-sǎan).
8- Upper part
Thai word: ตอนบน (dtaawn-bon)
Usage: ตอนบน (dtaawn-bon) is often used to further indicate the part or region that the province or place is at. The word is put after the region.
Example:
ภาคกลางตอนบนจะมีฝนตกพรุ่งนี้
Phâak-glaang dtaawn-bon jà mii fǒn dtòk phrûng-níi
“It will rain in the upper part of the central region tomorrow.”
9- Lower part
Thai word: ตอนล่าง (dtaawn-lâang)
Usage: ตอนล่าง (dtaawn-lâang) is often used to further indicate the part or region that the province or place is at. The word is put after the region.
Example:
อากาศของภาคเหนือตอนล่างเริ่มร้อนแล้ว
Aa-gàat khǎawng phâak-nǔuea dtaawn-lâang rôoem ráawn láaeo
“The weather of the lower part of the north is getting hot now.”
2. On the Road
This part of the lesson will teach you vocabulary used when asking and giving directions in Thai, such as “left” and “right.” You should try your best to remember these words.
1- Left
Thai word: ซ้าย (sáai)
Usage: Sometimes, Thai people use the word มือ (muue), which means “hand” in Thai with the word ซ้าย (sáai): ซ้ายมือ (sáai muue).
Example:
ซ้ายมือด้านหน้ามีร้านสะดวกซื้ออยู่
Sáai muue dâan-nâa mii ráan sà-dùuak súue yùu
“There is a convenience store ahead on your left.”
2- Right
Thai word: ขวา (kwǎa)
Usage: Sometimes, Thai people use the word มือ (muue), which means “hand” in Thai with the word ขวา (khwǎa): ขวามือ (khwǎa muue).
Example:
พอเลี้ยวซ้ายแล้ว จะเจอโรงแรมอยู่ด้านขวามือ
Phaaw líiao sáai láaeo jà jooe roong-raaem yùu dâan khwǎa muue
“Once you turn left, you will find the hotel on your right.”
3- Front
Thai word: หน้า (nâa)
Usage: Thai people often put ข้าง (khâang) or ด้าน (dâan) in front of หน้า (nâa) when talking about direction, though the meaning stays the same.
Example:
ด้านหน้าโรงแรมมีตู้ไปรษณีย์อยู่
Dâan nâa roong-raaem mii dtûu bprai-sà-nii yùu
“There is a post box in front of the hotel.”
4- Back / Behind
Thai word: หลัง (lǎng)
Usage: Thai people often put ข้าง (khâang) or ด้าน (dâan) in front of หลัง (lǎng) when talking about direction, though the meaning stays the same.
Example:
สวนสาธารณะอยู่ข้างหลังร้านอาหาร
Sǔuan sǎa-thaa-rá-ná yùu khâang lǎng ráan aa-hǎan
“The park is behind the restaurant.”
5- Near
Thai word: ใกล้ (glâi)
Usage: A + อยู่ใกล้ (yùu glâi) is how you use ใกล้ (glâi) in the Thai language. It means “A is near.”
Example:
โรงเรียนอยู่ใกล้
roong-riian yùu glâi
“The school is near.”
6- Far
Thai word: ไกล (glai)
Usage: A + อยู่ไกล (yùu glai) is how you use ไกล (glai) in the Thai language. It means “A is far.”
Example:
ห้างอยู่ไกล
hâang yùu glai
“The department store is far.”
7- Next to / Beside
Thai word: ถัดจาก (thàt jàak); ข้าง (khâang)
Usage 1: A + อยู่ถัดจาก (yùu thàt jàak) + B is how you use ถัดจาก (thàt jàak) in the Thai language. It means “A is next to B.”
Usage 2: A + อยู่ข้าง (yùu khâang) + B is how you use ข้าง (khâang) in the Thai language. It means “A is next to or beside B.”
Example 1:
ธนาคารอยู่ถัดจากร้านเบเกอรี่
Thá-naa-khaan yùu thàt jàak ráan bee-gooe-rîi
“The bank is next to the baker shop.”
Example 2:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ข้างร้านอาหาร
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu khâang ráan aa-hǎan
“My house is next to the restaurant.”
8- Opposite to / Across from
Thai word: ตรงข้าม (dtrong-khâam); ฝั่งตรงข้าม (fàng dtrong-khâam)
Usage: A + อยู่ตรงข้าม (yùu dtrong-khâam) or อยู่ฝั่งตรงข้าม (yùu fàng dtrong-khâam) + B is how you use ตรงข้าม (dtrong-khâam) and ฝั่งตรงข้าม (fàng dtrong-khâam) in the Thai language. It means “A is next to or beside B.”
Example 1:
ห้องสมุดอยู่ตรงข้ามลิฟต์
Hâawng-sà-mùt yùu dtrong-khâam líp
“The library is opposite the elevator.”
Example 2:
ฉันรอเธออยู่ฝั่งตรงข้ามประชาสัมพันธ์
Chǎn raaw thooe yùu fàng dtrong-khâam bprà-chaa-sǎm-phan
“I’m across from the information center, waiting for you.”
9- Away from
Thai word: ห่างจาก (hàang jàak)
Usage: ห่างจาก (hàang jàak) + A is how you use ห่างจาก (hàang jaak) in the Thai language. It means “away from A.”
Example:
อยู่ให้ห่างจากประตูรถเมล์นะ
Yùu hâi hàang jàak bprà-dtuu rót-mee ná
“Stay away from the bus’s door.”
10- By the intersection
Thai word: ตรงทางแยก (dtrong thaang-yâaek)
Usage: A+ อยู่ตรงทางแยก (yùu dtrong thaang-yâaek) is how you use ตรงทางแยก (dtrong thaang-yâaek) in the Thai language. It means “A is by the intersection.”
Example:
สถานีตำรวจอยู่ตรงทางแยก
Sà-thǎa-nii dtam-rùuat yùu dtrong thaang-yâaek
“The police station is by the intersection.”
11- Corner
Thai word: หัวมุม (hǔua-mum)
Usage: A+ อยู่ตรงหัวมุม (yùu dtrong hǔua-mum) is how you use หัวมุม (hǔua-mum) in the Thai language. It means “A is around the corner.”
Example:
พ่อซื้อของอยู่ตรงหัวมุมถนน
Phâaw súue khǎawng yùu dtrong hǔua-mum thà-nǒn
“Dad is around the corner of the road, shopping.”
3. Landmarks
To learn Thai directions, it’s also important to learn and remember some landmark vocabulary. Below are the most important ones that will be very useful for you when giving or asking directions in Thai.
1- In the city
Thai word: ในเมือง (nai muueang)
Usage: A+ อยู่ในเมือง (yùu nai muueang) is how you use ในเมือง (nai muueang) in the Thai language. It means “A is in the city.”
Example:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ในเมือง
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu nai muueang
“My house is in the city.”
2- Airport
Thai word: สนามบิน (sà-nǎam-bin)
Example:
พรุ่งนี้ฉันต้องไปสนามบินก่อน 8 โมง
Phrûng-níi chǎn dtâawng bpai sà-nǎam-bim gàawn bpàaet moong
“Tomorrow, I have to be at the airport by eight in the morning.”
3- Train station
Thai word: สถานีรถไฟ (sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai)
Example:
หัวลำโพงคือชื่อของสถานีรถไฟในกรุงเทพ
Hǔua-lam-phoong khuue chûue khǎawng sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai nai grung-thêep
“Hualampoong is the name of the train station in Bangkok.”
4- Subway station
Thai word: สถานีรถไฟใต้ดิน (sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai dtâi din)
Example:
สถานีรถไฟใต้ดินอยู่ตรงไหน
Sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai dtâi din yùu dtrong nǎi
“Where is the subway station?”
Additional Information: Thai people often call subways and subway stations “MRT,” which stands for Metropolitan Rapid Transit.
5- Sky train station
Thai word: สถานีรถไฟฟ้า (sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai-fáa)
Example:
ฉันกำลังจะไปสถานีรถไฟฟ้า
Chǎn gam-lang jà bpai sà-thǎa-nii rót-fai-fáa
“I’m about to go to a sky train station.”
Additional Information: Thai people often call sky trains and sky train stations “BTS,” which is the abbreviation of the name of the company that runs the sky train in Thailand.
6- Center of the city
Thai word: ใจกลางเมือง (jai glaang muueang)
Usage: A+ อยู่ใจกลางเมือง (yùu jai glaang muueng) is how you use ใจกลางเมือง (jai glaang muueang) in the Thai language. It means “A is in the center of the city.”
Example:
คอนโดที่อยู่ใจกลางเมืองราคาแพงมาก
Khaawn-doo thîi yùu jai glaang muueang raa-khaa phaaeng mâak
“The condo at the center of the city is very expensive.”
7- Hotel
Thai word: โรงแรม (roong-raaem)
Example:
เธอพักอยู่โรงแรมอะไร
Thooe phák yùu roong-raaem à-rai
“Which hotel are you staying at?”
8- Hospital
Thai word: โรงพยาบาล (roong-phá-yaa-baan)
Example:
แถวนี้มีโรงพยาบาลมั๊ย
thǎao níi mii roong-phá-ya-baan mái
“Is there a hospital around here?”
Additional Information: Sometimes, in informal conversations, Thai people shorten the word โรงพยาบาล (roong-phá-yaa-baan) to โรงบาล (roong-baan).
9- Park
Thai word: สวนสาธารณะ (sǔuan sǎa-thaa-rá-ná)
Example:
ที่สวนสาธารณะอากาศดี
thîi sǔuan sǎa-thaa-rá-ná aa-gàat dii
“The weather at the park is good.”
10- Bank
Thai word: ธนาคาร (thá-naa-khaan)
Example:
ธนาคารปิดวันอาทิตย์
Thá-naa-khaan bpìt wan-aa-thít
“The bank closes on Sunday.”
11- Restaurant
Thai word: ร้านอาหาร (ráan aa-hǎan)
Example:
แถวนี้มีร้านอาหารหลายร้าน
Thǎao níi mii ráan aa-hǎan lǎai ráan
“There are many restaurants around here.”
12- Department store
Thai word: ห้างสรรพสินค้า (hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa)
Example:
ห้างสรรพสินค้าเปิดตอน 10 โมง
Hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa bpòoet dtaawn sìp moong
“The department store opens at ten in the morning.”
Additional Information: ห้างสรรพสินค้า (hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa) is too long for Thai people, so they rarely use this word in daily conversation. They shorten it to ห้าง (hâang) instead. ห้างสรรพสินค้า (hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa) is normally used in formal situations only.
13- Intersection
Thai word: ทางแยก (thaang-yâaek)
Example:
พอถึงทางแยกแล้วให้เลี้ยวซ้าย
Phaaw thǔeng thaang-yâaek láaeo hâi líiao sáai
“Turn left at the intersection.”
14- Cross road
Thai word: ทางม้าลาย (thaang máa-laai)
Usage: ข้ามถนน (khâam thà-nǒn) is often used with ทางม้าลาย (thaang máa-laai), and it means “cross the road” in Thai.
Example:
ทุกคนควรข้ามถนนที่ทางม้าลาย
Thúk-khon khuuan khâam thà-nǒn thîi thaang máa-laai
“Everybody should cross the road at the crossroad.”
Additional Information: Actually, the word ม้าลาย (máa-laai) in ทางม้าลาย (thaang máa-laai) refers to “zebra” in Thai. Thai people think crossroads look like the stripes of a zebra, so they use it as part of the name.
15- Alley
Thai word: ซอย (saauy)
Example:
กรุงเทพฯมีซอยเยอะมาก
Grung-thêep mii saauy yóe mâak
“There are a lot of alleys in Bangkok.”
Additional Information: Apart from “alley,” ซอย (saauy) can also mean “slice quickly” in Thai.
16- Restroom
Thai word: ห้องน้ำ (hâawng-nám)
Example:
ห้องน้ำสะอาดมั๊ย
Hâawng-nám sà-àat mái
“Is the restroom clean?”
Additional Information: Apart from “restroom,” ห้องน้ำ (hâawng-nám) also means “bathroom.”
17- Elevator
Thai word: ลิฟต์ (líp)
Example:
ลิฟต์ในตึกนี้ช้ามาก
Líp nai dtùek níi cháa mâak
“The elevator in this building is so slow.”
18- Parking lot
Thai word: ที่จอดรถ (thîi jàawt rót); ลานจอดรถ (laan jàawt rót)
Usage: Despite having the same meaning, there is a small difference between these two words. ลานจอดรถ (laan jàawt rót) is only used to refer to a wide area where you can park many cars. On the other hand, ที่จอดรถ (thîi jàawt rót) can be used to refer to both a wide area for parking and a small area where you can park only one car.
Example:
ที่จอดรถเต็มรึยัง
thîi jàawt rót dtem rúe yang
“Is the parking lot full?”
19- Information center
Thai word: ประชาสัมพันธ์ (bprà-chaa-sǎm-phan)
Example:
ประชาสัมพันธ์ของห้างนี้อยู่ชั้น G
Bprà-chaa-sǎm-phan khǎawng hâang níi yùu chán jii
“The information center of this department store is on the ground floor.”
20- Fire exit
Thai word: ทางหนีไฟ (thaang nǐi fai)
Example:
ทางหนีไฟอยู่ข้างห้องน้ำ
Thaang nǐi fai yùu khâang hâawng-nám
“The fire exit is next to the restroom.”
4. Basic Grammar for Conversations
Before we teach you how to give directions in Thai or ask for them with phrases and sentences, it will be easier to learn and remember if you know some basic Thai grammar used in conversations.
To make a sentence sound formal in Thai, Thai people put the words ครับ (khráp) and ค่ะ (khâ) at the end of a sentence. ครับ (khráp) is used when the speaker is male, while ค่ะ (khâ) is used when the speaker is female. Another point you should know is that for females, at the end of a question, Thai people use คะ (khâ).
5. Must-know Phrases and Sentences to Ask Directions in Thai
At this point of the lesson, you’ll learn useful phrases and sentences you can use to ask directions in Thai.
1- Excuse me
Thai word: ขอโทษ (khǎaw-thôot)
Usage: The way Thai people use this word is exactly the same as in English. Thai people say this word to get attention from another party before asking a question.
Example:
ขอโทษค่ะ ที่นี่คือวัดพระแก้วใช่มั๊ยคะ
Khǎaw-thôot khâ thîi nîi khuue wát-prá-gâaeo châi mái khá
“Excuse me, is this place the Temple of the Emerald Buddha?”
Additional Information: In addition to “excuse me,” ขอโทษ (khǎaw-thôot) can also mean “sorry.”
2- Where is ….. ?
Thai word: ….. อยู่ที่ไหน (….. yùu thîi nǎi), ….. อยู่ตรงไหน (….. yùu dtrong nǎi)
Usage: The meaning of ….. อยู่ที่ไหน (….. yùu thîi nǎi) and ….. อยู่ตรงไหน (….. yùu dtrong nǎi) are pretty much the same. You can substitute one for another.
Example 1:
ขอโทษครับ ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหนครับ
Khǎaw-thôot khráp hâawng-nám yùu thîi nǎi khráp
“Excuse me, where is the bathroom?”
Example 2:
ร้านกาแฟอยู่ตรงไหนคะ
Ráan gaa-faae yùu dtrong nǎi khá
“Where is the coffee shop?”
3- How do I get to ….. ?
Thai word: ไป…..ยังไง (bpai ….. yang-ngai)
Usage: Actually, the full sentence is ฉันจะไป…ได้ยังไง (chǎn jà bpai ….. dâi yang-ngai). But Thai people think it’s too long to say, so they shorten it to ไป…..ยังไง (bpai ….. yang-ngai).
Example:
ไปจตุจักรยังไงคะ
Bpai jà-dtù-jàk yang-ngai khá
“How do I get to Jathujak?”
4- Is ….. far from here?
Thai word: …..อยู่ไกลมั๊ย (….. yùu glai mái)
Usage: Actually, the full sentence is …..อยู่ไกลจากที่นี่มั๊ย (….. yùu glai jàak thîi nîi mái). But Thai people think it’s too long to say, so they shorten it to …..อยู่ไกลมั๊ย (….. yùu glai mái).
Example:
เยาวราชอยู่ไกลมั๊ยคะ
Yao-wá-râat yùu glai mái khá
“Is Yaowaraat far from here?”
5- Thank you
Thai word: ขอบคุณ (khàawp-khun)
Usage: In case you want to show that you’re really thankful, you can put มาก (mâak) after ขอบคุณ (khàawp-khun), which means “very” or “a lot” in Thai.
Example:
ขอบคุณมากครับ
Khàawp-khun mâak khráp
“Thank you very much.”
6. Must-know Phrases and Sentences to Give Directions in Thai
Lastly, you’ll learn useful phrases and sentences you can use to give directions in Thai.
1- Go straight ahead
Thai word: ตรงไป (dtrong bpai); ตรงไปข้างหน้า (dtrong bpai khâang nâa)
Usage: Comparing both phrases, there’s not much difference between them. If you say ตรงไปข้างหน้า (dtrong bpai khâang nâa), it’s like giving a direction in more detail.
Another thing you should know is that Thai people often put verbs that show movement in front of this phrase. Those verbs are เดิน (dooen), which means “walk,” วิ่ง (wîng), which means “run,” and ขับ (khàp), which means “drive.”
Example 1:
ถ้าเดินตรงไปเรื่อย ๆ จะเจอร้านอาหารฝั่งขวามือ
Thâa dooen dtrong bpai rûueai-rûueai jà jooe ráan aa-hǎan fàng khwǎa muue
“If you walk straight ahead, you’ll find the restaurant on your right.”
Example 2:
ขับตรงไปข้างหน้าแล้วเลี้ยวเข้าซอยแรกฝั่งซ้ายมือ
Khàp dtrong bpai khâang nâa láaeo liiáo khâo saauy râaek fàng sáai muue
“Go straight ahead and then turn into the first alley on your left.”
2- Go back
Thai word: กลับไปทางเดิม (glàp bpai thaang dooem)
Usage: กลับไปทางเดิม (glàp bpai thaang dooem) literally means “go back to the same way.” If a Thai person said only กลับไป (glàp bpai), which means “go back,” its meaning would be too vague.
Example:
ลูกค้าเดินเลยมาแล้วค่ะ กลับไปทางเดิมประมาณ 500 เมตรนะคะ
Lûuk-kháa dooen looei maa láaeo khâ glàp bpai thaang dooem bprà-maan hâa-ráauy méet ná khâ
“The customer already walked past that. Go back around 500 meters.”
3- Make a U-turn
Thai word: กลับรถ (glàp rót)
Example:
กลับรถตรงสี่แยกเลยครับ
Glàp rót dtrong sìi yâaek looei khráp
“Make a U-turn at the intersection.”
4- Turn left / Go left
Thai word: เลี้ยวซ้าย (líiao sáai); ไปทางซ้าย (bpai thaang sáai)
Usage: เลี้ยวซ้าย (líiao sáai) is “turn left” in Thai, while ไปทางซ้าย (bpai thaang sáai) is “go left.” Despite having different meanings in English, both words refer to the same action in Thai. They can be used interchangeably.
Example 1:
พอเจอทางแยกแล้วให้ไปทางซ้าย
Phaaw jooe thaang yâaek láaeo hâi bpai thaang sáai
“Go left once you are at the intersection.”
Example 2:
เลี้ยวซ้ายแล้วเดินมาอีก 500 เมตรก็ถึง
Líiao sáai láaeo dooen maa ìik hâa-ráauy méet gâaw thǔeng
“Turn left and walk for another 500 meters, you will arrive.”
5- Turn right / Go right
Thai word: เลี้ยวขวา (líiao khwǎa); ไปทางขวา (bpai thaang khwǎa)
Usage: เลี้ยวขวา (líiao khwǎa) is “turn right” in Thai, while ไปทางขวา (bpai thaang khwǎa) is “go right.” Despite having different meanings in English, both words refer to the same action in Thai. They can be used interchangeably.
Example 1:
ต้องเลี้ยวขวาที่ทางแยกรึเปล่า
Dtâawng líiao khwǎa thîi thaang yâaek rúe bplào
“Do I have to turn right at the intersection?”
Example 2:
ถ้าจะไปโรงพยาบาล พอออกจากซอยแล้วให้ไปทางขวา
Thâa jà bpai roong-phá-yaa-baan phaaw àawk jàak saauy láaeo hâi bpai thaang khwǎa
“If you want to go to the hospital, you have to go right when you go out of the alley.”
6- Go upstairs
Thai word: ขึ้นไปข้างบน (khûen bpai khâang bon)
Usage: Thai people sometimes put เดิน (dooen), which means “walk,” in front of ขึ้นไปข้างบน (khûen bpai khâang bon).
Example:
พอขึ้นไปข้างบนแล้ว ประตูบานแรกที่เจอคือห้องนอนครับ
Phaaw khûen bpai khâang bon láaeo bprà-dtuu baan râaek thîi jooe khuue hâawng-naawn khráp
“Once you go upstairs, the first door you see is the bedroom.”
7- Go downstairs
Thai word: ลงไปข้างล่าง (long bpai khâang lâang)
Usage: Thai people sometimes put เดิน (dooen), which means “walk,” in front of ลงไปข้างล่าง (long bpai khâang lâang).
Example:
ถ้าจะไปห้องประชุม ต้องเดินลงไปข้างล่างแล้วเลี้ยวซ้าย
thâa jà bpai hâawng bprà-chum dtâawng dooen long bpai khâang lâang láaeo líiao sáai
“If you want to go to the meeting room, you have to go downstairs and then turn left.”
8- Keep going
Thai word: ตรงไปเรื่อย ๆ (dtrong bpai rûueai-rûueai)
Usage: Thai people put verbs that show movement in front of this phrase. Those verbs are เดิน (dooen) which means “walk,” วิ่ง (wîng) which means “run,” and ขับ (khàp) which means “drive.”
Example:
พอเลยโรงเรียนมาแล้ว ตรงไปเรื่อย ๆ อีกประมาณ 1 กิโลเมตรก็จะเจอโรงแรม
Phaaw looei roong-riian maa láaew khàp dtrong bpai rûueai-rûueai ìik bprà-maan nùeng gì-loo-méet gâaw jà jooe roong-raaem
“Once you pass the school, keep going for around one kilometer and you will find the hotel.”
9- Hurry up
Thai word: เร็วหน่อย (reo nàauy); เร็ว ๆ หน่อย (reo-reo nàauy)
Usage: Both เร็วหน่อย (reo nàauy) and เร็ว ๆ หน่อย (reo-reo nàauy) have the same meaning. The word เร็ว (reo) is “fast” in Thai. So when speaking, Thai people sometimes say the word เร็ว (reo) twice to emphasize that the other person needs to go faster.
Example:
เร็วหน่อย ไม่งั้นจะไปสาย
Reo nàauy mâi ngán jà bpai sǎai
“Hurry up or else I/we will be late.”
10- Slow down
Thai word: ช้าหน่อย (cháa nàauy); ช้า ๆ หน่อย (cháa-cháa nàauy)
Usage: Both ช้าหน่อย (cháa nàauy) and ช้า ๆ หน่อย (cháa-cháa nàauy) have the same meaning. The word ช้า (cháa) is “slow” in Thai. So when speaking, Thai people sometimes say the word ช้า (cháa) twice to emphasize that the other person should go slower.
Example:
เธอขับรถเร็วไปแล้ว ช้า ๆ หน่อย
Thooe khàp rót reo bpai láaeo cháa-cháa nàauy
“You are driving too fast, slow down.”
11- On the left
Thai word: อยู่ฝั่งซ้าย (yùu fàng sáai); อยู่ด้านซ้าย (yùu dâan sáai)
Usage: There’s no difference between อยู่ฝั่งซ้าย (yùu fàng sáai) and อยู่ด้านซ้าย (yùu dâan sáai). Also, as mentioned earlier, Thai people sometimes use the word มือ (muue), which means “hand,” with the word ซ้าย (sáai): ซ้ายมือ (sáai muue). This applies here as well.
Example 1:
สวนสาธารณะอยู่ด้านซ้ายของคอนโด
Sǔuan sǎa-thaa-rá-ná yùu dâan sáai khǎawng khaawn-doo
“The park is on the left of the condo.”
Example 2:
ถ้าเธอเดินตรงไป จะเจอซอยอยู่ฝั่งซ้ายมือ
Thâa thooe dooen dtrong bpai jà jooe saauy yùu fàng sáai muue
“If you walk straight, you will find an alley on your left.”
12- On the right
Thai word: อยู่ฝั่งขวา (yùu fàng khwǎa); อยู่ด้านขวา (yùu dâan khwǎa)
Usage: There’s no difference between อยู่ฝั่งขวา (yùu fàng khwǎa) and อยู่ด้านขวา (yùu dâan khwǎa). And as mentioned earlier, Thai people sometimes use the word มือ (muue), which means “hand,” with the word ขวา (khwǎa): ขวามือ (khwǎa muue). This applies here as well.
Example 1:
พอเลี้ยวซ้ายแล้ว บ้านเธออยู่ฝั่งขวาใช่มั๊ย
Phaaw líiao sáai láaeo bâan thooe yùu fàng khwǎa châi mái
“Once I turn left, is your house on the right?”
Example 2:
ร้านดอกไม้อยู่ด้านขวาของธนาคารใช่มั๊ย
Ráan dàawk-mái yùu dâan khwǎa khǎawng thá-naa-khaan châi mái
“Is the flower shop on the right of the bank?”
7. Real Situation Example
To help you better understand how to ask for and give directions in Thailand, and so you can practice, we’ll put everything we’ve gone over in this lesson together with real-life examples.
1- How do I get to Paragon?
A:
ขอโทษค่ะ ไปพารากอนยังไงคะ
khǎaw-thôot-khà bpai-paa-raa-gâawn-yang-ngai-khá
“Excuse me, how do I get to Paragon?”
B:
ไปทางรถไฟฟ้าได้ครับ เดินตรงไปข้างหน้า เลี้ยวซ้าย แล้วเดินไปเรื่อย ๆ จะเจอสถานีรถไฟฟ้าครับ
bpai-thaang-rót-fai-fáa-dâi-kráp dooen-dtrong-bpai-khâang-nhâa líiao-sáai láaew-dooen-bpai- rûueai-rûueai jà-joee-sà-thǎan-nii-rót-fai-fáa-khráp
“You can go by sky train. You go straight ahead, turn left, and then keep going until you find the sky train station.”
A:
สถานีรถไฟฟ้าอยู่ไกลมั๊ยคะ
sà-thǎan-nii-rót-fai-fáa-yhùu-glai-mái-khá
“Is the sky train station far from here?”
B:
ไม่ไกลมากครับ เดินประมาณ 5 นาทีครับ
mâi-glai-mâak-kráp dooen-bprà-maan-hâa-naa-thii-khráp
“It’s not very far, around a five-minute walk.”
A:
แล้วต้องลงสถานีรถไฟฟ้าไหนคะ
láaew-dtâawng-long-sà-thǎan-nii-rót-fai-fáa-nhǎi-khá
“And which sky train station should I get off at?”
B:
สถานีสยามครับ
sà-thǎan-nii-sà-yǎam-khráp
“Siam Station.”
A:
ขอบคุณค่ะ
khàawp-khun-khà
“Thank you.”
2- Where should I go on holiday?
A:
ใกล้จะถึงวันหยุดยาวแล้ว ไปเที่ยวที่ไหนดีครับ
glâi-jà-thǔng-wan-yhùt-yaao-láaew bpai-thîiao-thîi-nhǎi-dii-khráp
“It’s almost long holiday. Where should I go for traveling?”
B:
ชอบทะเลหรือภูเขาคะ
châawp-thá-laae-rhǔue-phuu-khǎo-khá
“Do you like the sea or mountains?”
A:
ชอบทะเลครับ
châawp-thá-laae-khráp
“I like the sea.”
B:
ไปเที่ยวที่หัวหินดีมั๊ยคะ อยู่ภาคตะวันตกของไทย ใกล้จากกรุงเทพ ทะเลสวย อาหารอร่อย
bpai-thîiao-hǔa-hǐn-dii-mái-khá yhùu-phâak-thà-wan-dtòk-khǎawng-thai glâi-grung-thêep thá-lee-sǔuay aa-hǎan-à-rhòi
“How about Huahin? It is in the west part of Thailand, near Bangkok. The sea is beautiful. The food is great.”
A:
ถ้าอย่างนั้นวันหยุดนี้ ผมจะไปหัวหินครับ
thâa-yàang-nán-wan-yhùt-níi phǒm-jà-bpai-hǔa-hǐn-khráp
“Then, I will go to Huahin for this coming holiday.”
B:
ฉันรู้จักโรงแรมที่หัวหินที่สวยมากอยู่ที่นึง จะหาเบอร์โทรให้นะคะ
chǎn-rúu-jàk-roong-raaem-thîi-hǔa-hǐn-thîi-sǔuay-mâak-yhùu-thîi-nueng jà-hǎa-booe-thoo-hâi-ná- khá
“I know a very beautiful hotel at Huahin. I will give you the phone number.”
A:
ขอบคุณครับ
khàawp-khun-khráp
“Thank you.”
8. Conclusion
Now that you’ve reached the conclusion, we believe you should have no problem asking and giving directions in Tha. Did you find this topic hard? Is the way that Thai people ask and give directions different from how it’s done in your language? Please comment below to let us know.
Please note that you may be confused with some phrases and sentences, but that’s normal. You’ll need some time to practice. To become more fluent, be sure to practice using these directions phrases whenever you can; practice makes perfect.
Once you’re good at this, go check out other fun and useful Thai lessons at ThaiPod101.com, such as how to take a Thai taxi, information about Wat Pho, and going on a trip via plane.
Happy Thai learning!
The Best Guide for Learning Thai Compliments
Everyone loves compliments. A compliment can make someone feel good, boost self-confidence, and improve the quality of relationships. So as a Thai learner, you should know a few basic Thai compliments to brighten someone’s day. In this lesson, you’ll learn about compliments in the Thai language and how to use them.
We’ll begin by covering the vocabulary aspect of common Thai compliments for beginners, and then we’ll show you how to apply them in various situations.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information About Compliments in Thai
- Thai Compliments on Someone’s Look
- Thai Compliments on Someone’s Work
- Thai Compliments on Someone’s Skill
- Conclusion
1. Basic Information About Compliments in Thai
Before you learn how to compliment a Thai girl or how to compliment men in Thai, you should know the Thai etiquette for giving and receiving compliments.
First, some basic vocabulary. คำชมเชย (kham-chom-chooei) or คำชม (kham-chom) are the noun form of “compliment” in Thai, while ชม (chom) is the verb form of “compliment” or “praise.” There’s no difference in meaning between คำชมเชย (kham-chom-chooei) and คำชม (kham-chom), and คำชม (kham-chom) is just a shortened word for คำชมเชย (kham-chom-chooei).
1 – Give Sincere Compliments in Thai
How do Thai people give compliments? Like in most cultures, a compliment in Thai needs to be sincere. Here are a few tips for how to add sincerity to your compliment:
- Use a sincere tone of voice. Thai people often speak sarcastically. So in conversation, it’s important to pay attention to both the message and the speaker’s tone of voice. To give sincere compliments in Thai, make sure that your tone of voice shows sincerity.
- Smile. As you know, Thailand is the Land of Smiles. Smiling can add sincerity and depth to your words, and send positive feelings to the person you’re complimenting.
2 – What Thai People Do When Receiving Compliments
What can you expect after offering someone a compliment? How should you respond to compliments while in Thailand? Here are a few tips:
- Say “Thank you.” To show that you’re thankful for the compliment, you say ขอบคุณ (khàawp-khun), which means “thank you” in Thai.
- Wai. If the person who gave you the compliment is older than you, you should ไหว้ (wâi). This action is used to show that you’re thankful to the other party.
- Give credit where it’s due. Some people aren’t used to receiving compliments or feel shy. If you fall into this category, in addition to saying “thank you,” you can also give credit to another party. For example, if someone compliments you for organizing a good event, you can thank them and give credit to your good team.
3 – Adverbs You Should Know
Now, let’s learn a little bit about grammar. When you give compliments in Thai, you can add the following adverbs to emphasize your compliments.
- มาก (mâak) is “very” in Thai. You can add มาก (mâak) after a compliment in both formal and informal conversations.
- เวอร์ (wôoe) is also “very” in Thai. However, you can only add เวอร์ (wôoe) after a compliment in informal conversations.
At this point, you should have basic knowledge about Thai compliments. In the following sections, you’ll learn some of the most common Thai compliments, important vocabulary, and more.
2. Thai Compliments on Someone’s Look
These may be the top Thai compliments that many people want to learn, especially those who want to know how to compliment a Thai girl. For easy understanding, we’ll teach you how to give compliments on someone’s look in formal situations first, and then informal situations. But the first thing you have to learn is the sentence structure:
subject / body part / look + adj = subject / body part / look is adj.
1 – Formal
To compliment someone’s look formally, here’s a list of adjectives and phrases you can use, with example sentences:
1. Look good
Thai compliment: ดูดี (duu-dii)
Example:
ชุดนี้ทำให้เธอดูดีมากเลย
chút-níi-tham-hâi-thooe-duu-dii-mâak-looei
“This outfit makes you look really good.”
2. Beautiful
Thai compliment: สวย (sǔuai)
Example:
นางแบบคนนั้นขาสวย
naang-bàaep-khon-nán-khǎa-sǔuai
“That model has beautiful legs.”
3. Handsome
Thai compliment: หล่อ (làaw)
Example:
ตอนหนุ่ม ๆ คุณพ่อของฉันหล่อมาก
dtaawn-nùm-nùm-khun-phâaw-khǎawng-chǎn-làaw-mâak
“When he was young, my father was very handsome.”
4. Cute
Thai compliment: น่ารัก (nâa-rák)
Example:
ลูกชายของเธอน่ารักและมารยาทดี
lûuk-chai-khǎawng-thooe-nâa-rák-láe-maa-rá-yâat-dii
“Your son is cute and has good manners.”
5. Smart
Thai compliment: ภูมิฐาน (phuum-thǎan)
Example:
คุณใส่สูทตัวนี้แล้วดูภูมิฐาน
khun-sài-sùut-dtuua-níi-láaeo-duu-phuum-thǎan
“Wearing this suit makes you look smart.”
6. Sweet smile
Thai compliment: ยิ้มหวาน (yím-wǎan)
Example:
ทุกคนชอบยิ้มหวาน ๆ ของแก้ว
thúk-khon-châawp-yím-wǎan-khǎawng-khâaeo
“Everyone likes Kaew’s sweet smile.”
7. Good personality
Thai compliment: บุคลิกดี (bùk-khà-lík-dii)
Example:
เขาไม่ได้หล่อ แต่บุคลิกดี
khǎo-mâi-dâi-làaw dtàae-bùk-khà-lík-dii
“He isn’t handsome but has a good personality.”
2 – Informal
When you want to compliment someone in Thai in an informal situation, here are adjectives and phrases you can use, with example sentences.
1. Look good
Thai compliment: งานดี (ngaan-dii)
Literal meaning: “good work”
Example:
ดูหุ่นนักแสดงคนนั้นสิ งานดีมาก
duu-hùn-nák-sà-daaeng-khon-nán-sì ngaan-dii-mâak
“Look at that actor’s body, it looks really good.”
2. Sexy / Hot
Thai compliment: แซบ (sâaep)
Literal meaning: “delicious” (Northeast dialect)
Example:
ตาลใส่ชุดเดรสสีแดงตัวนั้นแล้วแซบมาก
dtaan-sài-chút-dréet-sǐi-daaeng-dtuua-nán-láaeo-sâaep-mâak
“Tarn looks really sexy, wearing that red dress.”
3. Classy
Thai compliment: ดูแพง (duu-phaaeng)
Literal meaning: “look expensive”
Example:
แป้งบุคลิกและหน้าตาดี ใส่อะไรก็ดูแพงไปหมด
bpaaeng-bùk-khà-lík-láae-nâa-dtaa-dii sài-à-rai-gâaw-duu-phaaeng-bpai-mòt
“Pang has a good personality and pretty face. She looks classy regardless of her dress.”
4. Light skin tone
Thai compliment: ขาววิ้ง (khǎao-wíng)
Literal meaning: “sparkling white”
Example:
แนทผิวขาววิ้งมาก ใส่เสื้อผ้าสีสดใสแล้วดูดี
náaet-phǐu-khǎao-wíng-mâk sài-sûuea-phâa-sǐi-sòt-sǎi-láaeo-duu-dii
“Nat has a really light skin tone. She looks really good when wearing colorful clothes.”
Additional note: Thai people think that a light skin tone is beautiful.
5. Look stunning
Thai compliment: มีออร่า (mii-aaw-râa)
Literal meaning: “has aura”
Example:
เมื่อคืนพินมีออร่ามาก เป็นเจ้าสาวที่สวยเวอร์
mûuea-khuuen-phin-mii-aaw-râa-mâak bpen-jâo-sǎao-thîi-sǔuai-wôoe
“Phin looked really stunning last night. She was a very beautiful bride.”
3. Thai Compliments on Someone’s Work
Compliments in the workplace are really important as they boost positive energy in the office and create a good working atmosphere. Thus, if you work with Thai people, you should know a few compliment words and phrases in Thai for the workplace.
1 – Good job
Thai compliment: ทำงานดี (tham-ngaan-dii)
Example:
ลูกค้าชอบพรีเซนท์ของคุณ ทำงานดีมาก
lûk-kháa-châawp-phrii-sént-khǎawng-khun tham-ngaan-dii-mâak
“Customers like your presentation. Good job!”
2 – Neat
Thai compliment: เรียบร้อยดี (rîiap-ráauy-dii)
Example:
งบกระแสเงินสดเดือนนี้เรียบร้อยดี ดีมาก
ngóp-grà-sǎae-ngen-sòt-duuan-níi-rîiap-ráauy-dii dii-mâak
“The cash flow report for this month is really neat. Well done.”
Additional note: This may sound a bit weird, but Thai people really do comment when the work is done in an organized manner and looks presentable.
3 – Good idea
Thai compliment: ไอเดียดี (ai-diia-dii)
Example:
ฉันชอบคอนเซปการตลาดอันนี้ ไอเดียดีมาก
chǎn-châawp-khaawn-sèp-gaan-dtà-làat-an-níi ai-diia-dii-mâak
“I like this marketing concept, very good idea.”
4 – Responsible
Thai compliment: มีความรับผิดชอบ (mii-khwaam-ráp-phìt-châawp)
Example:
คุณทำงานดีและมีความรับผิดชอบ ผมจะเลื่อนตำแหน่งให้
khun-tham-ngaan-dii-láae-mii-khwaam-ráp-phìt-châawp phǒm-jà-lûuean-dtam-nàaeng-hâi
“You work well and are responsible. I will promote you.”
5 – Solve problem well
Thai compliment: แก้ปัญหาได้ดี (gâae-bpan-hǎa-dâi-dii)
Example:
เมื่อวานคุณแก้ปัญหาได้ดีมาก
mûuea-waan-khun-gâae-bpan-hǎa-dâi-dii-mâak
“You solved the problem very well yesterday.”
6 – Awesome
Thai compliment: ยอดเยี่ยม (yâawt-yîiam)
Example:
การออกแบบของคุณยอดเยี่ยมมาก
gaan-àawk-bàap-khǎawng-khun-yâawt-yîiam-mâak
“Your design is awesome.”
4. Thai Compliments on Someone’s Skill
In addition to compliments for looks and work, another type of compliment you should know are those about someone’s skill. Below are some compliments you can use in various situations.
1 – Good at traveling
Thai compliment: เดินทางเก่ง (dooen-thaang-gèeng)
Example:
น้ำเดินทางเก่งมาก ให้ไปไหนก็ไปได้
nám-dooen-thaang-gèeng-mâak hâi-bpai-nǎi-gâaw-bpai-dâi
“Nam is very good at traveling. She can go anywhere.”
Additional note: This compliment is used to praise someone who can travel to various places without many problems. Some people can’t do this because they tire quickly, get lost easily, etc.
2 – Cook delicious food
Thai compliment: ทำอาหารอร่อย (tham-aa-hǎan-à-ràauy)
Example:
แม่ทำอาหารจีนอร่อยมาก ๆ
mâae-tham-aa-hǎan-jiin-à-ràauy-mâk-mâk
“Mom cooks Chinese food very deliciously.”
3 – Taking photos beautifully
Thai compliment: ถ่ายรูปสวย (thàai-rûup-sǔuai)
Example:
กนกถ่ายรูปสวย
gà-nòk-thàai-rûup-sǔuai
“Kanok takes photos beautifully.”
4 – Good at sports
Thai compliment: เล่นกีฬาเก่ง (lên-gii-laa-gèeng)
Example:
ตั้วเล่นปิงปองเก่งมาก
dtûua-lên-bping-bpaawng-gèeng-mâak
“Tua is very good at table tennis.”
Additional note: You can substitute กีฬา (gii-laa), which means “sport” in Thai, with the name of the sport.
5 – Sings well
Thai compliment: ร้องเพลงเพราะ (ráawng-pleeng-práo)
Example:
ทรายร้องเพลงเพราะเหมือนนักร้อง
saai-ráawng-pleeng-phráw-mǔuean-nák-ráawng
“Sai sings well like a singer.”
6 – Good at speaking
Thai compliment: พูดเก่ง (phûut-gèeng)
Example:
ถึงจะอายุยังน้อย แต่มินท์เป็นเด็กที่พูดเก่งมาก
thǔng-jà-aa-yú-yang-náauy dtàae-mín-bpen-dèk-thîi-phûut-gèeng-mâak
“Despite her young age, Mint is good at speaking.”
7 – Draws pictures beautifully
Thai compliment: วาดรูปสวย (wâat-rûup-sǔuai)
Example:
แนนวาดรูปสวยมาก เหมือนจิตรกรเลย
naaen-wâat-rûup-sǔuai-mâak-mǔuean-jìt-dtrà-khaawn-looei
“Nan draws pictures beautifully like an artist.”
8 – Dances well
Thai compliment: เต้นเก่ง (dtên-gèeng)
Example:
นอกจากจะร้องเพลงเก่งแล้ว เบิร์ดยังเต้นเก่งด้วย
nâawk-jàak-jà-ráawng-phleeng-gèeng-láaeo bóoet-yang-dtên-gèeng-dûuai
“Apart from singing well, Bird also dances well.”
9 – Good at (subject)
Thai compliment: เก่ง… (gèeng-…)
Explanation: Put the name of the subject after เก่ง (gèeng).
Example:
จินดาเก่งเลขและภาษาอังกฤษมาก
Jin-daa gèeng lêek láe phaa-săa ang-grìt mâak
“Jinda is very good at Math and English.”
10 – Good at doing makeup
Thai compliment: แต่งหน้าเก่ง (dtàaeng-nâa-gèeng)
Example:
น้องสาวของฉันแต่งหน้าเก่ง
náawng-sǎao-khǎawng-chǎn-dtàaeng-nâa-gèeng
“My sister is good at doing makeup.”
11 – Good at teaching
Thai compliment: สอนหนังสือดี (sǎawn-nǎng-sǔue-dii)
Example:
นักเรียนทุกคนชอบครูฝัน เพราะ ครูใจดีและสอนหนังสือดี
nák-riian-thúk-khon-châawp-khruu-fǎn phráw-khruu-sǎawn-nǎng-sǔue-dii
“Every student likes Teacher Fhun because she is kind and good at teaching.”
12 – Good at ___
Thai compliment: … เก่ง (…-gèeng)
Explanation: Put a verb before เก่ง (gèeng) to show that someone is good at that action.
Example 1:
ยิ้มออกแบบเสื้อผ้าเก่ง
Yím-àawk-bàap-sûuea-phâa-gèeng
“Yim is good at designing clothes.”
Example 2:
อนันต์พรีเซ็นต์งานเก่งมาก ลูกค้าประทับใจ
à-nan-phrii-sént-ngaan-gèeng-mâak lûuk-kháa-bprà-tháp-jai
“Anan is very good at presentations. Customers like it.”
5. Conclusion
At this point, you should be able to give basic compliments in Thai. As mentioned before, learning how to give compliments is very important and can be very useful. So keep practicing.
Also, we would like to know whether you found this lesson hard or easy. Is giving compliments in Thai different from how it’s done in your native language? Leave us a comment below to let us know!
And don’t forget to check out our other fun lessons at ThaiPod101.com. We recommend our lessons on Loy Krathong Day and Thai Sweets if you want to learn more about Thai culture.
Happy learning!
Best 2020 Guide to Learn Thai Angry Phrases
Imagine that you’re pissed. The anger fills up your body. You’re annoyed, and you just feel like hitting something. Naturally, you want to let your anger out, and one way to do so is through words. In this lesson, you’ll learn about how to express that you’re angry in Thai.
Learning the most common angry Thai phrases is not only a great way to learn new sentence patterns and see Thai grammar at work, but it will also help you understand more about Thai people’s behavior when angry. Throughout this lesson, you’ll see that the way Thai people convey their anger through words is different from how people in other cultures do so.
In this lesson, we’ll first teach you basic Thai words for anger that you should know, and how Thai people express their anger. You’ll get to learn how to use the word “angry” in Thai sentences and study more anger-related vocabulary. In addition, we’ll provide the English translations of each phrase so you can know exactly what you’re saying!
Table of Contents
- Words for “Angry” in Thai
- Angry Imperatives
- Angry Warnings
- Angry Blames
- Describing How You Feel in Thai
- Angry Exclamations in Thai
- How to Calm Yourself Down
- Conclusion
1. Words for “Angry” in Thai
Let’s start by learning how to say “anger” in Thai. Thai people often convey their emotions, especially anger, through their tone of voice. The sentences and phrases in the following sections are commonly used by native Thai speakers when angry, but keep in mind that they also use them when they’re not angry. It’s the tone, not the words, that really implies anger.
Another point you should know is that, naturally, when people are angry, they sometimes let emotions cloud their judgment and end up saying some rude words. If you’re in Thailand, don’t be surprised if you hear some of these rude Thai words from time to time.
Please note that just like people in some other countries, Thai people have a negative attitude toward people who swear or speak rudely. So you have to be careful in this regard. Still, as a language-learner, you need to understand not only the polite Thai words but also the not-so-polite ones. Thai people don’t always speak nicely and it would be weird if you only understood the nicer words.
1- Rude Thai Words
When Thai people become angry, they sometimes use different pronouns to refer to themselves or other parties:
- กู (guu) is a rude version of the pronoun “I” in Thai. It can be used by both male and female speakers.
- มึง (mueng) is a rude version of the pronoun “you” in Thai. It can be used for both males and females.
If you’ve been learning Thai for some time, you may recognize ค่ะ (khâ) and ครับ (khráap), which Thai people put at the end of sentences to make them sound polite. However, when Thai people become angry, they put วะ (wá) at the end of sentences instead. This word makes sentences sound impolite and can convey angry emotions in Thai.
Now that you know how Thai people express their anger, let’s see some anger-related Thai vocabulary. Below are some basic words and phrases you can use to express your anger.
2- Vocabulary
- โกรธ (gròot) is “angry.”
- ความโกรธ (khwaam-gròot) is “anger.”
- ฉุน (chǔn) is “mad.”
- เสียใจ (sǐia-jai) is “sad.”
- โกรธมาก (gròot-mâak) is “very angry.”
- เสียใจมาก (sǐia-jai-mâak) is “very sad.”
2. Angry Imperatives
Now that you’ve learned some Thai words for “angry,” let’s learn a few angry Thai phrases that you can use during a heated conversation.
1- Shut up.
Thai: เงียบ (ngîiap); หุบปาก (hùp-bpàak)
Example 1:
ช่วยเงียบ ๆ หน่อยได้มั้ย ประสาทจะกินแล้ว
chûuay-ngîiap-ngîiap-nhòi-dâi-mái bprà-sàat-jà-gin-láaeo
“Would you shut up? I’m going crazy (because of your voice).”
Example 2:
หุบปาก อย่าพูดมาก น่ารำคาญ
hùp-bpàak yhàa-phûut-mâak nâa-ram-khaan
“Shut up! Don’t talk, because it is annoying.”
Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, เงียบ (ngîiap) is more polite than หุบปาก (hùp-bpàak). Actually, the word เงียบ (ngîiap) itself doesn’t convey anger. So if you hear this word, you can judge whether the speaker is angry or not by the tone.
2- Stop.
Thai: หยุด (yhùt)
Example:
จะทำอะไรหนะ หยุดตรงนั้นเลยนะ
jà-tham-à-rai-nà yhùt-dtrong-nán-looei-ná
“What are you doing? Stop right there!”
Additional note: Similar to เงียบ (ngîiap), the word หยุด (yhùt) itself doesn’t convey anger. So if you hear this word, you can judge whether the speaker is angry or not by the tone.
3- Cut it out.
Thai: หยุดเดี๋ยวนี้ (yhùt-dǐiao-níi)
Example:
หยุดเดี๋ยวนี้เลยนะ เธอกล้ารื้อของส่วนตัวฉันได้ยังไง
yhùt-dǐiao-níi-looei-ná thooe-glâa-rúue-khǎawng-sùuan-dtuua-chǎn-dâi-yang-ngai
“Cut it out now. How dare you go through my personal things?”
4- Leave me alone.
Thai: อย่ามายุ่ง (yhàa-maa-yûng)
Example:
อย่ามายุ่ง เธอสร้างปัญหามากพอแล้ว
yhàa-maa-yûng thooe-sâang-bpan-hǎa-mâak-phaaw-láaeo
“Leave me alone, you already caused me a lot of trouble.”
Additional note: ปล่อยฉันไว้คนเดียว (bplàauy-chǎn-wái-khon-diiao) literally means “leave me alone” in Thai. However, its literal meaning conveys sadness rather than anger, so using อย่ามายุ่ง (yhàa-maa-yûng) is better.
5- Get lost.
Thai: ไปให้พ้น (bpai-hâi-phón); ไสหัวไปไกล ๆ (sǎi-hǔua-bpai-glai-glai)
Example 1:
ไปให้พ้น ฉันไม่อยากเห็นหน้าเธออีก
bpai-hâi-phón chǎn-mâi-yàak-hěn-nhâa-thooe-ìik
“Get lost! I don’t want to see your face again.”
Example 2:
วัน ๆ สร้างแต่เรื่อง ไสหัวไปให้ไกล ๆ เลยนะ
wan-wan-sâang-dtàae-rûueang sǎi-hǔua-bpai-hâi-glai-glai-looei-ná
“You cause nothing but trouble, just get lost!”
Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, ไปให้พ้น (bpai-hâi-phón) is more polite than ไสหัวไปไกล ๆ (sǎi-hǔua-bpai-glai-glai).
3. Angry Warnings
Let’s learn angry Thai phrases that are used as a warning. Use these Thai sentences to warn someone that you’re getting angry.
1- Don’t mess with me.
Thai: อย่ามาลองดีนะ (yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná); อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná)
Example 1:
ทำงานตามที่บอกไป อย่ามาลองดีนะ
tham-ngaan-dtaam-thîi-bàawk-bpai yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná
“Just do what you are told to do, don’t mess with me.”
Example 2:
ถอยไปไกล ๆ เลย อย่ามาแหยมนะ
thǎauy-bpai-glai-glai-looei yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná
“Back off, don’t mess with me.”
Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, อย่ามาลองดีนะ (yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná) is more formal than อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná). อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná) is used in spoken language.
2- You’re asking for trouble.
Thai: อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná); อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang)
Example 1:
ทำตัวดี ๆ อย่าหาเรื่องนะ
tham-dtuua-dii-dii yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná
“Behave, you are asking for trouble now.”
Example 2:
ใช่เรื่องนายรึเปล่า ถ้าไม่ใช่ก็อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง
châi-rûueang-khǎawng-naai-rúe-bplào thâa-mâi-châi-gâaw-yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang
“If it is not your business, then just back off. You’re asking for trouble now.”
Additional note: Actually, เธอกำลังหาปัญหาใส่ตัวอยู่ (thooe-gam-lang-hǎa-bpan-hǎa-sài-dtuaa-yhùu) is the literal meaning of “You’re asking for trouble.” However, Thai people don’t say that. We use อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná) or อย่าแส่หาเรือง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang), which literally mean “Don’t ask for trouble.” Comparing อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná) and อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang), the first one is more polite than the second one.
3- Don’t make me say it again.
Thai: อย่าให้ต้องเตือนอีกนะ (yhàa-hâi-dtâawng-dtuuean-ìik-ná)
Example:
รู้ใช่มั้ยว่าถ้าผลการเรียนไม่ดีจะเป็นยังไง ทำตัวดี ๆ อย่าให้ต้องเตือนอีกนะ
Rúu-châi-mái-wâa-thâa-phǒn-gaan-riian-mâi-dii-jà-bpen-yang-ngai tham-dtuua-dii-dii yhàa-hâi- dtâawng-dtuuean-ìik-ná
“You do know what would happen if your school report remains bad, right? So be a good student. Don’t make me say it again.”
4- This is my last warning.
Thai: เตือนครั้งสุดท้ายนะ (dtuuean-khráng-sùt-tháai-ná)
Example:
เตือนครั้งสุดท้ายนะ ถ้ายังสอบตกอีกจะไม่ให้เล่นเกมส์แล้ว
dtuuean-khráng-sùt-tháai-ná thâa-yang-sàawp-dtòk-ìik-jà-mâi-hâi-lên-geem-láaeo
“This is my last warning. If you fail another test, you will no longer be allowed to play games.”
5- I don’t want to see you again.
Thai: อย่ามาให้เห็นหน้าอีก (yhàa-maa-hâi-hěn-nhâa-ìik)
Example:
ถ้ายืนยันจะทำแบบนี้ิ ก็อย่ามาให้เห็นหน้าอีกนะ
thâa-yuuen-yan-jà-tham-bàaep-níi gâaw-yhàa-maa-hâi-hěn-nhâa-ìik-ná
“I don’t want to see you again if you insist on doing that.”
6- Don’t be silly.
Thai: อย่างี่เง่า (yhàa-ngîi-ngâo)
Example:
อย่างี่เง่านะ จะไม่โกรธอะไรกับเรื่องไม่เป็นเรื่อง
yhàa-ngîi-ngâo-ná jà-maa-gròot-à-rai-gàp-rûueang-mâi-bpen-rûueang
“Don’t be silly, you are making a problem out of nothing.”
7- I will not tolerate that.
Thai: เหลือทนแล้วนะ (lǔuea-thon-láaeo-ná); ทนไม่ไหวแล้ว (thon-mâi-wǎi-láaeo)
Example 1:
เหลือทนแล้วนะ วัน ๆ ไม่ทำอะไรให้มีประโยชน์เลย
lǔuea-thon-láaeo-ná wan-wan-mâi-tham-à-rai-hâi-mii-bprà-yòot-looei
“I will not tolerate this. You don’t do anything useful at all.”
Example 2:
ทำไมเธอถึงซกมกได้ขนาดนี้ ฉันทนไม่ไหวแล้ว
tham-mai-thooe-thǔng-sók-mók-dâi-khà-nàat-níi chǎn-thon-mâi-wǎi-láaeo
“How can you be this messy? I will no longer tolerate this.”
8- It is none of your business.
Thai: อย่าเสือก (yhàa-sùueak)
Example:
นี่มันเรื่องในครอบครัวของฉัน อย่าเสือก
nîi-man-rûueang-nai-khrâawp-khruua-khǎawng-chǎn yhàa-sùueak
“This is my family’s issue. It is none of your business.”
Additional note: This word is viewed as a bit rude.
4. Angry Blames
This section will teach you another type of angry phrase in Thai: the angry blame. Below is a list of phrases you can use.
1- What were you thinking?
Thai: คิดบ้าอะไรอยู่ (khít-bâa-à-rai-yhùu)
Example:
ซื้อของแพงขนาดนี้มาได้ยังไง คิดบ้าอะไรอยู่
súue-khǎawng-phaaeng-khà-nàat-níi-maa-dâi-yang-ngai khít-bâa-à-rai-yhùu
“How could you buy such an expensive thing? What were you thinking?”
2- Who do you think you are?
Thai: คิดว่าตัวเองเป็นใครกัน (khít-wâa-dtuua-eeng-bpen-khrai-gan)
Example:
อยู่ ๆ จะมาสั่งนู่นสั่งนี่ได้ยังไง คิดว่าตัวเองเป็นใครกัน
yhùu-yhùu-ja-maa-sàng-nûun-sàng-nîi-dâi-yang-ngai khít-wâa-dtuaa-eeng-bpen-khrai-gan
“How can you go bossing people around? Who do you think you are?”
3- Are you out of your mind?
Thai: บ้าไปแล้วรึไง (bâa-bpai-láaeo-rúe-ngai)
Example:
บ้าไปแล้วรึไง เราแทบจะไม่มีอะไรกินอยู่แล้วยังเอาเงินไปเล่นพนันอีก
bâa-bpai-láaeo-rúe-ngai rao-thâaep-jà-mâi-mii-à-rai-gin-yhùu-láaew-yang-ao-ngooen-bpai-lên-phá-nan-ìik
“Are you out of your mind? We almost have nothing to eat, but you still use our money for gambling.”
4- What’s wrong with you?
Thai: เป็นบ้าอะไรเนี่ย (bpen-bâa-à-rai-nîia)
Example:
เป็นบ้าอะไรเนี่ย มาถึงก็โวยวายเสียงดัง
bpen-bâa-à-rai-nîia maa-thǔeng-gâaw-wooi-waai-sǐiang-dang
“What’s wrong with you? You were frantic as soon as you arrived.”
5- It’s all your fault.
Thai: ความผิดเธอ / นายนั่นแหละ (khwaam-phìt-thooe / naai-nân-làae)
Example:
ความผิดเธอนั่นแหละที่คืนนี้พวกเราไม่มีที่ซุกหัวนอน
khwaam-phìt-thooe-nân-lhàae-thîi-khuuen-níi-rao-mâi-mii-thîi-súk-hǔa-naawn
“It’s all your fault we have no place to sleep tonight.”
Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.
6- You messed it up.
Thai words: เธอ / นาย ทำพังเอง (thooe / naai-tham-phang-eeng)
Example:
นายทำพังเอง อย่ามาโทษคนอื่นนะ
naai-tham-phang-eeng yhàa-maa-thôot-khon-ùuen-ná
“You messed it up. Don’t blame it on others.”
Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.
7- You’re impossible.
Thai: เธอ / นาย ช่างเรื่องเยอะ (thooe / naai-châang-rûueang-yóe)
Example:
เธอช่างเรื่องเยอะ ใครทำอะไรก็ไม่ถูกใจ
thooe-chaang-ruueang-yóe khrai-tham-à-rai-gaaw-mai-thuuk-jai
“You’re impossible. No one can please you.”
Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.
5. Describing How You Feel in Thai
Another way you can express your anger is to tell others how you feel. For example, knowing how to say “I am angry” in Thai will be immensely helpful. You can use the sentences below to convey your anger, or other negative emotions, in Thai.
1- I’m very upset.
Thai: ฉัน / ผมอารมณ์เสียแล้วนะ (chǎn / phǒm-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo-ná)
Example:
เธอไม่ฟังที่ฉันบอกเลย ฉันอารมณ์เสียแล้วนะ
thooe-mâi-fang-thîi-chǎn-bàawk-looei chǎn-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo-ná
“You’re not even listening to what I’m saying. I’m very upset.”
Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm).
2- I’m fed up with it.
Thai: เหลือจะทนแล้วนะ (lǔuea-jà-thon-láaeo-ná)
Example:
เธอพูดจาดูถูกฉันมาตลอด เหลือจะทนแล้วนะ
thooe-phûut-jaa-duu-thùuk-chǎn-maa-dtà-làawt lǔuea-jà-thon-láaeo-ná
“You always insult me. I’m fed up with it.”
3- I hate it.
Thai: ฉัน / ผมเกลียดมัน (chǎn / phǒm-glìiat-man)
Example:
เพื่อนคนนั้นแกล้งผมบ่อยมาก ผมเกลียดมัน
phûuean-khon-nán-glâaeng-phǒm-bàauy-mâak phǒm-glìiat-man
“That friend bullies me very often. I hate it.”
Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm). Normally, มัน (man) refers to “it” in Thai. However, sometimes, Thai people impolitely use this word to refer to people they don’t like.
4- I have never been so disappointed.
Thai: ฉัน / ผมโคตรผิดหวังเลย (chǎn / phǒm-khôot-phìt-wǎng-looei)
Example:
พอรู้ว่าทีมของเราแพ้ ผมโคตรผิดหวังเลย
phaaw-rúu-wâa-thiim-khǎawng-phûuak-rao-pháae phǒm-khôot-phìt-wǎng-looei
“I have never been so disappointed to learn that our team lost.”
Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm). โคตร (khôot) means “very” in Thai. However, it’s not polite to use this word, so don’t ever use it in formal situations.
6. Angry Exclamations in Thai
In addition to phrases and sentences, another way you can express your anger in Thai is through angry exclamations. There are three angry exclamations you should know.
1- หน็อย
Thai pronunciation: nhǎauy
How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry and feel like doing something to the cause of their anger.
Example:
หน็อย ถ้าเจออีกนะ จะเตะแม่งเลย
nhǎauy thâa-jooe-ìik-ná jà-dtè-mâaeng-looei
“Nhǎauy, if I see him again, I will kick his ass.”
2- โธ่เว้ย
Thai pronunciation: thôo-wóoei
How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry and disappointed due to a failure on their part.
Example:
โธ่เว้ย ถูกหวยกินอีกแล้ว
thôo-wóoei thùuk-hǔuai-gin-ìik-láaeo
“Thôo-wóoei, I lost my money to the lottery again.”
3- แม่งเอ๊ย
Thai pronunciation: mâaeng-óoei
How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry because things didn’t go as they wished.
Example:
แม่งเอ๊ย จะเอาอะไรนักหนาวะ
mâaeng-óoei jà-ao-à-rai-nák-nhǎa-wá
“Mâaeng-óoei, what more do you want from me?”
7. How to Calm Yourself Down
Now that you’ve learned sentences and phrases you can use to express your anger in Thai, we’ll now teach you some tips on how to calm yourself down.
1- Take a deep breath.
Thai: หายใจลึก ๆ (hǎai-jai-lúek-lúek)
Example:
หายใจลึก ๆ อย่าวู่วาม
hǎai-jai-lúek-lúek yhàa-wûu-waam
“Take a deep breath; don’t act hastily.”
2- Count 1-10.
Thai: นับหนึ่งถึงสิบ (náp-nùeng-thǔeng-sìp)
Example:
ใจเย็น ๆ นะ นับหนึ่งถึงสิบก่อน เดี๋ยวจะพลาดทำอะไรโง่ ๆ ไป
jai-yen-yen-ná náp-nùeng-thǔeng-sìp-gàawn dǐiao-jà-phlâat-tham-à-rai-ngôo-ngôo-bpai
“Calm down and count 1-10, or else you may do stupid things.”
3- Find something else to do.
Thai: หาอะไรอย่างอื่นทำ (hǎa-à-rai-yàang-ùuen-tham)
Example:
ตอนนี้เธออารมณ์เสียแล้ว ไปหาอะไรอย่างอื่นทำก่อนไป
dtaawn-níi-thooe-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo bpai-hǎa-à-rai-yàang-ùuen-tham-gàawn-bpai
“You are already upset. You better find something else to do.”
Additional note: If you do another activity, you may forget that you were angry.
4- Go to sleep.
Thai: ไปนอนซะ (bpai-naawn-sá)
Example:
ถ้าทำแล้วหงุดหงิดก็ไปนอนซะ
thâa-tham-láaeo-ngùt-ngìt-gâaw-bpai-naawn-sá
“If doing this makes you angry, then just go to sleep.”
Additional note: If you go to sleep, you may forget that you were angry by the time you wake up.
5- Talk it out.
Thai: บ่นมา (bòn-maa); ระบายออกมา (rá-baai-àawk-maa)
Example 1:
หน้าบึงเชียว บ่นมา จะได้อารมณ์ดีข้ึน
nhâa-bûeng-chiiao bòn-maa jà-dai-aa-rom-dii-khûen
“You are scowling. Talk it out; it will make your mood better.”
Example 2:
ไปโกรธอะไรมา ระบายออกมากจะได้สบายใจ
bpai-gròot-a-rai-maa rá-baai-àawk-maa-jà-dai-sà-baai-jai
“Why are you angry? Talk it out, you’ll feel better.”
Additional note: Talking may not solve the problem, but it can make you feel better.
8. Conclusion
You’ve just finished another lesson. Congratulations! How do you feel after learning Thai angry phrases? Does the way Thai people express anger differ from how you do? Please comment below to let us know.
We would also like to remind you that despite sometimes speaking rudely when angry, Thai people have a negative attitude toward people who speak impolitely. So you should refrain from speaking rudely, even when you’re angry.
And now that you’ve finished this lesson, there’s so much more for you to explore on ThaiPod101.com. We have a variety of fun and interesting lessons waiting for you. Maybe after reading this article about getting angry in Thai, you should try 15 happy words or the top 20 words for positive emotions to lighten up your mood.
Happy Thai learning!
Life Event Messages: Learn Happy Birthday in Thai & More!
People are pretty much the same. We’re born, live our life, and in the end, we die. However, the life events people celebrate and experience around the world are not always the same. This is because each country has its own culture, traditions, and beliefs, which causes people the world over to pay attention to different events in life.
In this lesson, you’ll get to learn about life events in Thai. ThaiPod101.com will teach you about important life events in Thailand, what happens during those events, and what you’re supposed to say (like Happy Birthday in Thai or how to wish a happy new year in Thai). As mentioned earlier, these events are influenced by culture, tradition, and beliefs, so you’ll also get to learn more about Thai people in those respects as well.
There are many important life events in Thailand, and many Thai congratulations and condolences you can offer. And we have good news for you: all of these messages can be used for both speaking and writing!
Table of Contents
- Birthdays in Thailand
- Graduation in Thailand
- Ordination Ceremony in Thailand
- Weddings in Thailand
- Pregnancy in Thai
- New House
- New Business or Business Anniversary
- Visiting Injured/Sick People
- Funerals in Thai
- Holidays in Thailand
- Conclusion
1. Birthdays in Thailand
It’s natural for people to pay attention to birthdays. After all, it marks the beginning of a person’s life. วันเกิด (wan-gòoet) is “birthday” in Thai. When it comes to birthdays, the questions that may pop into your mind are about how to write “Happy Birthday to you” in Thai or how to sing the Happy Birthday song in Thai. Don’t worry; we’ll get everything covered for you. But before we answer your questions, let’s learn more about this event from a Thai person’s perspective.
Birthdays aren’t considered a very important event in Thailand. Children may get excited for their birthdays, and celebrate with birthday cake and presents from family and friends. When it comes to adults, the level of attention people pay to birthdays in Thailand varies. Some people throw a big party to celebrate a birthday, while others just do merit and go out for a special meal with family, friends, or their lover. Still, some people don’t pay attention to this event at all; it’s just another day for them.
If you live in Thailand or happen to know Thai people and want to wish them a happy birthday in Thai, you should focus on the information below.
1- Happy Birthday in Thai
Thai language: สุขสันต์วันเกิด
Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan-gòoet
Additional note: This is a very general way to wish someone a happy birthday in Thai, and you can use this in both formal and informal situations. Still, it’s good to know that Thai people often say “Happy Birthday” in English, as well as สุขสันต์วันเกิด (sùk-sǎn wan-gòoet). Now, about the Happy Birthday song in Thai—there is none. Thai people sing the English version.
2- Happy Birthday Wishes in Thai
Thai people often wish for the birthday person to be healthy, wealthy, happy, and to have a good time. Here is a list of formal birthday wishes in Thai you can use.
Wish 1: I wish you to be healthy.
Thai language: ขอให้สุขภาพร่างกายแข็งแรง
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi sùk-khà-phâap-râang-gaai khǎaeng-raaeng
Wish 2: I wish you to be very happy.
Thai language: ขอให้มีความสุขมาก ๆ
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii khwaam-sùk mâak-mâak
Wish 3: I wish you to be wealthy.
Thai language: ขอให้ร่ำรวย
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi râm-ruuai
Wish 4: I wish you to have a good year.
Thai language: ขอให้ปีนี้เป็นปีที่ดี
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bpii-níi bpen bpii thîi dii
3- Happy Birthday Wishes to Elders in Thai
In Thai culture, you can say that you wish something for younger people, but it’s not proper for younger people to do this for elders. This is because, in Thai society, young people are expected to respect people who are older. If you do wish something for an elder, there is a way to say it properly, shown below.
Thai language: ขอให้คุณพระศรีรัตนตรัยบันดาลให้…
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi khun phrá-srǐi-rát-dtà-ná-dtrai ban-daan hâi…
English translation: “May the triple gems wish you…”
Additional note: Since you can’t bless elders directly, you ask a sacred item that Thai people believe blesses them instead. In Thailand, most people are Buddhist, so Thai people often use พระศรีรัตนตรัย (phrá-srǐi-rát-dtà-ná-dtrai), which is “the triple gems.”
2. Graduation in Thailand
พิธีสำเร็จการศึกษา (phí-thii sǎm-rèt gaan-sùek-sǎa), or a “graduation ceremony,” is a big event in Thailand. It’s viewed as the first success in life, as well as a sign that you’ve become an adult; after this, you’re expected to work and take care of yourself. On graduation day, graduated students receive a diploma from the Thai royal family. Family and friends normally come to congratulate graduates with flowers and gifts.
If you happen to have a Thai friend who’s about to graduate, here’s a list of graduation messages in Thai you can use.
1- Happy Graduation in Thai
Thai language: ยินดีด้วยที่เรียนจบ
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii-dûuai thîi riian jòp
Additional note: This is a very typical graduation wish you can use in both formal and informal situations.
2- I would like to congratulate to graduate.
Thai language: ขอแสดงความยินดีกับบัณฑิตใหม่
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw sà-daaeng khwaam-yin-dii gàp ban-dìt mài
Additional note: This is another congratulation in Thai for graduates you can use. This one is more formal than the previous one.
3- Graduation Wishes in Thai
In addition to the two ways of saying congratulations in Thai above, you can also say offer more good wishes to the graduate. These wishes can be used in both formal and informal situations. The basic sentence you should know is ดีใจด้วย ขอให้… (dii-jai-dûuai khǎaw-hâi), which means “I’m so happy for you. I wish (you to be)…”. You can choose one of the wishes listed below to fill the blank.
Wish 1: Be successful in work.
Thai language: ประสบความสำเร็จในการทำงาน
Thai pronunciation: bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt nai gaan-tham-ngaan
Wish 2: Be successful in life.
Thai language: ประสบความสำเร็จในชีวิต
Thai pronunciation: bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt nai chii-wít
Wish 3: A bright and shiny future is waiting for you.
Thai language: มีอนาคตที่สดใสรออยู่
Thai pronunciation: mii a-naa-khót thîi sòt-sǎi raaw yùu
3. Ordination Ceremony in Thailand
งานบวช (ngaan-bùuat) is “ordination ceremony” in Thai. For Buddhist families with son(s), the ordination ceremony is considered a big life event for them. As the head of a family in the future, it’s tradition for males to be ordained for a short period of time to learn the Buddha’s teachings so that he can use them later in life. Family and friends are invited to this ordinations ceremony. ThaiPod101.com will teach you sentences you may hear, and some you can use, to congratulate someone in formal situations.
1- I’m so happy for you.
Thai language: ขอร่วมอนุโมทนาบุญด้วย
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw rûuam à-nú-moo-thá-naa-bun dûuai
Additional note: This Thai message is quite special. It’s used in Buddhism-related situations only. In an ordination ceremony, Thai people use this phrase to show that they’re happy for what you’re doing (getting ordained to be a monk).
2- I hope you will be able to learn Buddha’s teachings well.
Thai language: ขอให้ศึกษาพระธรรมให้เต็มที่
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi sùek-sǎa phrá-tham hâi dtem-thîi
Additional note: You can use this phrase in addition to saying that you’re happy they’re going to study as a monk.
3- You’re becoming a monk so your parents can go to heaven.
Thai language: บวชให้พ่อแม่ได้เกาะชายผ้าเหลืองขึ้นสวรรค์
Thai pronunciation: bùuat hâi phâaw-mâae dâi gàw chaai-phâa-lǔueang khûen sà-wǎn
Additional note: This isn’t a message you say to the host, but is rather a famous saying related to the ordination ceremony which reflects Thai beliefs regarding this matter. Its literal meaning is “ordain so parents can hold the rim of yellow clothes to heaven.” Here’s an explanation: Thai monks have their own outfit, which is a yellow robe. In the ordination ceremony, a new monk wears the yellow robe for the first time, and parents can hold on to the rim of the yellow outfit to the heaven.
4. Weddings in Thailand
Like the rest of the world, a wedding is an important life event in Thailand. Most people, especially women, want to have a wedding ceremony. Some wedding ceremonies are pretty small, and only family and close friends are invited. Some wedding ceremonies, however, can be very big with up to a thousand guests. Normally, at the reception of the wedding, there’s a book for guests to write their wishes to the bride and groom in. If you’re going to a Thai wedding, here are wedding messages in Thai, and other Thai wedding congratulations, you can use.
1- Congratulations on your wedding.
Thai language: ยินดีกับการแต่งงานด้วย
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii gàp gaan-dtàaeng-ngaan dûuai
Additional note: This is a very general way to congratulate the wedding. You can use this in both formal and informal situations.
2- Wedding Wish from an Elder
In Thai society, when an elder offers good wishes to a younger bride and groom, they often use these wishes.
Wish 1: Wish you to love each other until you are old.
Thai language: ขอให้รักกันจนแก่เฒ่า ถือไม้เท้ายอดทองกระบองยอดเพชร
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi rák-gan jon gàae-thâo thǔue-mái-tháo-yâawt-thaawng-grà-baawng- yâawt-phét
Wish 2: Wish you to be together forever and always forgive each other.
Thai language: ขอให้รักกันนาน ๆ หนักนิดเบาหน่อยก็ให้อภัยกันนะ
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi rák gan naan-naan ngàk-nít-bao-nàauy gâaw hâi à-phai gan ná
Wish 3: Wish you to have a lot of children.
Thai language: ขอให้มีลูกเต็มบ้านมีหลานเต็มเมือง
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii lûuk dtem bâan mii-lǎan dtem muueang
3- Wedding Wishes from Friends
Wishes from friends are often more playful and informal. Here are the most popular ones.
Wish 1: I’m so happy that you are already married.
Thai language: ดีใจด้วย ขายออกแล้วนะ
Thai pronunciation: dii-jai dûuai khǎai àawk láaeo ná
Wish 2: I’m so happy for you and wish you eternal love.
Thai language: ดีใจด้วย รักกันนาน ๆ นะ
Thai pronunciation: dii-jai dûuai rák gan naan-naan ná
5. Pregnancy in Thai
When you learn that your beloved one is pregnant, naturally, you’re happy for them. In some countries, they do baby showers to congratulate them. However, in Thailand, we don’t do that. Once the new mother gives birth, you go and visit them.
Then, a month after the baby is born, you do an event called ทำขวัญเดือน (tham-kwǎn-duuean) or โกนผมไฟ (goon-phǒm-fai). In this event, the family wishes good things for the baby and celebrates that the baby is safe and healthy. It’s the first time that the baby’s hair is cut. However, only family partakes in this event.
As a friend, if you want to congratulate your Thai friend on their pregnancy or childbirth, you can send them these messages.
1- Wish both mother and baby to be healthy.
Thai language: ขอให้แข็งแรงทั้งคุณแม่และลูก
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi khǎaeng-raaeng tháng khun-mâae láe lûuk
Additional note: This is a Thai wish for both the mother and baby, that you say to the mother. It’s quite common and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
2- Be good kids for mom and dad.
Thai language: เป็นเด็กดีของพ่อแม่นะ
Thai pronunciation: bpen dèk dii khǎawng phâaw-mâae ná
Additional note: This is a Thai wish you say to the baby, although the baby may not understand you yet. When Thai people speak this, they normally use a kind tone.
3- Wish your baby to be healthy and grow up to be a good child.
Thai language: ขอให้ลูกสุขภาพแข็งแรงและเป็นเด็กดี
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi lûuk sùk-khà-phâap khǎaeng-raaeng láe bpen dèk dii
Additional note: This is a Thai wish for the baby that you say to the mother. It’s quite common and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
6. New House
Owning a house or condo in Thailand is viewed as another success. The owner of the house often hosts an event called งานทำบุญขึ้นบ้านใหม่ (ngaan tham-bun-khûen-bâan-mài), which means “merit making for new house,” to celebrate. They may also invite monks to bless the house so that it’s a nice place to live. Family and friends are normally invited to this event.
1- Congratulations on your new house.
Thai language: ยินดีด้วยที่ได้ขึ้นบ้านใหม่
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai thîi dâi khûen bâan-mài
Additional note: This is a very general way to congratulate the owner of a new house. You can use this in both formal and informal situations.
2- This is a good house, making the occupant rich.
Thai language: บ้านนี้ดี อยู่แล้วรวย
Thai pronunciation: bâan níi dii yùu láaeo ruuai
Additional note: This is one of the wishes Thai people often write down on a card, which they give to the owner of the house.
3- Occupants in this house will be happy and rich.
Thai language: บ้านนี้อยู่แล้ว ร่มเย็นเป็นสุข ร่ำรวย
Thai pronunciation: bâan níi yùu láaeo rôm-yen-bpen-sùk râm-ruuai
Additional note: This is another wish that Thai people often write down on a card, which they give to the owner of the house.
7. New Business or Business Anniversary
When Thai people start a new business or have a business anniversary, they sometimes invite a monk to bless their business. They believe it will bring luck and help make their business successful. Family, friends, and business partners are invited. Here’s a list of best wishes in Thai you can say to congratulate them.
1- General Thai Message on New Business / Business Anniversary
Wish 1: Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!
Thai language: เฮง เฮง เฮง
Thai pronunciation: heng heng heng
Additional note: This is one of the most popular wishes for others when it comes to business. Actually, it comes from Chinese.
Wish 2: Congratulations.
Thai language: ยินดีด้วยนะ
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai ná
2- Wishes for a New Business
Wish 1: Congratulations on your business, may it go well.
Thai language: ยินดีด้วยกับธุรกิจใหม่ ขอให้กิจการรุ่งเรือง
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai gàp thú-rá-gìt mài khǎaw hâi gìt-jà-gaan rûng-ruueang
Wish 2: Congratulations on your business, may the sales be very good.
Thai language: ยินดีด้วยกับธุรกิจใหม่ ขอให้ค้าขายรุ่งเรือง
Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai gàp thú-rá-gìt mài khǎaw hâi kháa-khǎai rûng-ruueang
3- Wishing a Happy Business Anniversary
Wish 1: May your business be even more successful.
Thai language: ขอให้ประสบความสำเร็จยิ่ง ๆ ขึ้นไป
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt yîng-yîng-khûen-bpai
Wish 2: May you be richer.
Thai language: ขอให้ร่ำรวยยิ่ง ๆ ขึ้นไป
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi râm-ruuai yîng-yîng-khûen-bpai
8. Visiting Injured/Sick People
Being sick is an inevitable event in life. And when you’re sick or injured, encouragement from family, friends, and people who love you can always make you feel better. Thai people are no different.
When you’re sick, you normally get encouraging messages from those who love you. If you get admitted to the hospital, those who love you often come to visit with some fruit and nourishing food or drinks. If you visit Thai people in the hospital or have a sick friend, the following Thai condolences and encouragement phrases will be useful for you. You can use them in both formal and informal situations.
1- Get well soon.
Thai language: หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ
Thai pronunciation: hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná
Additional note: This is a general message that Thai people often say or write down on a card for someone who is sick or injured.
2- Get a lot of rest and get well soon.
Thai language: พักผ่อนเยอะ ๆ หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ
Thai pronunciation: phák-phàawn yóe-yóe hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná
3- Take care of yourself and get well soon.
Thai language: ดูแลตัวเองดี ๆ หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ
Thai pronunciation: duu-laae dtuua-eeng dii-dii hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná
9. Funerals in Thai
งานศพ (ngaan-sòp), or a “funeral,” is the chance for the living to pay respect to the dead, as well as comfort the family of the deceased. คำอาลัย (kham aa-lai) is the “message to the dead” in Thai. If you go to a funeral in Thailand, here are some funeral messages in Thai, and other condolences in Thai, you should know.
1- May you go to heaven.
Thai language 1: ขอให้ไปสู่สุคติ
Thai pronunciation 1: khǎaw hâi bpai sùu sùk-khà-dtì
Thai language 2: ขอให้ไปที่ชอบ ๆ นะ
Thai pronunciation 2: khǎaw hâi bpai thîi-châawp-thîi-châawp ná
Additional note: This is a message that Thai people often say to the deceased at a funeral. Both sentences have the same meaning. However, the first one is more formal.
2- Message to the death (asking for forgiveness).
It’s impossible for people who know each other to never do, think, or say bad things to each other, regardless of intention. As most Thai people are Buddhist, we believe in a next life. Thus, it’s proper to ask for forgiveness and say that you forgive the deceased as well. So you should know these two sentences.
Message 1: Asking the deceased for forgiveness
Thai language: กรรมใดที่เคยทำไป อโหสิกรรมให้ด้วย
Thai pronunciation: gam-dai thîi khooei tham bpai à-hǒo-sì-gam hâi rao dûuai
Message 2: Forgiving the deceased for bad things he/she did to you
Thai language: ถ้าเคยทำอะไรที่ไม่ดีไว้ เราอโหสิกรรมให้
Thai pronunciation: thâa khooei tham à-rai thîi mâi dii wái rao à-hǒo-sì-gam hâi
3- Condolences in Thai
Message 1: My condolences for your loss. (Formal)
Thai language: ขอแสดงความเสียใจด้วย
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw sà-daaeng kwaam-sǐia-jai dûuai
Message 2: My condolences for your loss. (Informal)
Thai language: เสียใจด้วย
Thai pronunciation: sǐia-jai dûuai
10. Holidays in Thailand
There are a lot of holidays in Thailand. Thai people celebrate many foreign holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Halloween. However, luckily, the holiday greetings in Thai, or holiday messages for foreign holidays, are no different from those used in other countries. Thai people often say those in English, such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Still, ThaiPod101.com thinks you should learn some holiday wishes in Thai. In particular, the New Year holiday in Thailand is quite interesting.
In Thailand, people kind of celebrate the New Year three times a year: New Year’s Day, the Chinese New Year Day, and the Thai New Year Day. So you should learn some of the most common Thai New Year congratulations. The Thai wishes below can be used in both formal and informal situations.
1- Happy New Year Wishes in Thai
Wish 1: Happy New Year
Thai language: สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่
Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan-bpii-mài
Wish 2: Hello New Year
Thai language: สวัสดีปีใหม่
Thai pronunciation: sà-wàt-dii bpii-mài
Wish 3: May this year be full of happiness and prosperity.
Thai language: ขอให้มีแต่ความสุขความเจริญ
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii dtàae khwaam-sùk khwaam-jà-rooen
Wish 4: May this be a good year.
Thai language: ขอให้ปีนี้เป็นปีที่ดี
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bpii-níi bpen bpii thîi dii
2- Happy Chinese New Year Wishes in Thai
Wish 1: In this new year, may all your wishes come true. I wish you to be happy and rich all year.
Thai language: ซิงเจียยู่อี๋ ซิงนี้ฮวดใช้
Thai pronunciation: sin-jiia-yûu-ìi sin-níi-hûuat-chái
Additional note: This wish is Chinese. Despite saying this on the Chinese New Year, Thai people don’t really know what it means. They just know that they’re supposed to say this on that day.
Wish 2: Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!
Thai language: เฮง เฮง เฮง
Thai pronunciation: heng heng heng
Additional note: You may recognize this wish because it’s also used to wish a new business well, or to congratulate a business anniversary. It can also be used as a wish for the Chinese New Year as well.
3- Happy Thai New Year Wishes in Thai
Wish 1: Happy Songkran Day
Thai language: สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์
Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan sǒng-graan
Wish 2: Hello Thai New Year
Thai language: สวัสดีปีใหม่ไทย
Thai pronunciation: sà-wàt-dii bpii-mài-thai
Wish 3: May this year be full of happiness.
Thai language: ขอให้มีแต่ความสุข
Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii dtàae khwaam-sùk
11. Conclusion
Congratulations for reaching the conclusion. We hope you can use all these wishes and messages for life events in real situations. Are they different from yours? Does your country have the same life events? Leave a comment below to let us know.
And as always, don’t forget to visit ThaiPod101.com to learn interesting and fun Thai lessons. As we’ve just talked about holidays, you can learn more about national Thai holidays or the Songkran holiday in Thailand. Know that your hard work will pay off, and with the help of ThaiPod101, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!
List of Thai Adjectives You Must Know
Why should you learn Thai adjectives?
The adjective is a very important part of any language. It enables clear and detailed communication, and by using Thai adjectives, you can communicate in Thai like a native. Thus, learning Thai adjectives is a must for all Thai learners.
Both Thai adjectives and adverbs are used to add detail to a sentence, but in this article, we’ll only focus on Thai adjectives. Let’s start our lesson by answering the question, “How do you say adjective in Thai?”
คำคุณศัพท์ (kham khun-ná-sàp) is “adjective” in Thai, and like in every language, adjectives are descriptive words. This article will make learning descriptive Thai adjectives easy!
For your information, there are actually many types of Thai adjectives, but there’s no need to remember adjectives by type. Below is our list of adjectives in Thai, categorized into groups. But first, some information on how to use Thai language adjectives.
Table of Contents
- How to Use Thai Adjectives
- Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance & Frequency
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Value
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Feeling and Sense
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Personality and Feelings
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Speed, Difficulty & Importance
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Color
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Shape & Texture
- Thai Food Adjectives: Describing Taste
- Thai Adjectives for Describing Situations
- Describing Physical Traits, Conditions & Appearance
- Conclusion
1. How to Use Thai Adjectives
Let’s learn about Thai adjectives and how to use them. Fortunately, apart from remembering adjectives in Thai vocabulary, how to use Thai adjectives is very easy. When Thai people want to describe something, the pattern they use is “noun + adjective.” For example, ผู้หญิงสวย (phûu-yǐng sǔuai) is “beautiful woman.” Below is a more detailed explanation.
- ผู้หญิง (phûu-yǐng) is “woman” in Thai.
- สวย (sǔuai) is “beautiful” in Thai.
- Combining both words, with the noun first and adjective second, we get ผู้หญิงสวย (phûu-yǐng sǔuai), which means “beautiful woman.”
Sometimes, Thai people put a ลักษณะนาม (lák-sà-nà-naam), or “classifier,” in between the noun and adjective. ลักษณะนาม (lák-sà-nà-naam) is a noun used to describe the feature or structure of the noun in front.
Now that you have the basics down, here’s our Thai adjectives list!
2. Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance & Frequency
The first group of Thai adjectives you should learn are those that describe the physical features of an object, distance, and frequency. These are some of the most common Thai adjectives, and you’ll do well to learn these.
1- Big
Thai adjective: ใหญ่ (yài)
Example:
บ้านหลังใหญ่มักราคาแพง
Bâan lǎng yài mák raa-khaa phaaeng
“Big houses are often expensive.”
Opposite word: เล็ก (lék), which means “small” in Thai.
2- Small
Thai adjective: เล็ก (lék)
Example:
ฉันชอบกระเป๋าเล็ก ๆ
Chǎn châawp grà-bpǎo bai lék lék
“I like small bags.”
Opposite word: ใหญ่ (yài), which means “big” in Thai.
3- Wide
Thai adjective: กว้าง (gwâang)
Example 1:
ห้องนอนกว้างมาก ฉันชอบ
Hâawng-naawn gwâang mâak chǎn châawp
“The bedroom is very wide. I like it.”
Example 2:
ถนนเส้นใหม่กว้างดี
Thà-nǒn sêen mài gwâang dii
“The new road is wide.”
Opposite word: แคบ (khâaep), which means “narrow” in Thai.
Additional note: Thai people also use the word “wide” to describe a big area instead of using the word “big.”
4- Narrow
Thai adjective: แคบ (khâaep)
Example 1:
ห้องครัวแคบมาก วางของพอได้ยังไง
Hâawng-khruua khâaep mâak waang khǎawng phaaw dâi yang-ngai
“The kitchen is so narrow. How can you put everything in it?”
Example 2:
ทางเข้าบ้านเธอแคบจัง
Thaang khâo bâan thooe khâaep jang
“The way to your house is so narrow.”
Opposite word: กว้าง (gwâang), which means “wide” in Thai.
Additional note: Similar to “wide,” Thai people also use the word “narrow” to describe a small area instead of using the word “small.”
5- Thick
Thai adjective: หนา (nǎa)
Example:
หนังสือเล่มนั้นหนาเกินจะอ่านไหว
Nǎng-sǔue lêem nán nǎa gooen jà àan wǎi
“That book is too thick to read.”
Opposite word: บาง (baang), which means “thin” in Thai.
6- Thin
Thai adjective: บาง (baang)
Example:
ใส่เสื้อบางมากจะทำให้เป็นหวัด
Sài sûuea baang mâak jà tham hâi bpen wàt
“Wearing clothes that are too thin will make you catch a cold.”
Opposite word: หนา (nǎa), which means “thick” in Thai.
7- Tall / High
Thai adjective: สูง (sǔung)
Example:
ฉันไม่ชอบขึ้นบนตึกสูง
Chǎn mâi châawp khûen dtùek sǔung
“I don’t like to go up on high buildings.”
Opposite word: เตี้ย (dtîia) and ต่ำ (dtàm), which mean “low” in Thai.
8- Short
Thai adjective: เตี้ย (dtîia)
Example:
น้องเตี้ยเพราะไม่ชอบดื่มนม
Náawng dtîia phráw mâi châawp dùuem nom
“My brother is short because he doesn’t like drinking milk.”
Opposite word: สูง (sǔung), which means “high” in Thai.
9- Low
Thai adjective: ต่ำ (dtàm)
Example:
คะแนนต่ำสุดคือสิบคะแนน
Khá-naaen dtàm sùt khuue sìp khá-naaen
“The lowest score is ten.”
Opposite word: สูง (sǔung), which means “high” in Thai.
10- Heavy
Thai adjective: หนัก (nàk)
Example:
กล่องหนักมาก ฉันแบกไม่ไหว
Glàawng nàk mâak chǎn bàaek mâi wǎi
“The box is very heavy. I can’t carry it.”
Opposite word: เบา (bao), which means “light” in Thai.
11- Light
Thai adjective: เบา (bao)
Example:
สมุดมักเบากว่าหนังสือ
Sà-mùt mák bao gwàa nǎng-sǔue
“Notebooks are usually lighter than books.”
Opposite word: หนัก (nàk), which means “heavy” in Thai.
12- Close
Thai adjective: ใกล้ (glâi)
Example:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ใกล้ห้างสรรพสินค้า
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu glâi hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa
“My house is near (close to) a department store.”
Opposite word: ไกล (glai), which means “far” in Thai.
13- Far
Thai adjective: ไกล (glai)
Example:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ไกลโรงพยาบาล
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu glâi roong-phá-yaa-baan
“My house is far from the hospital.”
Opposite word: ใกล้ (glâi), which means “close” in Thai.
14- Often
Thai adjective: บ่อย (bàauy)
Example:
แม่มากินก๋วยเตี๋ยวร้านนี้บ่อย
Mâae maa gin gǔuai-dtǐiao ráan níi bàauy
“My mother often has noodles at this place.”
Opposite word: นาน ๆ ที (naan-naan-thii), which means “rarely” in Thai.
15- Rarely
Thai adjective: นาน ๆ ที (naan-naan-thii)
Example:
เพราะเป็นคนขี้เกียจ นาน ๆ ที แก้วจะทำความสะอาดห้องที
Phráw bpen khon khîi-gìiat naan-naan-thii gâaew jà tham-khwaam-sà-àat hâawng thii
“Because she is lazy, Gaaew rarely cleans her room.”
Opposite word: บ่อย (bàauy), which means “often” in Thai.
16- Many / Much
Thai adjective: มาก (mâak) / เยอะ (yóe)
Example 1:
กระเป๋าหนักมากเพราะมีของจำนวนมากในนั้น
Grà-bpǎo nàk mâak phráw mii khǎawng jam-nuuan mâak nai nán
“The bag is so heavy because there are many things in there.”
Example 2:
อาหารจานนี้มีสมุนไพรเยอะ
Aa-hǎan jaan níi mii sà-mǔn-phrai yóe
“There are many herbs in this dish.”
Opposite word: น้อย (náauy) and นิดเดียว (nít-diiao), which mean “few” or “little” in Thai.
Additional note: Whether you use มาก (mâak) or เยอะ (yóe) depends on the noun the adjective describes.
17- Few / Little
Thai adjective: น้อย (náauy) / นิดเดียว (nít-diiao)
Example 1:
บนชั้นมีของน้อย
Bon chán mii khǎawng náauy
“There are few things on the shelf.”
Example 2:
บนชั้นมีของนิดเดียว
Bon chán mii khǎawng nít-diiao
“There are few things on the shelf.”
Opposite word: มาก (mâak) and เยอะ (yóe), which mean “many” or “much” in Thai.
Additional note: These two words are pretty much the same. You can use น้อย (náauy) instead of นิดเดียว (nít-diiao) and vice versa.
3. Thai Adjectives for Describing Value
The second group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe value in Thai.
1- Good
Thai adjective: ดี (dii)
Example:
วันนี้อากาศดีมาก
Wan-níi aa-gàat dii mâak
“The weather is very good today.”
Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.
Additional note: ดี (dii) can be used to describe both quality and behavior.
2- Great
Thai adjective: เยี่ยม (yîiam)
Example:
เธอลองรึยัง มันเยี่ยมมาก
Thooe laawng rúe yang man yîiam mâak
“Have you tried this yet? It is great.”
Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.
Additional note: เยี่ยม (yîiam) is used to describe quality only.
3- Perfect
Thai adjective: เลิศ (lôoet)
Example:
มันเลิศมาก
Man lôoet mâak
“This is perfect.”
Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.
Additional note: Thai people also use the English word “perfect” in conversation instead of using เลิศ (lôoet). And for your information, เลิศ (lôoet) is used to describe quality only.
4- Bad
Thai adjective: ไม่ดี (mâi dii) / แย่ (yâae) / เลว (leeo)
Example 1:
อย่าทำแบบนี้ ไม่ดีเลย
Yàa tham bàaep-níi mâi dii looei
“Don’t do this. It is bad.”
Example 2:
สินค้าร้านนี้แย่มาก จะไม่ซื้ออีกแล้ว
Sǐn-kháa ráan níi yâae mâak jà mâi súue ìik láaeo
“The product from this shop is very bad. I won’t buy it again.”
Example 3:
เขาเป็นคนเลว
Khǎo bpen khon leeo
“He is a bad person.”
Opposite word: ดี (dii), เยี่ยม (yîiam), and เลิศ (lôoet), which mean “good,” “great,” and “perfect” respectively in Thai.
Additional note: ไม่ดี (mâi dii) and แย่ (yâae) can be used to describe both quality and behavior. เลว (leeo) is used to describe quality only. Of these three words, ไม่ดี (mâi dii) can be used in both formal and informal situations. On the other hand, แย่ (yâae) and เลว (leeo) are used more in spoken language.
5- Sucks (Bad)
Thai adjective: ห่วย (hùuai)
Example:
อาหารรสชาติห่วยมาก
Aa-hǎan rót-châat hùuai mâak
The food tastes sucky (bad).
Opposite word: ดี (dii), เยี่ยม (yîiam), and เลิศ (lôoet) which mean “good,” “great,” and “perfect” respectively in Thai.
Additional note: ห่วย (hùuai) is used to describe quality only. And similar to its English meaning, it’s informal spoken language.
4. Thai Adjectives for Describing Feeling and Sense
The third group of Thai adjectives are words used to describe feeling and sense in Thai.
1- Cold
Thai adjective: หนาว (nǎao)
Example:
ฉันไม่ชอบอากาศหนาว
Chǎn mâi châawp aa-gàat nǎao
“I don’t like cold weather.”
Opposite word: ร้อน (ráawn), which means “hot” in Thai.
2- Hot
Thai adjective: ร้อน (ráawn)
Example:
กาแฟร้อนนะ ระวังด้วย
Gaa-faae ráawn ná rá-wang dûuai
“The coffee is hot so be careful.”
Opposite word: หนาว (nǎao), which means “cold” in Thai.
3- Chilly
Thai adjective: เย็น (yen)
Example:
เชียงใหม่ตอนนี้อากาศเย็นสบาย น่าไปเที่ยว
Chiiang-mài dtaawn-níi aa-gàat yen sà-baai nâa bpai thìiao
“The weather in Chiiangmai is chilly now. It is a good time to travel there.”
Opposite word: อุ่น (ùn), which means “warm” in Thai.
4- Warm
Thai adjective: อุ่น (ùn)
Example:
ฉันชอบดื่มชาอุ่น ๆ
Chǎn châawp dùuem chaa ùn-ùn
“I like to drink warm tea.”
Opposite word: เย็น (yen), which means “chilly” in Thai.
5- Hard
Thai adjective: แข็ง (khǎaeng)
Example:
ขนมปังนี้แข็งมาก กินไปได้ยังไง
Khà-nǒm bpang níi khǎaeng mâak gin bpai dâi yang-ngai
“This bread is so hard. How can you eat it?”
Opposite word: นิ่ม (nîm), which means “soft” in Thai.
6- Soft
Thai adjective: นิ่ม (nîm)
Example:
ฉันชอบหมอนที่นิ่มมาก ๆ
Chǎn châawp mǎawn thîi nîm mâak-mâak
“I like very soft pillows.”
Opposite word: แข็ง (khǎaeng), which means “hard” in Thai.
7- Comfortable
Thai adjective: สบาย (sà-baai)
Example:
เก้าอี้ตัวนี้นั่งสบายมาก
Gâo-îi dtuua níi nâng sà-baai mâak
“This chair is very comfortable.”
Opposite word: อึดอัด (ùet-àt), which means “uncomfortable” in Thai.
8- Painful
Thai adjective: เจ็บ (jèp)
Example:
ท่ายืดตัวนั้นดูเจ็บมาก
Thâa yûuet dtuua nán duu jèp mâak
“That stretch posture looks so painful.”
9- Uncomfortable
Thai adjective: อึดอัด (ùet-àt)
Example:
ห้องเล็กแค่นั้น ถ้าอยู่กันเกินสองคนต้องอึดอัดมากแน่ ๆ
Hâawng lék khâae nán thâa yùu gan gooen sǎawng khon dtâawng ùet-àt mâak nâae-nâae
“That room is so small. If more than two people live there, it will be very uncomfortable.”
Opposite word: สบาย (sà-baai), which means “comfortable” in Thai.
10- Fresh
Thai adjective: สดชื่น (sòt-chûuen)
Example:
อากาศร้อนแบบนี้ ถ้าดื่มน้ำผลไม้เย็น ๆ ต้องสดชื่นมากแน่ ๆ
Aa-gaat ráawn bàaep níi thâa dùuem nám phǒn-lá-mái yen-yen dtâawng sòt-chûuen mâak nâae-nâae
“Drinking cold juice in this hot weather will be very fresh (refreshing).”
Opposite word: เหนื่อย (nùueai), which means “tired” in Thai.
11- Energetic
Thai adjective: กระปรี้กระเปร่า (grà-bprîi-grà-bprào)
Example:
ออกกำลังกายแล้วทำให้รู้สึกกระปรี้กระเปร่า
Àawk-gam-lang-gaai láaeo tham hâi rúu-sùek grà-bprîi-grà-bprào
“Exercise makes you feel energetic.”
Opposite word: เหนื่อย (nùueai), which means “tired” in Thai.
12- Tired
Thai adjective: เหนื่อย (nùueai)
Example:
ฉันทำงานมาสิบชั่วโมงแล้ว ตอนนี้เหนื่อยมาก
Chǎn tham-ngaan maa sìp chûua-moong láaeo dtaawn-níi nùueai mâak
“I have worked for more than ten hours, I’m so tired now.”
Opposite word: สดชื่น (sòt-chûuen) and กระปรี้กระเปร่า (grà-bprîi-grà-bprào), which mean “fresh” and “energetic” respectively in Thai.
5. Thai Adjectives for Describing Personality and Feelings
The fourth group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe a person in Thai, or personality Thai adjectives.
1- Diligent
Thai adjective: ขยัน (khà-yǎn)
Example:
นักเรียนคนนี้ขยันมาก
Nák-riian khon níi khà-yǎn mâak
“This student is so diligent.”
Opposite word: ขี้เกียจ (khîi-gìiat), which means “lazy” in Thai.
2- Lazy
Thai adjective: ขี้เกียจ (khîi-gìiat)
Example:
พ่อไม่ชอบคนขี้เกียจ
Phâaw mâi châawp khon khîi-gìiat
“My father doesn’t like lazy people.”
Opposite word: ขยัน (khà-yǎn), which means “diligent” in Thai.
3- Kind
Thai adjective: ใจดี (jai-dii)
Example:
แม่เป็นคนใจดี
Mâae bpen khon jai-dii
“My mother is kind.”
Opposite word: ใจร้าย (jai-ráai), which means “mean” in Thai.
4- Mean
Thai adjective: ใจร้าย (jai-ráai)
Example:
เด็ก ๆ มักไม่ชอบแม่มดใจร้ายในการ์ตูน
Dèk-dèk mák mâi châawp mâae-mòt jai-ráai nai gaa-dtuun
“Children often dislike mean witches in cartoons.”
Opposite word: ใจดี (jai-dii), which means “kind” in Thai.
5- Composed
Thai adjective: ใจเย็น (jai-yen)
Example:
นอกจากใจดีแล้ว แม่เป็นคนใจเย็นมาก
Nâawk jàak jai-dii láaeo mâae bpen khon jai-yen mâak
“Apart from being kind, my mother is also very composed.”
Opposite word: ใจร้อน (jai-ráawn), which means “impetuous” in Thai.
6- Impetuous
Thai adjective: ใจร้อน (jai-ráawn)
Example:
น้ำเป็นคนใจร้อน
Nâm bpen khon jai-ráawn
“Nam is impetuous.”
Opposite word: ใจเย็น (jai-yen), which means “composed” in Thai.
7- Polite
Thai adjective: สุภาพ (sù-phâap)
Example:
เข้าวัดต้องแต่งตัวสุภาพ
Khâo wát dtâawng dtàaeng-dtuua sù-phâap
“You have to dress politely when going to the temple.”
Opposite word: หยาบคาย (yàap-khaai), which means “rude” in Thai.
8- Rude
Thai adjective: หยาบคาย (yàap-khaai)
Example:
อย่าทำตัวหยาบคาย
Yàa tham dtuua yàap-khaai
“Don’t be rude.”
Opposite word: สุภาพ (sù-phâap), which means “polite” in Thai.
9- Generous
Thai adjective: ใจกว้าง (jai-gwâang)
Example:
ทุกคนชอบแป้งเพราะเธอเป็นคนใจกว้าง
Thúuk-khon châawp bpâaeng phráw thooe bpen khon jai-gwâang
“Everyone likes Bpaaeng because she is generous.”
Opposite word: ขี้เหนียว (khîi-nǐiao), which means “stingy” in Thai.
10- Stingy
Thai adjective: ขี้เหนียว (khîi-nǐiao)
Example:
ต่ายรวยเพราะขี้เหนียว
Dtàai ruuai phráw khîi-nǐiao
“Dtaai is rich because she is stingy.”
Opposite word: ใจกว้าง (jai-gwâang), which means “generous” in Thai.
11- Funny
Thai adjective: ตลก (dtà-lòk)
Example:
แจนชอบเล่าเรื่องตลก
Jaaen châawp lâo rûueang dtà-lòk
“Jaaen likes to tell funny stories.”
12- Boring
Thai adjective: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea)
Example:
หนังสือเล่มนั้นน่าเบื่อมาก
Nǎang-sǔue lêm nán nâa-bùuea mâak
“That book is so boring.”
13- Optimistic
Thai adjective: มองโลกในแง่ดี (maawng lôok nai ngâae dii)
Example:
ตาลมองโลกในแง่ดีเสมอ
Dtaan maawng lôok nai ngâae dii sà-mǒoe
“Thaan is always optimistic.”
Opposite word: มองโลกในแง่ร้าย (maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai), which means “pessimistic” in Thai.
14- Pessimistic
Thai adjective: มองโลกในแง่ร้าย (maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai)
Example:
เราไม่ควรมองโลกในแง่ร้าย
Rao mâi khuuan maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai
“We shouldn’t be pessimistic.”
Opposite word: มองโลกในแง่ดี (maawng lôok nai ngâae dii), which means “optimistic” in Thai.
15- Friendly
Thai adjective: เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít)
Example:
เธอเป็นมิตรกับทุกคน
Thooe bpen-mít gàp thúk-khon
“She is friendly with everyone.”
Opposite word: หยิ่ง (yìng), which means “arrogant” in Thai.
Additional note: Thai people also use the English word “friendly” in conversations, instead of using เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít).
16- Arrogant
Thai adjective: หยิ่ง (yìng)
Example:
ไม่มีใครอยากเป็นเพื่อนกับคนหยิ่ง
Mâi mii khrai yàak bpen phûuean gàp khon yìng
“No one wants to be friends with arrogant people.”
Opposite word: เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít), which means “friendly” in Thai.
17- Loud
Thai adjective: เสียงดัง (sǐiang dang)
Example:
อย่าเสียงดัง เด็ก ๆ กำลังนอน
Yàa sǐiang dang dèk-dèk gam-lang naawn
“Don’t be so loud. The children are now sleeping.”
Opposite word: เงียบ (ngîiap), which means “quiet” in Thai.
18- Quiet
Thai adjective: เงียบ (ngîiap)
Example:
ยิ้มเป็นคนเงียบ ๆ
Yím bpen khon ngîiap-ngîiap
“Yim is a quiet person.”
Opposite word: เสียงดัง (sǐiang dang), which means “loud” in Thai.
19- Confident
Thai adjective: มั่นใจ (mân-jai)
Example:
พ่อเป็นคนมั่นใจในตนเอง
Phâaw bpen khon mân-jai nai dton-eeng
“My father is confident in himself.”
20- Shy
Thai adjective: ขี้อาย (khîi-aai)
Example:
ตอนเด็ก ๆ ฉันเป็นคนขี้อายมาก
Dtaawn dèk-dèk chǎn bpen khon khîi-aai mâak
“I was very shy when I was young.”
21- Happy
Thai adjective: มีความสุข (mii khwaam-sùk)
Example:
เธอมีความสุขอยู่เสมอ
Thooe mii khwaam-sùk yùu sà-mǒoe
“She is always happy.”
Opposite word: เศร้า (sâo), which means “sad” in Thai.
22- Sad
Thai adjective: เศร้า (sâo)
Example:
ดาเศร้าที่สัตว์เลี้ยงของเธอตาย
Daa sâo thîi sàt-líiang khǎawng thooe dtaai
“Daa is sad that her pet died.”
Opposite word: มีความสุข (mii khwaam-sùk), which means “happy” in Thai.
23- Moody
Thai adjective: หงุดหงิด (ngùt-ngìt)
Example:
วันนี้มินท์หงุดหงิดทั้งวันเลย
Wan-níi mín ngùt-ngìt tháng-wan looei
“Min has been moody all day.”
Opposite word: ร่าเริง (râa-rooeng), which means “cheerful” in Thai.
24- Lonely
Thai adjective: เหงา (ngǎo)
Example:
ฉันอยู่คนเดียวมาหลายวันแล้ว เหงามาก
Chǎn yùu khon-diiao maa lǎai wan láaeo ngǎo mâak
“I have been alone for many days. I’m so lonely.”
25- Cheerful
Thai adjective: ร่าเริง (râa-rooeng)
Example:
นัทเป็นคนร่าเริง
Nát bpen khon râa-rooeng
“Nat is a cheerful person.”
Opposite word: หงุดหงิด (ngùt-ngìt), which means “moody” in Thai.
26- Concerned
Thai adjective: กังวล (gang-won)
Example:
ช่วงนี้งานมีปัญหาทำให้ปลากังวล
Chûuang-níi ngaan mii bpan-hǎa tham hâi bplaa gang-won
“Recently there is a work problem making Plaa feel concerned.”
6. Thai Adjectives for Describing Speed, Difficulty & Importance
The fifth group of Thai adjectives are words used to describe speed, difficulty, and importance in Thai.
1- Fast
Thai adjective: เร็ว (reo)
Example:
รถคันนี้นเร็วมาก
Rót khan nán reo mâak
“That car is very fast.”
Opposite word: ช้า (cháa), which means “slow” in Thai.
2- Slow
Thai adjective: ช้า (cháa)
Example:
เต่าเป็นสัตว์ที่เชื่องช้า
Dtào bpen sàt thîi chûueang-cháa
“The turtle is a slow animal.”
Opposite word: เร็ว (reo), which means “fast” in Thai.
3- Difficult
Thai adjective: ยาก (yâak)
Example:
ทำไมฉันได้งานยากตลอด
Tham-mai chǎn dâi ngaan yâak dtà-làawt
“Why do I always get difficult tasks?”
Opposite word: ง่าย (ngáai), which means “easy” in Thai.
4- Easy
Thai adjective: ง่าย (ngáai)
Example:
นักเรียนชอบการบ้านง่าย ๆ
Nák-riian châawp gaan-bâan ngâai-ngâai
“Students like easy homework.”
Opposite word: ยาก (yâak), which means “difficult” in Thai.
5- Important
Thai adjective: สำคัญ (sǎm-khan)
Example:
เก็บเอกสารสำคัญดี ๆ
Gèp èek-gà-sǎan sǎm-khan dii-dii
“Keep important documents well.”
Opposite word: ไม่สำคัญ (mâi sǎm-khan), which means “unimportant” in Thai.
6- Unimportant
Thai adjective: ไม่สำคัญ (mâi sǎm-khan)
Example:
อย่ามองว่าสุขภาพเป็นเรื่องไม่สำคัญ
Yàa maawng wâa sùk-khà-phâap bpen rûueang mâi sǎm-khan
“Don’t view health as an unimportant matter.”
Opposite word: สำคัญ (sǎm-khan), which means “important” in Thai.
7. Thai Adjectives for Describing Color
The sixth group of Thai adjectives are those used to describe color in Thai. สี (sǐi) is “color” in Thai, and sometimes Thai people put สี (sǐi) in front of the color name.
1- White
Thai adjective: ขาว (khǎao)
Example:
ฉันชอบเสื้อผ้าสีขาว
Chǎn châawp sûuea-phâa sǐi khǎao
“I like white clothes.”
2- Black
Thai adjective: ดำ (dam)
Example:
กระเป๋าดำใบนั้นสวยดี
Grà-bpǎo dam bai nán sǔuai dii
“That black bag is beautiful.”
3- Purple
Thai adjective: ม่วง (mûuang)
Example:
ดอกไม้สีม่วงปลูกยากมั๊ย
Dàawk-mái sǐi mûuang bplùuk yâak mái
“Is it difficult to grow purple flowers?”
4- Light blue
Thai adjective: ฟ้า (fáa)
Example:
ท้องฟ้าเป็นสีฟ้าสวยมากวันนี้
Tháawng-fáa bpen sǐi fáa sǔuai mâak wan-níi
“Today, the sky is beautifully light blue.”
5- Dark blue
Thai adjective: น้ำเงิน (nám-ngooen)
Example:
พ่อชอบสีน้ำเงิน
Phâaw châawp sǐi nám-ngooen
“My father likes dark blue color.”
6- Green
Thai adjective: เขียว (khǐiao)
Example:
ต้นไม้สีเขียวดูร่มรื่น
Dtôn-mái sǐi khǐiao duu rôm-rûuen
“The green tree looks so shady.”
7- Yellow
Thai adjective: เหลือง (lǔueang)
Example:
แม่ชอบดอกไม้สีเหลือง
Mâae châawp dàawk-mái sǐi lǔueang
“My mother likes yellow flowers.”
8- Orange
Thai adjective: ส้ม (sôm)
Example:
ข้างในกล่องสีส้มมีอะไร
Khâang nai glàawng sǐi sôm mii à-rai
“What is inside the orange box?”
9- Red
Thai adjective: แดง (daaeng)
Example:
ครูใช้ปากกาแดงตรวจการบ้าน
Khruu chái bpàak-gaa daaeng dtrùuat gaan-bâan
“Teachers use a red pen to check homework.”
10- Brown
Thai adjective: น้ำตาล (nám-dtaan)
Example:
รองเท้าสีน้ำตาลคู่นั้นสวยดี
Raawng-tháo sǐi nám-dtaan khûu nán sǔuai dii
“Those brown shoes are beautiful.”
11- Gray
Thai adjective: เทา (thao)
Example:
ใส่ไว้ในกล่องเทาเลย
Sài wái nai glàawng thao looei
“Put it in the gray box.”
12- Pink
Thai adjective: ชมพู (chom-phuu)
Example:
ขนมเค้กสีชมพูอร่อยมาก
Khà-nhǒm-khéek sǐi chom-phuu à-ràauy mâak
“Pink cake is very delicious.”
13- Dark
Thai adjective: เข้ม (khêem)
Example:
น้องชายชอบรองเท้าสีเข้ม
Nǎawng-chaai châawp raawng-tháo sǐi khêem
“My younger brother likes dark shoes.”
Opposite word: อ่อน (àawn), which means “light” in Thai.
14- Light
Thai adjective: อ่อน (àawn)
Example:
น้องสาวของสีชมพูอ่อน
Náawng-sǎo châawp sǐi chom-phuu àawn
“My younger sister likes light pink.”
Opposite word: เข้ม (khêem), which means “dark” in Thai.
8. Thai Adjectives for Describing Shape & Texture
The seventh group of adjectives are words used to describe shape and texture in Thai.
1- Round
Thai adjective: กลม (glom)
Example:
ปั้นแป้งเป็นก้อนกลม ๆ
Bpân bpâaeng bpen gâawn glom-glom
“Make the dough in a round shape.”
Opposite word: เหลี่ยม (lìiam), which means “edged” or “square” in Thai.
2- Edged / Square
Thai adjective: เหลี่ยม (lìiam)
Example:
ลายเหลี่ยม ๆ ไม่สวยเลย
Laai lìiam-lìiam mâi sǔuai looei
“The edged pattern isn’t beautiful.”
Opposite word: กลม (glom), which means “round” in Thai.
3- Smooth
Thai adjective: เรียบ (rîiap)
Example:
โต๊ะไม้ตัวนี้ผิวเรียบมาก
Dtó mái dtuua níi phǐu rîiap mâak
“This wood table has a very smooth surface.”
Opposite word: ขรุขระ (khrù-khrà), which means “rough” in Thai.
4- Rough
Thai adjective: ขรุขระ (khrù-khrà)
Example:
ถนนขรุขระ ขับรถดี ๆ
Thà-nǒn khrù-khrà khàp rót dii-dii
“The road is rough, so drive carefully.”
Opposite word: เรียบ (rîiap), which means “smooth” in Thai.
9. Thai Food Adjectives: Describing Taste
The eighth group of adjectives are words used to describe food in Thai. รส (rót) or รสชาติ (rót-châat) is “taste” in Thai language.
1- Bland
Thai adjective: จืด (jùuet)
Example:
น้ำแกงจืดมาก ลืมใส่ซีอิ๊วรึเปล่า
Nám-gaaeng jùuet mâak luuem sài sii-íu rúe bplào
“The soup is so bland. Did you forget to put in soy sauce?”
2- Salty
Thai adjective: เค็ม (khem)
Example:
ไก่ทอดนี้เค็มกำลังดีเลย
Gài thâawt níi khem gam-lang dii looei
“This fried chicken is perfectly salty.”
3- Sweet
Thai adjective: หวาน (wǎan)
Example:
อาหารจานนี้ต้องหวานนิดหน่อยถึงจะอร่อย
Aa-hǎan jaan níi dtâawng wǎan nít-nàauy thǔeng jà à-ràauy
“This food must be a little sweet to be delicious.”
4- Oily
Thai adjective: มัน (man)
Example:
แม่ไม่ชอบอาหารมัน ๆ
Mâae mâi châawp aa-hǎan man-man
“My mother doesn’t like oily food.”
5- Sour
Thai adjective: เปรี้ยว (bprîiao)
Example:
ไอติมรสนี้หวานอมเปรี้ยวกำลังดี
Ai-dtim rót níi wǎan om bprîiao gam-lang dii
“This ice cream has a perfectly sweet and sour flavor.”
6- Spicy
Thai adjective: เผ็ด (phèt)
Example:
คนไทยชอบอาหารรสเผ็ด
Khon thai châawp aa-hǎan rót phèt
“Thai people like spicy food.”
7- Bitter
Thai adjective: ขม (khǒm)
Example:
เด็ก ๆ ไม่ชอบยาเพราะขม
Dèk-dèk mâi châawp yaa phráw khǒm
“Children don’t like medicine because it is bitter.”
8- Delicious
Thai adjective: อร่อย (à-ràauy)
Example:
ขนมของแม่อร่อยมาก
Khà-nǒm khǎawng mâae à-ràauy mâak
“My mother’s snack is very delicious.”
Opposite word: ไม่อร่อย (mâi à-ràauy), which means “not delicious” in Thai.
9- กลมกล่อม
Thai adjective: กลมกล่อม (glom-glàawm)
Meaning: Perfectly balanced taste, usually used to describe delicious food.
Example:
แกงนี้อร่อยกลมกล่อมมาก
Gaaeng níi à-ràauy glom-glàawm mâak
“This curry has a perfectly balanced taste, very delicious.”
10. Thai Adjectives for Describing Situations
The ninth group of adjectives are words used to describe situations in Thai.
1- Fun
Thai adjective: สนุก (sà-nùk)
Example:
งานเลี้ยงสนุกมาก
Ngaan-líiang sà-nùk mâak
“Parties are very fun.”
Opposite word: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea), which means “boring” in Thai.
2- Boring
Thai adjective: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea)
Example:
พ่อบอกว่าไปซื้อของเป็นกิจกรรมน่าเบื่อ
Phâaw bàawk wâa bpai súue-khǎawng bpen gìt-jà-gam nâa-bùuea
“My father said ‘shopping is a boring activity.’”
Opposite word: สนุก (sà-nùk), which means “fun” in Thai.
3- Dangerous
Thai adjective: อันตราย (an-dtà-raai)
Example:
กลางคืนอย่าออกไปไหนคนเดียว อันตราย
Glaang-khuuen yàa àawk bpai nǎi khon diiao an-dtà-raai
“Don’t go out alone at night. It is dangerous.”
Opposite word: ปลอดภัย (bplàawt-phai), which means “safe” in Thai.
4- Safe
Thai adjective: ปลอดภัย (bplàawt-phai)
Example:
ใส่หมวกกันน็อคเพื่อความปลอดภัย
Sài mùuak-gan-náwk phûuea khwaam bplàawt-phai
“Wear a helmet for safety.”
Opposite word: อันตราย (an-dtà-raai), which means “dangerous” in Thai.
5- Weird
Thai adjective: แปลก (bplàaek)
Example:
แก้มทำท่าทางแปลก ๆ
Gâaem tham thâa-thaang bplàaek-bplàaek
“Gaaem is acting weird.”
6- Awkward
Thai adjective: อึดอัด (ùet-àt)
Example:
ฉันรู้สึกอึดอัดเวลาต้องทำงานกับคนแปลกหน้า
Chǎn rúu-sùek ùet-àt wee-laa dtâawng tham-ngan gàp khon-bplàaek-nâa
“I feel awkward when I have to work with strangers.”
7- Wonderful
Thai adjective: ยอดเยี่ยม (yâawt-yîiam)
Example:
การแสดงนี้ยอดเยี่ยมสุด ๆ
Gaan sà-daaeng níi yâawt-yîiam sùt-sùt
“This show is extremely wonderful.”
11. Describing Physical Traits, Conditions & Appearance
The last group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe a person in Thai.
1- Young (male)
Thai adjective: หนุ่ม (nùm)
Example:
ยังหนุ่มอยู่แท้ ๆ แต่ร่างกายกลับอ่อนแอ
Yang nùm yùu tháae-tháae dtàae râang-gaai glàp àawn-aae
“Despite being young, he is weak.”
Opposite word: แก่ (gàae), which means “old” in Thai.
2- Young (female)
Thai adjective: สาว (sǎao)
Example:
หญิงสาวพวกนี้สวยมาก
Yǐng-sǎao phûuak níi sǔuai mâak
“These young women are very beautiful.”
Opposite word: แก่ (gàae), which means “old” in Thai.
3- Old
Thai adjective: แก่ (gàae)
Example:
ยายของฉันแก่มากแล้ว
Yaai khǎawng chǎn gàae mâak láaeo
“My grandmother is very old now.”
Opposite word: หนุ่ม (nùm) and สาว (sǎao), which mean “young” in Thai.
4- Strong
Thai adjective: แข็งแรง (khǎaeng-raaeng)
Example:
ถึงเขาจะตัวเล็ก แต่แข็งแรงมาก
Thǔeng khǎo jà dtuua lék dtàae khǎaeng-raaeng mâak
“Despite being small, he is very strong.”
Opposite word: อ่อนแอ (àawn-aae), which means “weak” in Thai.
5- Weak
Thai adjective: อ่อนแอ (àawn-aae)
Example:
ฉันออกกำลังกายเพราะไม่อยากร่างกายอ่อนแอ
Chǎn àawk-gam-lang-gaai phráw mâi yàak râang-gaai àawn-aae
“I exercise because I don’t want to be weak.”
Opposite word: แข็งแรง (khǎaeng-raaeng), which means “strong” in Thai.
6- Rich
Thai adjective: รวย (ruuai)
Example:
อ้นรวยมาก
Ôn ruuai mâak
“On is very rich.”
Opposite word: จน (jon), which means “poor” in Thai.
7- Poor
Thai adjective: จน (jon)
Example:
ฉันไม่อยากจน
Chǎn mâi yàak jon
“I don’t want to be poor.”
Opposite word: รวย (ruuai), which means “rich” in Thai.
8- Charming
Thai adjective: มีเสน่ห์ (mii sà-nèe)
Example:
พ่อเป็นคนมีเสน่ห์
Phâaw bphen khon mii sà-nèe
“My father is a charming guy.”
9- Beautiful
Thai adjective: สวย (sǔuai)
Example:
ดาราคนนั้นสวยมาก
Daa-raa khon nán sǔuai mâak
“That celebrity is very beautiful.”
Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.
10- Handsome
Thai adjective: หล่อ (làaw)
Example:
ใคร ๆ ก็ชอบคนหล่อ
Khrai-khrai gâaw châawp khon làaw
“Everyone likes handsome people.”
Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.
11- Cute
Thai adjective: น่ารัก (nâa-rák)
Example:
เด็กคนนั้นน่าตาน่ารักมาก ๆ
Dèk khon nán nâa-dtaa nâa-rák mâak-mâak
“That child looks very cute.”
Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.
12- Ugly
Thai adjective: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat)
Example:
เวลาเธอทำหน้าแบบนั้นดูน่าเกลียดมาก
Wee-laa thooe tham nâa bàaep nán duu nâa-glìiat mâak
“She looks very ugly when she makes that face.”
Opposite word: หล่อ (làaw), สวย (sǔuai), and น่ารัก (nâa-rák), which mean “handsome,” “beautiful,” and “cute” respectively in Thai.
13- Fat
Thai adjective: อ้วน (ûuan)
Example:
ถ้ากินของทอดมากเกินไปจะทำให้อ้วน
Thâa gin khǎawng-thâawt mâak gooen bpai jà tham hâi ûuan
“Eating too much fried food will make you fat.”
Opposite word: ผอม (phǎawm), which means “thin” in Thai.
14- Thin
Thai adjective: ผอม (phǎawm)
Example:
แจมผอมเกินไปจนดูสุขภาพไม่ดี
Jaaem phǎawm gooen bpai jon duu sùk-khà-phâap mâi dii
“Jam is too thin to the point she looks unhealthy.”
Opposite word: อ้วน (ûuan), which means “fat” in Thai.
12. Conclusion
Congratulations! Reaching this part of the lesson means you’ve already learned more than 100 Thai adjectives. How do you feel? Did you have fun learning Thai adjectives? You may feel a bit overwhelmed since there’s a lot to remember.
However, there’s no need to rush. You can try to remember a few Thai adjectives a day. Within a month or two, you’ll be able to remember them all. Try using them a lot in conversation and remember adjectives in Thai phrases to make it even easier. Also, you should remember Thai adjectives in pairs if they have an opposite word. So keep practicing.
And as always, don’t forget to check out other fun lessons at ThaiPod101.com, such as travel phrases you should know or important days in Thailand, once you’ve finished learning Thai adjectives.
Happy learning!
Netflix Thailand: Watch Good Thai Movies to Learn Thai
Despite your willingness to learn the Thai language, traditional learning methods such as reading books and memorizing new vocabulary can be extremely boring. What’s a better way to learn the Thai language? As you may have guessed, watching Thai movies or shows on Netflix (Thailand) is the best way to do so. You can watch Thai Netflix on the app or on your web browser. Even better? The Thai Netflix price is very cheap, as low as 105 Baht/month.
Now, you may wonder if you’ll be able to understand what you’re watching if you’ve just started learning Thai. Does Netflix have Thai subtitles? The answer is yes! And even if you can’t read Thai yet, watching Thai Netflix series or Thai Netflix movies is still good practice for Thai learners.
On Netflix, Thai language movies can introduce you to Thai accents, which in turn can improve your listening and speaking skills. Also, if you can read some Thai, reading Thai subtitles on Netflix will surely improve your reading skills. Moreover, you get to learn more about how Thai people live their daily lives in context of Thai culture.
There are a lot of Thai movies and Thai TV series on Netflix. To get the most out of the time you spend watching, be sure to choose one that fits your tastes the most. If you’re a fan of Netflix Original Series, you’ll have to wait a while, though, as Thai Netflix Original Series are just now being filmed. And as for Thai TV shows on Netflix, there are currently none available; but hopefully, Netflix will decide to put some in.
We understand that you may have no idea where to start on Thai Netflix, so ThaiPod101.com will help you by providing the best Netflix Thailand movie list for Thai learners, including new Thai movies on Netflix 2019!
Table of Contents
- Bangkok Traffic Love Story
- Suddenly Twenty
- Suckseed
- Mae Bia
- Nang Nak
- Bangrajan
- Ong Bak
- Hormones
- Stupid Cupid
- Diary of Tootsies
- Conclusion
1. Bangkok Traffic Love Story
Thai title: รถไฟฟ้ามาหานะเธอ (rót-fai-fáa maa hǎa ná thooe)
Movie information:
This is one of the best romantic Thai movies on Netflix. It portrays the story of an average Chinese-Thai office lady who falls in love with a BTS sky train engineer.
Because of this movie, ท้องฟ้าจำลอง (tháawng-fáa jam-laawng), or Bangkok Planetarium, became a popular place for couples to go on dates. The male leading actor is Ken Teeradech, and the female leading actor is Cris Howang.
Movie quotes:
1- แฟนเค้าไม่ได้มีเพื่ออยู่ด้วยกันตลอดเวลา แต่มีเพื่อให้รู้ว่า ยังมีคนที่รักและเป็นห่วงเรา
Thai pronunciation: faaen kháo mâi dâi mii phûuea yùu dûuai gan dtà-làawt wee-laa dtàae mii phûuea hâi rúu wâa yang mii khon thîi rák láe bpen hùuang rao
English meaning: “We are not in a relationship so that we have someone with us all the time, but so that we have someone who loves and cares about us.”
2- ตอนแรกก็ว่าจะไม่คิด แต่มันฝืนความรู้สึกไม่ได้จริงๆ
Thai pronunciation: dtaawn-râaek gâaw wâa jà mâi khít dtàae man fǔuen khwaam-rúu-sùek mâi dâi jing jing
English meaning: “I didn’t mean to at first, but I can’t help my feelings.”
3- ถ้าเป็นหนังรักทั่วไป มันต้องทันไม่ใช่หรอ
Thai pronunciation: thâa bpen nǎng rák thûua-bpai man dtâawng than mâi châi rǒoe
English meaning: “If this is a normal love story, should I be there in time?”
2. Suddenly Twenty
Thai title: 20 ใหม่ ยูเทิร์นวัย หัวใจรีเทิร์น (yîi-sìp mài yuu-thooen wai hǔua-jai rii-thooen)
Movie information:
This is a comedy, romance, and Thai Netflix drama, remade from the Korean and Chinese movies. It’s the story of a 74-year-old grandmother who’s very stubborn and seems unable to get along with her family. Her family plans to send her to a nursing home, but miraculously, her body becomes twenty again. So she decides to use this chance to live her life and build a good relationship with her family again.
In this Thai Netflix movie, you’ll get to see how old people talk compared to the younger generation. The leading actress is Mai Davika.
This is one of the Thai films on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss!
Movie quote: The question and answer shown below are the core of this movie.
1- ถ้าย้อนเวลากลับไปได้ คุณจะใช้ชีวิตแบบใด จะใช้เวลาอย่างไร จะทำอะไรที่ใจอยากทำแต่ไม่ได้ทำ ใช่หรือเปล่า?
Thai pronunciation: thâa yáawn wee-laa glàp bpai dâi khun jà chái chii wít bàaeb dai jà chái wee-laa yàang-rai jà tham à-rai thîi jai yàak tham dtàae mâi dâi tham châi rǔue bplào
English meaning: “If you could turn back time, how would you live your life? How would you spend your time? Would you do things you wanted to do, but didn’t get to do in the past?”
2- ถ้าย้อนเวลากลับไปได้ ฉันก็จะทำเหมือนเดิม
Thai pronunciation: thâa yáawn wee-laa glàp bpai dâi chǎn gâaw jà tham mǔuean-dooem
English meaning: “If I could turn back time, I would still do the same.”
3. Suckseed
Thai title: ซักซี๊ด ห่วยขั้นเทพ (sák-síit hùuai khân thêep)
Movie information:
This Thai Netflix movie is in the romantic-comedy genre, portraying the lives of youngsters.
A boy who’s clueless about everything music-related learns much about it from his first love. Sadly, they eventually have to be separated from each other. Despite being terrible at everything, in twelfth grade, Ped plans to sign up for a famous music contest called the Hot Wave Music Award.
The name of this movie reflects the male leading character and his journey from sucking at everything to actually succeeding. The movie itself was not bad in terms of revenue and public comment, and the original soundtrack is pretty famous.
If you’re looking for a great feel-good movie, this is one of the best Thai movies on Netflix for you!
Movie quotes:
1- เวลาฟังเพลง จะรู้สึกว่ามีเพื่อน
Thai pronunciation: wee-laa fang phleeng jà rúu-sùek wâa mii phûuean
English meaning: “When I listen to music, I feel like I have a friend with me.”
2- นี่มันยุคของเราแล้ว
Thai pronunciation: nîi man yúk khǎawng rao láaeo
English meaning: “It is our time now.”
3- เราก็ยังเหมือนเดิม
Thai pronunciation: rao gâaw yang mǔuean-dooem
English meaning: “I’m also the same.”
4. Mae Bia
Thai title: แม่เบี้ย (mâae bîia)
Movie information:
Mae Bia is one of the best Thai movies Netflix has right now, and people pay a lot of attention to this one because it’s a drama-erotic movie. The story involves old Thai-styled houses, cobras, supernatural events, and a romantic relationship—these elements together made for an S.E.A. writing award-winning movie! And as this story happens in สุพรรณบุรี (sù-phan-bù-rii), you’ll get to hear another local dialect which has a slightly different tone compared to how Thai people normally speak.
The male actor of this movie is very famous, and acts very well. For those who love this kind of story, luckily, this Thai movie is on Netflix now.
Movie quotes:
1- เรื่องของผู้หญิงผู้ชาย ไม่มีอะไรที่เป็นไปไม่ได้
Thai pronunciation: rûueang khǎawng phûu-yǐng phûu-chaai mâi mii à-rai thîi bpen bpai mâi dâi
English meaning: “There is nothing impossible when it comes to things between man and woman.”
5. Nang Nak
Thai title: นางนาก (naang nâak)
Movie information:
Thai people love the horror genre, and do it well in their movies. And when speaking of horror stories, every Thai knows the story of นางนาก (naang nâak). It’s the story of a woman who died while giving birth to her child, and waited as a ghost for her husband to come back from war.
Since this story is so famous, it has been made into TV series, movies, and musicals many times. However, this version is said to be the scariest, and it’s one of the very best Netflix Thai horror movies! If you like horror stories, don’t miss this Thai horror movie on Netflix. Many people have said that it’s the scariest movie they’ve ever seen.
The main female actress, Sai, is very famous for her action in horror films. Also, as this story is believed to have happened more than a hundred years ago, you’ll get to see how Thai people lived and spoke in the past.
Movie quotes:
1- พี่มากขา
Thai pronunciation: phîi mâak khǎa
English meaning: There is no English meaning. This is just what นางนาก (naang-nâak) calls her husband.
2- ฉันมารอพี่ที่ท่าน้ำทุกวันเลยนะ
Thai pronunciation: chǎn maa raaw phîi thîi thâa-nám thúk wan looei ná
English meaning: “I have been coming to the dock every day to wait for you.”
6. Bangrajan
Thai title: บางระจัน (baang-rá-jan)
Movie information:
If you like historical movies, don’t miss บางระจัน (baang-rá-jan). It portrays the story of people in หมู่บ้านบางระจัน (mùu-bâan baang-rá-jan), or Bangrajan Village, who help prolong the end of อยุธยา (à-yút-thá-yaa). Despite losing the fight in the end, people in this village are known as Thai heroes.
It was a very successful movie that made both the leading actor and actress very popular. Similar to นางนาก (naang nâak), you’ll get to see how Thai people lived and spoke in the past, as this story happened over 200 years ago. Definitely a great Thai film Netflix currently has for history-lovers!
Movie quote:
The most touching expression of this movie is below. It shows the sacrifice of people for their homeland, as well as their love for family.
1- หากวันข้างหน้าข้าไม่ได้สั่งสอนมัน เอ็งจงบอกมันว่าข้าไม่ได้จากไปไหน ข้าจักอยู่ในผืนดิน ในต้นไม้ ในสายน้ำ ข้าจักเป็นคนคอยคุ้มหัวมันเอง
Thai pronunciation: hàak wan khâang nâa khâa mâi dâi sàng-sǎawn man eng jong bàawk man wâa khâa mâi dâi jàak bpai nǎi khâa jàk yùu nai phǔuen-din nai dtôn-mái nai sǎai-nám khâa jàk bpen khon khaauy khúm-hǔua man eeng
English meaning: “If in the future, I don’t get a chance to teach our child, you must tell them that I didn’t go away from them. I am in the land, in the tree, in the river. I will protect them.”
7. Ong Bak
Thai title: องค์บาก (ong-bàak)
Movie information:
This is one of the most famous Thai action Netflix films. It’s the story of two men trying to take the stolen head of Buddha back. The action scenes are said to be very good and thrilling. As the main character is from northeast Thailand, you’ll get to hear ภาษาอีสาน (phaa-sǎa ii-sǎan), which is the Thai Northeast dialect.
This was a successful movie, and has been made into three films. If you want to watch a Muay Thai movie on Netflix, you absolutely can’t miss this one.
Movie quotes:
1- ช้างกูอยู่ไหน
Thai pronunciation: cháang guu yùu nǎi
English meaning: “Where is my elephant?”
8. Hormones
Thai title: Hormones วัยว้าวุ่น (Hormones wai wáa-wûn)
Series information:
This Netflix Thai series shows the story of teenagers in high school. It reflects real-life problems that young people face, especially those that have to do with romantic relationships, sex, abuse in school, drugs, family problems, etc. It was one of the first Thai series on Netflix to focus on multiple points of view, and not just on romantic relationships like most Thai series.
This series is so successful that it’s continuing for a third season.
Series quotes:
1- มันเป็นธรรมเนียมที่ทำต่อๆ กันมา
Thai pronunciation: man bpen tham-niiam thîi tham dtàaw dtàaw gan maa
English meaning: “It is the tradition that people have been doing from generation to generation.”
2- เพราะมันไม่ใช่คำตอบที่พวกเธอถูกใจรึเปล่า?
Thai pronunciation: phráw man mâi châi kham-dtàawp thîi phûuak thooe thùuk jai rúe bplào
English meaning: “Isn’t it because it is not the answer you like?”
3- คนอย่างพวกเธอใช้ชีวิตทำโน่นนี่ตามผู้ใหญ่ โดยที่ไม่มีใครเคยตั้งคำถาม
Thai pronunciation: khon yàang phûuak thooe chái chii-wít tham nôon tham nîi dtaam phûu-yài dooi thîi mâi mii khrai khooei dtâng kham-thǎam
English meaning: “People like you like to live doing what adults say without asking questions.”
4- ครูไม่ชอบระบบและคน แต่สิ่งที่ทำให้ครูมีความสุขคือนักเรียน
Thai pronunciation: khruu mâi châawp rá-bòp láe khon dtàae sìng thîi tham hâi khruu mii khwaam-sùk khuue nák-riian
English meaning: “I (teacher) don’t like systems or people. But students make me happy.”
9. Stupid Cupid
Thai title: น้ำตากามเทพ (nám-dtaa gaam-má-thêep)
Series information:
This is another Netflix Thai drama you shouldn’t miss, a melodrama series starring famous actor Sunny. It’s the story of a rich family, and covers themes such as arranged marriage in Thailand and no-so-good relationships between family members.
Actually, this was a short drama shown in the movie Bangkok Traffic Love Story. But with the good response from viewers due to its ironic context, it has been made into a TV series. This is currently one of the best Thai dramas on Netflix, and many people love it because it’s fun to watch.
Series quotes:
1- ถ้าจะพูดอย่างนี้ ด่าว่าควายเลยดีกว่ามั๊ย
Thai pronunciation: thâa jà phûut yàang níi dàa wâa khwaai looei dii gwàa mái
English meaning: “If you spoke like that, you should have berated me as a buffalo.” (stupid)
2- ตอแหล
Thai pronunciation: dtaaw-lǎae
English meaning: “Liar”
10. Diary of Tootsies
Thai title: ไดอารี่ ตุ๊ดซี่ (dai-aa-rîi dtút-sîi)
Series information:
This is a Thai comedy Netflix series based on the story บันทึกของตุ๊ด (ban-thúek khǎawng dtút) of Sha, a famous LGBT Thai person. It’s the story of a group of LGBT friends who all get dumped at the same time and decide to find their true love. This series is quite successful and has gained a lot of attention. In 2019, both a second season and movie are going to be released. This is yet another Thai series on Netflix you shouldn’t miss.
In terms of Thai language, this show will give you a unique glimpse into slang often used by the LGBTQ community in Thailand, as well some swear words.
Series quotes:
Here’s a quote from the show that went viral at the time. Many people use this scene to give their own sarcastic message on almost any topic, from politics to relationships.
1- กูจะขี้ใส่อะไรก็ได้
Thai pronunciation: guu jà khîi sài à-rai gâaw dâi
English meaning: “I can defecate on anything.”
2- แต่มึงจะขี้ใส่ Louis Vuitton ไม่ได้
Thai pronunciation: dtàae mueng jà khîi sài Louis Vuitton mâi dâi
English meaning: “But you cannot defecate on Louis Vuitton.”
11. Conclusion
How many movies or Thai Netflix series here fit your tastes? We hope you decided to try watching many of them! And once you’ve watched one of these movies or series, please leave a comment below to tell us what you thought about it!
By now, you should have a better idea of how to learn Thai on Netflix and how to watch Thai Netflix for maximum enjoyment and learning!
As mentioned before, we believe that watching Netflix movies with Thai subtitles is a great way for you to learn Thai, since it’s enjoyable and will help you improve your Thai speaking skills. If you don’t understand what an actor or actress said, don’t give up just yet. It will take some time for you to be able to understand.
If you want to learn another Thai lesson, visit ThaiPod101.com. We have various topics to choose from, such as delicious Thai fruit and activities in summer in Thailand. And if you want to watch more Thai content, go check out our Thai TV show article.
Best Guide to Learn Connecting Words in Thai
Knowing Thai conjunction words enables you to communicate clearly and also makes your conversation sound smooth. Thus, connecting words in Thai are an important aspect of the Thai language. By learning them, you’ll be able to communicate like a native.
To help you master your Thai conjunctions, we’ll outline several key points in this article:
- Thai conjunctions definition
- A Thai conjunctions list with detailed explanations of each one
- Thai conjunctions in sentences and how to use them
Are you ready to learn Thai conjunctions? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Conjunctions in Thai
- Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Sentences with Similar Meanings
- Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Opposition
- Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Alternatives
- Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Cause and Result
- How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Grammar
1. Conjunctions in Thai
Let’s start this lesson with some basic knowledge about Thai conjunctions. Below we’ll explain their definition and functions, and the types of Thai conjunctions. And if you’re asking yourself “What are Thai linking words in writing?” you’ll find the answer here as well.
คำสันธาน (kham sǎn-thaan) is “conjunction” in Thai. Thai people use conjunctions to link sentences, which helps them convey their message through communication better. In order words, Thai conjunctions help shorten sentences or phrases, and makes them sound smoother.
There are four types of Thai language conjunctions, categorized by their functions. Each of them will be explained in detail with examples, as follows.
2. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Sentences with Similar Meanings
The first type of Thai conjunction in our list of Thai conjunctions is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมความคล้อยตามกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam khwaam khláauy dtaam gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences or phrases with same-directioned meaning. Here are list of Thai conjunctions used to link sentences with similar meaning that you should know;
1- “And”
Thai: ละ (láe); กับ (gàp)
Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunctions และ (láe) and กับ (gàp) are used to link sentences that have similar meanings. Most of the time, the pattern used is noun + และ (láe), กับ (gàp) + noun or phrase + และ (láe), กับ (gàp) + phrase.
Example 1:
- พ่อและแม่ชอบกินก๋วยเตี๋ยว
- Phâaw láe mâae châawp gin gǔuai-dtǐiao
- “Father and mother like noodles.”
Example 2:
- ฉันเอาข้าวผัดกับไข่ดาว
- Chǎn ao khâao phàt gàp khài daao
- “I want fried rice and fried egg.”
Additional note: และ (láe) and กับ (gàp) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.
2- “Both…and…”
Thai: ทั้ง…และ… (tháng…láe…)
Usage: The Thai correlative conjunction ทั้ง…และ… (tháng…láe…) is always used as it is here, with both words. Its meaning and usage is the same as it is in English.
Example:
- ทั้งพี่ชายและน้องสาวชอบกินขนมปัง
- Tháng phîi-chaai láe náawng-sǎao châawp gin khà-nǒm-bpang
- “Both the older brother and the younger sister like to eat bread.”
3- “After…, …”
Thai: …แล้ว… (…láaeo…); พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…)
Usage: The Thai subordinating conjunctions …แล้ว… (…láaeo…) and พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…) are both used as a word that links sentences, explaining two actions that happen continuously. The patterns of sentences using this Thai conjunction are listed below:
- [Sentence of action that happens first] + แล้ว (láaeo) + [sentence of action that happens later]
- พอ (phaaw) + [sentence of action that happens first] + แล้ว (láaeo) + [sentence of action that happens later]
Example 1:
- กินข้าวแล้วค่อยกินยา
- Gin khâao láaeo khâauy gin yaa
- “Take the medicine after the meal.”
Example 2:
- พออาบน้ำแล้วฉันก็นอนเลย
- Phaaw àap-nám láaeo chǎn gâaw naawn looei
- “After taking a bath, I went straight to bed.”
Additional note: …แล้ว… (…láaeo…) and พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.
3. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Opposition
The second type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความขัดแย้งกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam khàt-yáaeng gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences or phrases with opposing meanings. Here is our list of Thai conjunctions used to express opposition that you should know.
1- “But”
Thai: แต่ (dtàae); แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa)
Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunctions แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) are used to link sentences that have opposing meanings. The pattern that’s normally used is sentence + แต่ (dtàae) or แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) + sentence.
Example 1:
- ฉันชอบสีฟ้าแต่พี่สาวชอบสีแดง
- Chǎn châawp sǐi fáa dtàae phîi-sǎao châawp sǐi daaeng
- “I like blue, but my older sister likes red.”
Example 2:
- เพื่อนของฉันเก่งเลขมากแต่ว่าอ่อนภาษาอังกฤษ
- Phûuean khǎawng chǎn gèeng lêek mâak dtàae-wâa àawn phaa-sǎa ang-grìt
- “My friend is very good at Math but bad at English.”
Additional note: แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) are Thai conjunctions with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other. Also, แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) can also be translated as “yet” in Thai.
2- “However”
Thai: อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam)
Usage: The subordinating conjunction อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) is used to link sentences with opposing meanings. The pattern that’s normally used is sentence + อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) + sentence.
Example 1:
- วันนี้อากาศมีมลพิษมาก อย่างไรก็ตาม หลายคนยังไม่ใส่หน้ากากเมื่อออกไปข้างนอก
- Wan-níi aa-gàat mii mon-lá-phít mâak yàang-rai gâaw dtaam lǎai khon yang mâi sài nâa-gàak mûuea àawk bpai khâang-nâawk
- “Today, air pollution is very bad. However, many people don’t wear facial masks when they go outside.”
Additional note: The meanings of แต่ (dtàae), แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa), and อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) are pretty much the same. However, Thai people use อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) in more formal situations.
3- “Although” / “Despite” / “In spite of”
Thai: ทั้ง ๆ ที่…(แต่)… (tháng-tháng-thîi…[dtàae]…)
Usage: The subordinating conjunction ทั้ง ๆ ที่…(แต่)… (tháng-tháng-thîi…[dtàae]…) is used to link sentences or phrases with opposing meanings. There are two ways to use this Thai conjunction. You can either put แต่ (dtàae) between the sentences or skip it. The pattern that’s normally used is ทั้ง ๆ ที่ (tháng-tháng-thîi) + sentence + (แต่ [dtàae]) + sentence.
Example 1:
- ทั้ง ๆ ที่เธอสวยมาก แต่เธอกลับไม่เคยมีแฟนเลย
- Tháng-tháng-thîi thooe sǔuai mâak dtàae thooe glàp mâi khooei mii faaen looei
- “Despite being so beautiful, she’s never had a boyfriend before.”
Example 2:
- ทั้ง ๆ ที่อากาศหนาว เขายังกินไอศครีมอีก
- Tháng-tháng-thîi aa-gàat nǎao khǎo yang gin ai-sà-khriim ìik
- “In spite of cold weather, he still eats ice cream.”
4- “By the time…, …”
Thai: กว่า…ก็… (gwàa..gâaw…)
Usage: The Thai conjunction กว่า…ก็… (gwàa..gâaw…) is used to link sentences and phrases (or a sentence and another sentence) with opposing meanings. This Thai connecting word in English is like “by the time…, …” and is used the same way. The patterns that are normally used are as follows:
- กว่า (gwàa) + sentence + ก็ (gâaw) + phrase
- กว่า (gwàa) + sentence + subject of second sentence + ก็ (gâaw) + the rest of second sentence
Example 1:
- กว่าเธอจะทำการบ้านเสร็จ ก็ถึงเวลานอนพอดี
- Gwàa thooe jà tham gaan-bâan sèt gâaw thǔeng wee-laa naawn phaaw-dii
- “By the time she finishes her homework, it will be her bedtime.”
Example 2:
- กว่าเธอจะพร้อมมาช่วยฉัน ฉันก็คงทำเสร็จไปแล้ว
- Gwàa thooe jà phráawm maa chûuai chǎn chǎn gâaw khong tham sèt bpai láaeo
- “By the time you’re ready to help me, I will have already finished it.”
4. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Alternatives
The third type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความให้เลือกอย่างใดอย่างหนึ่ง (kham sǎn- thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam hâi lûueak yàang dai yàang nùeng). This type of conjunction is used to link alternatives. Here is our list of Thai conjunctions in English used to express alternatives that you should know.
1- “Or”
Thai: หรือ (rǔue)
Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunction หรือ (rǔue) is used to show alternatives. The pattern that’s normally used is alternative 1 + หรือ (rǔue) + alternative 2.
Example :
- เธอจะกินไข่ต้มหรือไข่เจียว
- Thooe jà gin khài dtôm rǔue khài jiiao
- “Do you want a boiled egg or omelette?”
2- “Either…or…”
Thai: ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…); หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw)
Usage: The Thai correlative conjunctions ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…) and หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) are used to show alternatives. The patterns that are normally used are:
- ไม่ (mâi) + alternative 1 + ก็ (gâaw) + alternative 2
- alternative 1 + หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) + alternative 2
Example 1:
- พรุ่งนี้น้องชายต้องใส่เสื้อไม่สีขาวก็สีฟ้า
- Phrûng-níi náawng chaai dtâawng sài sûuea mâi sǐi khǎao gâww sǐi fáa
- “Tomorrow, my younger brother has to wear either a white or blue shirt.”
Example 2:
- ฉันอยากเลี้ยงปลาหรือไม่ก็กระต่าย
- Chǎn yàak líiang bplaa rǔue mâi gâaw grà-dtàai
- “I want either a fish or rabbit as my pet.”
Additional note: ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…) and หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.
3- “Or else” and “Otherwise”
Thai: ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán); ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán); มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán…gâaw)
Usage: The Thai conjunctions ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán), ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán), and มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán… gâaw) are used to show forced alternatives. If alternative 1 isn’t chosen, then it will be alternative 2. The patterns that are normally used are:
- alternative 1 + ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) + alternative 2
- alternative 1 + ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán) + alternative 2
- alternative 1 + มิฉะนั้น (mí chà-nán) + subject of alternative 2, if any + ก็ (gâaw) + the rest of alternative 2
Example 1:
- นักเรียนต้องออกจากบ้านแต่เช้า ไม่อย่างนั้น จะไปโรงเรียนสาย
- Nák-riian dtâawng àawk jàak bâan dtàae cháo mâi yàang nán jà bpai roong-riian sǎai
- “The student has to leave their home early or else they will be late for school.”
Example 2:
- พนักงานต้องปฏิบัติตามกฎ ไม่เช่นนั้น จะโดนไล่ออก
- Phá-nák-ngaan dtâawng bpà-dtì-bàt dtaam gòt mâi chêen nán jà doon lâi-àawk
- “Staff members have to obey the rules, otherwise they will be fired.”
Example 3:
- คุณต้องตอบกลับภายใน 24 ชั่วโมง มิฉะนั้นก็จะถือว่าสละสิทธิ
- Khun dtâawng dtàawp glàp phaai nai yîi-sìp-sìi chûua-mong mí chà-nán gâaw jà thǔue wâa sà-là-sìt
- “You have to reply within 24 hours, or else it’s considered to be a waiver.”
Additional note: Among these three conjunctions, despite having the same meaning, ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) is the most casual one. Thai people often use ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) in oral conversations. On the other hand, ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán) and มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán…gâaw) are more formal, so they’re often used in written language.
5. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Cause and Result
The last type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความเป็นเหตุเป็นผลกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam bpen hèet bpen phǒn gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences that show cause and result together. Here’s our list of Thai conjunctions to link cause and result that you should know.
1- Because
Thai: เพราะ (phráw); เพราะว่า (phráw wâa); ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng)
Usage: The Thai subordinating conjunctions เพราะ (phráw), เพราะว่า (phráw wâa), and ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng) are used to show the cause and result of an event. The patterns that are normally used are:
- result + เพราะ (phráw) + cause
- result +เพราะว่า (phráw wâa) + cause
- cause + ฉะนั้น (chà-nán) + subject of reason sentence + จึง (jueng) + the rest of reason sentence
Example 1:
- น้ำสอบตก เพราะ ไม่ตั้งใจเรียน
- Nám sàawp dtòk phráw mâi dtâng-jai riian
- “Nam didn’t pass the test because she didn’t pay attention in class.”
Example 2:
- น้อยไม่สบาย เพราะ ทานอาหารไม่สะอาด
- Náauy mâi sà-baai phráw thaan aa-hǎan mâi sà-àat
- “Noi is sick because she eats unhealthy food.”
Example 3:
- วันนี้อากาศร้อนมาก ฉะนั้น ฉันจึงไม่ออกไปข้างนอก
- Wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn mâak chà-nán chǎn jueng mâi àawk bpai khâang nâawk
- “Because the weather is very hot today, I decided not to go out.”
Additional note: เพราะ (phráw) and เพราะว่า (phráw-wâa) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other. Keep in mind that ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng) is normally used in written language.
2- “So,” “Therefore,” and “Thus”
Thai: เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán); ดังนั้น (dang-nán)
Usage: The Thai conjunction words เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) and ดังนั้น (dang-nán) are used to show the cause and result of an event. The patterns that are normally used are cause + เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) or ดังนั้น (dang-nán) + result.
Example 1:
- คุณพ่ออยากสุขภาพแข็งแรง เพราะฉะนั้น ท่านเลยออกกำลังกายทุกวัน
- Khun phâaw yàak sùk-khà-phâap khǎeng-raaeng phráw chà-nán thâan looei àawk-gam-lang-gaai thúk-wan
- “My father wants to be healthy so he exercises everyday.”
Example 2:
- ตรงนี้รถเยอะมาก ดังนั้น ข้ามถนนต้องระวัง
- Dtrong níi rót yóe mâak dang-nán khâam thà-nǒn dtâawng rá-wang
- “There are a lot of cars in this area, thus you have to be careful when you cross the road.”
Additional note: เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) and ดังนั้น (dang-nán) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.
6. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Grammar
How are you doing with this topic so far? We hope this topic isn’t too difficult for you!
As you can see, how to use many of these words is similar to doing so in the English language. So with a little practice, you can excel in this in no time. If you know Thai people, try using some of these Thai conjunctions when talking with them! Thai people will find it easier to understand the conversation that way.
If you find that Thai conjunctions are very different from those in your native language, or you’re just having some difficulty with them, let us know in the comments!
And after finishing this lesson, you should continue learning with another enjoyable lesson at ThaiPod101.com, such as the numbers 1-10 in Thai or popular food souvenirs. Have fun studying Thai!
Thai Dates: Best Guide for Learning Dates in Thailand
Time is very important, and is a significant part of our daily lives. Thus, when learning any language, it’s essential to learn about dates and time in that language. In this case, knowing Thai dates and how to tell time in Thai will improve your Thai conversation. It will also enable you to make appointments and manage your time well while in Thailand.
This article will teach you how to write dates in Thai, how to say the months in Thai, and basic sentences you can use in conversations to talk about dates or make appointments. To sum up, after finishing this article, you’ll know everything about Thai dates, Thai days, Thai months, and Thai years. Some parts of this lesson may be hard, but others are very easy (especially if you have basic knowledge about Thai numbers!).
Table of Contents
- Saying the Day in Thai
- Dates in Thai
- The Months in Thai
- The Year in Thai
- Combining Thai Days, Dates, Months, and Years
- Other Terms You Should Know
- Must-Know Thai Phrases about Dates
- Making an Appointment in Thai
- Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai
1. Saying the Day in Thai
Let’s start with the basics. Before you can really understand dates in Thailand, you’ll have to know the days of the week in Thai. วัน (wan) is “day” in Thai, and below is a list of the Thai names for each day of the week.
1- “Monday” in Thai
Thai: วันจันทร์ (wan jan)
Example:
- วันจันทร์ที่จะถึงนี้เป็นวันหยุด
wan jan thîi jà thǔeng níi bpen wan yùt
This coming Monday is a holiday.
Additional Note: Thai people associate the days with different colors. For Monday, the color of the day is yellow. Since King Rama IX was born on Monday, yellow is considered his color as well.
2- “Tuesday” in Thai
Thai: วันอังคาร (wan ang-khaan)
Example:
- วันอังคารหน้าฉันจะไปเกาหลี
wan ang-khaan nâa chăn jà bpai gao-lǐi
I will go to Korea next Tuesday.
Additional Note: Tuesday’s color is pink.
3- “Wednesday” in Thai
Thai: วันพุธ (wan phút)
Example:
- ฉันชอบดูหนังวันพุธเพราะตั๋วหนังลดราคา
chăn châawp duu năng wan phút phráw dtŭua năng lót raa-khaa
I like to watch movies on Wednesday because tickets are discounted.
Additional Note: Wednesday’s color is green. In Thailand, a lot of restaurants and movie theaters have promotions on this day.
4- “Thursday” in Thai
Thai: วันพฤหัสบดี (wan phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii)
Example:
- วันพฤหัสบดีนี้ฉันมีนัดกับลูกค้าใหม่
wan phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii níi chăn mii nát gàp lûuk kháa mài
I have an appointment with a new customer this Thursday.
Additional Note: Thursday’s color is orange.
5- “Friday” in Thai
Thai: วันศุกร์ (wan sùk)
Example:
- วันศุกร์หน้าเป็นวันเกิดของแม่ฉัน
wan sùk nâa bpen wan gòoet khǎawng mâae chăn
Next Friday is my mother’s birthday.
Additional Note: Friday’s color is light blue.
6- “Saturday” in Thai
Thai: วันเสาร์ (wan sǎo)
Example:
- วันเสาร์นี้ฉันจะไปห้างกับพี่สาว
wan săo níi chăn jà bpai hâang gàp phîi săao
I will go to the department store with my older sister this Saturday.
Additional Note: Saturday’s color is purple.
7- “Sunday” in Thai
Thai: วันอาทิตย์ (wan aa-thít)
Example:
- วันอาทิตย์เป็นวันครอบครัวของเรา
wan aa-thít bpen wan khrâawp khruua khǎawng rao
Sunday is our family’s day.
Additional Note: Sunday’s color is red.
8- “Weekday” in Thai
Thai: วันธรรมดา (wan tham-má-daa)
Example:
- ปกติแล้ว วันธรรมดาฉันจะถึงบ้านตอน 5 โมงเย็น
bpòk-gà-dtì láaeo wan tham-má-daa chăn jà thǔeng bâan dtaawn hâa moong yen
Normally, I arrive home at 5 p.m. on weekdays.
9- “Weekend” in Thai
Thai: วันสุดสัปดาห์ (wan sùt-sàp-daa)
Example:
- ร้านอาหารของน้องชายฉันจะขายดีวันสุดสัปดาห์เป็นพิเศษ
ráan aa-hăan khǎawng náawng chaai chăn jà khăai dii wan sùt sàp-daa bpen phí-sìit
My younger brother’s restaurant is always packed on the weekend.
As you can see, the days in Thai may require some extra practice due to the spelling. But you can do this! Knowing the days of the week is essential in mastering Thai dates, so don’t skip over this!
2. Dates in Thai
On the other hand, Thai dates are very easy to learn if you know how to count 1-31 in the Thai language. วันที่ (wan thîi) is “date” in Thai. Basically, to say dates in Thai, you just say วันที่ (wan thîi) + number (date). The list below shows how to read all the number dates in Thai.
- วันที่ 1 (wan thîi nùeng) is “1st” in Thai
- วันที่ 2 (wan thîi sǎawng) is “2nd” in Thai
- วันที่ 3 (wan thîi sǎam) is “3rd” in Thai
- วันที่ 4 (wan thîi sìi) is “4th” in Thai
- วันที่ 5 (wan thîi hǎa) is “5th” in Thai
- วันที่ 6 (wan thîi hòk) is “6th” in Thai
- วันที่ 7 (wan thîi jèt) is “7th” in Thai
- วันที่ 8 (wan thîi bpàaet) is “8th” in Thai
- วันที่ 9 (wan thîi gâo) is “9th” in Thai
- วันที่ 10 (wan thîi sìp) is “10th” in Thai
- วันที่ 11 (wan thîi sìp-èt) is “11th” in Thai
- วันที่ 12 (wan thîi sìp sǎawng) is “12th” in Thai
- วันที่ 13 (wan thîi sìp sǎam) is “13th” in Thai
- วันที่ 14 (wan thîi sìp sìi) is “14th” in Thai
- วันที่ 15 (wan thîi sìp hâa) is “15th” in Thai
- วันที่ 16 (wan thîi sìp hòk) is “16th” in Thai
- วันที่ 17 (wan thîi sìp jèt) is “17th” in Thai
- วันที่ 18 (wan thîi sìp bpàaet) is “18th” in Thai
- วันที่ 19 (wan thîi sìp gâo) is “19th” in Thai
- วันที่ 20 (wan thîi yîi sìp) is “20th” in Thai
- วันที่ 21 (wan thîi yîi sìp èt) is “21st” in Thai
- วันที่ 22 (wan thîi yîi sìp sǎawng) is “22nd” in Thai
- วันที่ 23 (wan thîi yîi sìp sǎam) is “23rd” in Thai
- วันที่ 24 (wan thîi yîi sìp sìi) is “24th” in Thai
- วันที่ 25 (wan thîi yîi sìp hâa) is “25th” in Thai
- วันที่ 26 (wan thîi yîi sìp hòk) is “26th” in Thai
- วันที่ 27 (wan thîi yîi sìp jèt) is “27th” in Thai
- วันที่ 28 (wan thîi yîi sìp bpàaet) is “28th” in Thai
- วันที่ 29 (wan thîi yîi sìp gâo) is “29th” in Thai
- วันที่ 30 (wan thîi sǎam sìp) is “30th” in Thai
- วันที่ 31 (wan thîi sǎam sìp èt) is “31st” in Thai
3. The Months in Thai
Now that you know what the days in Thai are, let’s learn how to say “month” in Thai and what each month is called. เดือน (duuean) is “month” in Thai, and the list below shows the month names.
1- “January” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนมกราคม (duuean mók-gà-raa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนหนึ่ง (duuean nùeng)
Abbreviation: ม.ค. (maaw-khaaw)
Example:
- ฉันเกิดเดือนมกราคม
chǎn gòoet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom
I was born in January.
Additional Note: Apart from New Year, another important day in Thailand is Children’s Day, which is the second Saturday of January.
2- “February” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนกุมภาพันธ์ (duuean gum-phaa-phan)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสอง (duuean sǎawng)
Abbreviation: ก.พ. (gaaw-phaaw)
Example:
- เดือนกุมภาพันธ์เป็นเดือนแห่งความรัก
duuean gum-phaa-phan bpen duuean hàaeng khwaam-rák
February is the month of love.
Additional Note: February in Thailand is full of red. Apart from being the month of love, the Chinese New Year falls in this month almost every year. Most places are decorated with red, a color that represents both Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year.
3- “March” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนมีนาคม (duuean mii-naa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสาม (duuean sǎam)
Abbreviation: มี.ค. (mii-khaaw)
Example:
- ประเทศไทยเริ่มเข้าสู่ฤดูร้อนตั้งแต่เดือนมีนาคม
bprà-thêet thai rôoem khâo sùu rúe-duu ráawn dtâng dtàae duuean mii-naa-khom
The summer in Thailand starts in March.
Additional Note: Thai students love March as it’s the start of their summer vacation. March in Thailand is also the starting period of summer. The weather clearly starts to get hotter.
4- “April” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนเมษายน (duuean mee-sǎa-yon)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสี่ (duuean sìi)
Abbreviation: เม.ย. (mee-yaaw)
Example:
- เดือนเมษายนมีเทศกาลสงกรานต์ซึ่งเป็นวันหยุดยาวของประเทศไทย
duuean mee-săa-yon mii thêet-sà-gaan sŏng-graan sûeng bpen wan yùt yaao khǎawng bprà-thêet thai
The sǎawnggran Festival, which is a long Thai holiday, is in April.
Additional Note: As mentioned in the example, the Sŏng-graan Festival or Thai New Year period, is from April 13-15, and this is the hottest period of the year. It’s a long holiday for Thai people, who normally spend their time with family either going back to their hometown or going traveling. So April in Thailand is a time for family.
5- “May” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนพฤษภาคม (duuean phrúet-sà-phaa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนห้า (duuean hâa)
Abbreviation: พ.ค. (phaaw-khaaw)
Example:
- นักเรียนไทยเริ่มเปิดเทอมเดือนพฤษภาคม
nák riian thai rôoem bpòoet thooem duuean phrúet-sà-phaa-khom
Thai students start a new semester in May.
Additional Note: The middle of May in Thailand is the start of the rainy season.
6- “June” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนมิถุนายน (duuean mí-thù-naa-yon)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนหก (duuean hòk)
Abbreviation: มิ.ย. (mí-yaaw)
Example:
- ชื่อของเดือนที่มี 30 วันจะลงท้ายด้วยคำว่า “ยน” ในภาษาไทย เช่น เดือนมิถุนายน
- chûue khǎawng duuean thîi mii săam sìp wan jà long tháai dûuai kham wâa yon nai phaa-săa thai chêen duuean mí-thù-naa-yon
- The name of a month that has thirty days ends with yoen in Thai, such as เดือนมิถุนายน (duuean mí-thù-naa-yon).
7- “July” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนกรกฎาคม (duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนเจ็ด (duuean jèt)
Abbreviation: ก.ค. (gaaw-khaaw)
Example:
- ชื่อของเดือนที่มี 31 วันจะลงท้ายด้วยคำว่า “คม” ในภาษาไทย เช่น เดือนกรกฎาคม
- chûue khǎawng duuean thîi mii săam sìp èt wan jà long tháai dûuai kham wâa khom nai phaa-săa thai chêen duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom
- The name of a month that has thirty-one days ends with khom in Thai, such as เดือนกรกฎาคม (duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom).
8- “August” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนสิงหาคม (duuean sǐng-hǎa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนแปด (duuean bpàaet)
Abbreviation: ส.ค. (sǎaw-khaaw)
Example:
- วันที่ 12 สิงหาคมของทุกปีเป็นวันแม่ของประเทศไทย
wan thîi sìp sǎawng sĭng-hăa-khom khǎawng thúk bpii bpen wan mâae khǎawng bprà-thêet thai
The 12th of August every year is Mother’s Day in Thailand.
Additional Note: August in Thailand is full of events for mothers. The 12th of August is the birthday of King Rama IX’s wife. Thai people perceive her as the mother of Thai people, so naturally, her birthday has become Mother’s Day in Thailand.
9- “September” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนกันยายน (duuean gan-yaa-yon)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนเก้า (duuean gâo)
Abbreviation: ก.ย. (gaaw-yaaw)
Example:
- เดือนกันยายนปีนี้ ฉันจะไปเที่ยวญี่ปุ่น
duuean gan-yaa-yon bpii níi chăn jà bpai thîiao yîi-bpùn
I will go traveling in Japan this September.
Additional Note: The 9th of September in Thailand is considered to be a good day, as both the date and the month are pronounced gâo which means “moving forward” in Thai.
10- “October” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนตุลาคม (duuean dtù-laa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบ (duuean-sìp)
Abbreviation: ต.ค. (dtaaw-khaaw)
Example:
- เทศกาลกินเจของไทยอยู่เดือนตุลาคม
thêet-sà-gaan gin jee khǎawng thai yùu duuean dtù-laa-khom
The Vegetarian Festival in Thailand is in October.
Additional Note: If February in Thailand is full of red, October in Thailand is full of yellow because of the ten-day Vegetarian Festival. During this period, some Thai people eat only vegetarian food for ten days in order to make merit by saving the lives of animals.
11- “November” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนพฤศจิกายน (duuean phrúet-sà-jì-gaa-yon)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบเอ็ด (duuean sìp èt)
Abbreviation: พ.ย. (phaaw-yaaw)
Example:
- วันลอยกระทงของทุกปีมักอยู่เดือนพฤศจิกายน
wan laauy grà-thong khǎawng thúk bpii mák yùu duuean phrúet-sà-jì-gaa-yon
Loy Gratong Day is in November almost every year.
Additional Note: The date on which Loy Gratong Day falls each year is based on the Thai Lunar calendar. It’s the day that Thai people ask พระแม่คงคา (phrá mâae khong-khaa) or the “god of river” for forgiveness if they do something wrong toward the river. This ceremony is quite nice and unique, so foreigners often find it beautiful.
12- “December” in Thai
Thai:
- Formal language: เดือนธันวาคม (duuean than-waa-khom)
- Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบสอง (duuean sìp sǎawng)
Abbreviation: ธ.ค. (thaaw-khaaw)
Example:
- หลายคนชอบเดือนธันวาคมเพราะเดือนนี้มีวันหยุดหลายวัน
lăai khon châawp duuean than-waa khom phráw duuean níi mii wan yùt lăai wan
Many people like December because there are many holidays in this month.
Additional Note: December in Thailand is a month full of holidays. The fact that the weather in Thailand starts to cool down makes the atmosphere nicer. A lot of Thai people travel during this period.
4. The Year in Thai
Learning the years in Thai isn’t difficult. ปี (bpii) is “year” in Thai.
There are a few things you need to know about Thai years, which will be explained below to give you a better idea of how to read dates in Thai according to the year.
1- Ph.D. or B.E.
Thai people mainly use Ph.D., but they also understand if you use B.E. However, when it comes to formal communication in both speaking and writing, Ph.D. is used.
2- How to Say Thai Years (Ph.D.)
Thai: พุทธศักราช (phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat) + year
Abbreviation: พ.ศ. (phaaw-sǎaw)
Example:
- ปีนี้คือพ.ศ.2562
bpii níi khuue phaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng
This year is 2562 Ph.d.
Additional Note: พุทธศักราช (phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat) is normally used in formal situations, while พ.ศ. (phaaw-sǎaw) can be used in both formal and informal situations.
3- How to Say Thai Years (B.E.)
Thai: คริสตศักราช (khrít-dtà-sàk-gà-ràat) + year
Abbreviation: ค.ศ. (khaaw-sǎaw)
Example:
- ปีนี้คือค.ศ.2019
bpii níi khuue khaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-sìp-gâo
This year is 2019 B.E.
Additional Note: คริสตศักราช (khrít-dtà-sàk-gà-ràat) is normally used in formal spoken situations, while ค.ศ. (khaaw-sǎaw) can be used in informal spoken situations and formal written situations.
5. Combining Thai Days, Dates, Months, and Years
So, how are dates written in Thailand?
Let’s combine everything together that you’ve learned so far, and use it to see how to write dates in Thai. Keep in mind that Thai people start with the smallest unit. Below is an example of how Thai people say the day, date, month, and year altogether:
วัน (day) ที่ (date) เดือน (month) ปี (year)
wan (day) thîi (date) duuean (month) bpii (year)
Now, here are various ways you can say Thai days, dates, months and years, using the structures above. The date that will be used as an example is Tuesday 8th, January 2019.
1- Full Version
Thai date: วันอังคารที่ 8 เดือนมกราคม ปีพ.ศ. 2562
Thai pronunciation: wan-ang-khaan thîi bpàaet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom bpii phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng
Usage: Thai people normally use this in formal situations. You simply say every part of the phrase.
2- Thai Date without Day
Thai date: วันที่ 8 เดือนมกราคม ปีพ.ศ. 2562
Thai pronunciation: wan thîi bpàaet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom bpii phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng
Usage: Thai people also use this in formal situations, when they don’t want to focus on the day. If you can say the full version, this is easy. You just cut the day out.
3- Short Version
Thai date: 8 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2562
Thai pronunciation: bpàaet mók-gà-raa-khom phaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng
Usage: Thai people use this in less formal situations. They simply cut out the day, the word date, the month, and the year. For the year, the abbreviation is used. This is what Thai people use for speaking in daily life.
4- Abbreviated Version
Thai date: 8 ม.ค. 62
Thai pronunciation: bpàaet maaw-khaaw hòk-sǎawng
Usage: Thai people mostly use abbreviated versions for writing. When they read it, they either read it fully or read the abbreviation as shown above. For years, Thai people read each number separately.
6. Other Terms You Should Know
Apart from what you’ve learned so far, there are also terms about dates and times you should know:
1- “Today” in Thai
Thai language: วันนี้ (wan-níi)
Example:
- วันนี้เป็นวันอาทิตย์
Wan-níi bpen wan-aa-thít
Today is Sunday.
2- “Tomorrow” in Thai
Thai language: วันพรุ่งนี้ (wan-phrûng-níi); พรุ่งนี้ (phrûng-níi)
Example:
- พรุ่งนี้ฝนน่าจะตก
Phrûng-níi fǒn nâa jà dtòk
It may rain tomorrow.
Additional Note: วันพรุ่งนี้ (wan-phrûng-níi) is a little bit more formal than พรุ่งนี้ (phrûng-níi). Still, Thai people use both of them equally.
3- “The Day After Tomorrow” in Thai
Thai language: วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen); มะรืน (má-ruuen)
Example:
- พ่อต้องไปเชียงใหม่มะรืนนี้
Phâaw dtâawng bpai chiiang-mài má-ruuen níi
Dad has to go to Chiangmai the day after tomorrow.
Additional Note: วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen) is a little bit more formal than มะรืน (má-ruuen). Still, Thai people use both of them equally. They often put the word นี้ (níi) after วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen) or มะรืน (má-ruuen), but its English meaning is the same.
4- “Yesterday” in Thai
Thai language: เมื่อวาน (mûuea-waan)
Example:
- เมื่อวานนี้อากาศร้อนมาก
Mûuea-waan níi aa-gàat ráawn mâak
Yesterday was very hot.
Additional Note: Thai people often put the word นี้ (níi) after เมื่อวาน (mûuea-waan), but its English meaning is the same.
5- “Week” in Thai
Thai language: สัปดาห์ (sàp-daa); อาทิตย์ (aa-thít)
Example:
- อาทิตย์ที่แล้ว ฉันไปเที่ยวมา
Aa-thít thîi-láaeo chǎn bpai thîiao maa
I went traveling last week.
Additional Note: สัปดาห์ (sàp-daa) is more formal than อาทิตย์ (aa-thít). Thai people use อาทิตย์ (aa-thít) in conversation more.
6- “This…..” in Thai
Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + นี้ (níi)
Example:
- วันพฤหัสบดีนี้เป็นวันครู
Wan-phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii níi bpen wan khruu
This Thursday is Teacher Day.
Additional Note: In Thailand, Teacher Day is on January 16.
6- “Next…..” in Thai
Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + หน้า (nhâa)
Example:
- เดือนหน้าอากาศจะเริ่มร้อนแล้ว
Duuean nâa aa-gàat jà rôoem ráawn láaeo
The weather will start to be hot next month.
6- “Last…..” in Thai
Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + ที่แล้ว (thîi-láaeo)
Example:
- ปีที่แล้วเป็นปีที่ดีของฉัน
Bpii thîi-láaeo bpen bpii thîi dii khǎawng chǎn
Last year was a good year for me.
7. Must-Know Thai Phrases about Dates
Even after learning everything else in this article, you may still find it a bit hard to start a conversation about dates. To help you out, we’ve prepared some sentences you can use.
Thai language: วันนี้วันอะไร
Thai pronunciation: wan-níi wan à-rai
English meaning: What day is today?
Thai language: เดือนนี้เดือนอะไร
Thai pronunciation: duuean níi duuean à-rai
English meaning: What month is this?
Thai language: ปีนี้ปีอะไร
Thai pronunciation: bpii níi bpii à-rai
English meaning: What year is this?
Thai language: วันเกิดคุณคือวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: wan-gòoet khun khuue wan nǎi
English meaning: When is your birthday?
Thai language: วันครบรอบแต่งงานคือวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: wan-khróp-râawp dtàaeng-ngaan khuue wan nǎi
English meaning: When is your wedding anniversary?
Thai language: โรงเรียนเปิดเทอมวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: roong-riian bpòoet-thooem wan nǎi
English meaning: When does your school start?
8. Making an Appointment in Thai
Now, for the last section of this article, let’s learn sentences you can use to make an appointment.
Thai language: คุณว่าง (day / date) มั๊ย
Thai pronunciation: khun wâang …..mái
English meaning: Are you free on (day/date)?
Thai language: ว่าง
Thai pronunciation: wâang
English meaning: I’m free.
Thai language: ไม่ว่าง
Thai pronunciation: mâi wâang
English meaning: I’m not free.
Thai language: แล้ว (day / date) ล่ะ
Thai pronunciation: láaeo…..là
English meaning: What about (day / date)?
Thai language: เจอกัน (day / date) นะ
Thai pronunciation: jooe gan…..ná
English meaning: See you on (day / date).
9. Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai
There’s a lot to learn and remember when it comes to Thai dates, so be sure to practice often. Remembering the names of days and months will definitely take some time, but you can do it, so don’t give up. If you can, try using them with Thai people in daily life.
Once you get the hang of this, you can go and learn other interesting lessons such as our vocabulary list on Thai numbers or about the Thai New Year at ThaiPod101.com!
Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about Thai dates now. Do you feel more confident about writing and reading dates in Thai, or are you still struggling? Don’t forget to keep practicing and never hesitate to reach out for help. We look forward to hearing from you!