นิดหน่อย
nít-nɔ̀i/nit̚˦˥.nɔj˨˩/
นิดหน่อย (nít-nɔ̀i) is the Thai phrase for "a little bit".
นิดหน่อย is used to describe a small amount or a short duration of something. It is a common way to soften a statement or to downplay the intensity of an action or feeling.
Which one should you use?
While นิดหน่อย is the standard phrase, in very casual speech, the second syllable is often dropped, leaving only นิด to mean "a little".
How do you pronounce it?
nít-nɔ̀i
Did you know?
- In Thai, adding หน่อย (nɔ̀i) to the end of a command can turn a blunt order into a polite request, much like adding 'could you' in English.
- Thai speakers often accompany the word นิดหน่อย with a gesture of bringing their thumb and index finger close together to visually emphasize the small amount.
- While นิดหน่อย means 'a little bit', using it to describe your ability in a language is a common cultural modesty trait, even if you are actually quite fluent.
Examples in context
- ขอนิดหน่อยCan I have a little bit?
- ลดนิดหน่อยได้ไหมCan you reduce the price a little bit?
- ขอนิดหน่อยครับCan I have a little bit, please?
- ฉันเหนื่อยนิดหน่อยค่ะchan nueai nit-noi khaI am a little bit tired.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Teerapat asks Kanokwan about her day.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatวันนี้เหนื่อยไหมครับwan-ni nueai mai khrapAre you tired today?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanเหนื่อยนิดหน่อยค่ะnueai nit-noi khaI am a little bit tired.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatไปพักผ่อนไหมครับpai phak-phon mai khrapWould you like to go rest?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanดีค่ะ ขอบคุณนะคะdi kha khop-khun na khaThat sounds good, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry นิดหน่อย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
