นิดหน่อย
nít-nɔ̀i/nit̚˦˥.nɔj˨˩/
The English phrase "a little" can be translated into Thai as นิดหน่อย (nít-nɔ̀i). Wiktionary also lists หน่อย (nɔ̀i).
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| นิดหน่อย | nít-nɔ̀i | /nit̚˦˥.nɔj˨˩/ |
| หน่อย | nɔ̀i | /nɔj˨˩/ |
These terms are adverbs used to indicate that something occurs to a small extent or degree. In casual spoken Thai, the single word หน่อย is frequently used to mean "a bit" or "a little" when it follows an adjective.
Which one should you use?
นิดเดียว is an informal way to say "a little" used among friends and peers, while เล็กน้อย is a formal term for "a little".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, these adverbs of degree typically follow the adjective or verb they modify, such as in the phrase เหนื่อยนิดหน่อย (tired a little).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is nít-nɔ̀i.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, adding หน่อย to the end of a verb can function as a polite way to soften a request, turning a command into a gentle suggestion.
- Thai speakers often use นิดเดียว (a tiny bit) to be humble or modest, even when they actually possess a significant amount of a skill or resource.
- In very casual speech, หน่อย can be used to express a slight sense of annoyance or impatience depending on the tone of voice.
Examples in context
- มีเวลาสักหน่อยไหมDo you have a little time for me to tell you something?This sentence shows how to use หน่อย to ask about having a little time.Tatoeba #11756013 by superteenkai, translation #11764515 by elsherif
- ฉันเหนื่อยนิดหน่อยI'm a little tired.This sentence demonstrates using หน่อย to modify an adjective describing tiredness.Tatoeba #8675883 by pastelite, translation #258671 by CK
- ขอโทษนะคะ คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้มั้ย? ได้ครับ นิดหน่อย"Excuse me, do you speak English?" "Yes. A little."This sentence shows a conversational way to answer a question about language ability using หน่อย.Tatoeba #4293620 by Spanger, translation #4293267 by Adelpa
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pimon and Thanakrit are discussing a meal.
- พิมล Pimonอาหารจานนี้เผ็ดนิดหน่อยนะahan chan ni phet nit noi naThis dish is a little spicy.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritจริงด้วย แต่ผมว่าอร่อยดีching duai tae phom wa aroi diTrue, but I think it tastes good.
- พิมล Pimonอยากได้น้ำดื่มเพิ่มนิดหน่อยไหมyak dai nam duem phoem nit noi maiDo you want a little more drinking water?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritครับ รบกวนด้วยครับkhrap rop kuan duai khrapYes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries นิดหน่อย, หน่อย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
