ตัวอักษร
dtuua-àk-sɔ̌ɔn/tua̯˧.ʔak̚˨˩.sɔːn˩˩˦/
The English word 'alphabet' is translated into Thai as ตัวอักษร (dtuua-àk-sɔ̌ɔn). If unsure, use ตัวอักษร. Wiktionary also lists อักษร (àk-sɔ̌ɔn).
Meaning: an ordered set of letters used in a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ตัวอักษร | dtuua-àk-sɔ̌ɔn | /tua̯˧.ʔak̚˨˩.sɔːn˩˩˦/ |
| อักษร | àk-sɔ̌ɔn | /ʔak̚˨˩.sɔːn˩˩˦/ /ʔak̚˨˩.sɔː˩˩˦.ra˦˥./ |
ตัวอักษร is used when referring to the individual characters or the set of letters used to write a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ตัวอักษร is composed of ตัว (dtuua), a classifier for objects or characters and อักษร (àk-sɔ̌ɔn), meaning letters or script.
Which one should you use?
While ตัวอักษร is the common way to say 'alphabet' or 'letters', the shortened form อักษร is often used to refer to 'script' or 'writing systems'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced dtuua-àk-sɔ̌ɔn. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Thai children often learn the 'alphabet' by memorizing a rhythmic poem for each ตัวอักษร, such as 'ก ไก่' (ko kai) meaning 'K as in chicken'.
- Because the Thai script is an abugida rather than a true alphabet, ตัวอักษร technically refers to a system where vowels are marks attached to consonants rather than separate letters.
- In Thai calligraphy, the 'body' of a ตัวอักษร must typically begin with a small circle called a 'head', and omitting this can change the meaning of the letter entirely.
Examples in context
- ภาษาไทยมีตัวอักษรจำนวนมากpha-sa thai mi tua-ak-son cham-nuan makThe Thai language has many letters.
- คุณจำตัวอักษรเหล่านี้ได้ไหมkhun cham tua-ak-son lao-ni dai maiCan you remember these letters?
Example conversation
A student is asking a teacher about Thai script.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatตัวอักษรไทยเขียนยากไหมครับtua-ak-son thai khian yak mai khrapIs the Thai alphabet difficult to write?
- ณิชา Nichaช่วงแรกอาจจะยากนิดหน่อยค่ะchuang raek at cha yak nit-noi khaIt might be a bit difficult at first.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatผมต้องเริ่มจากตัวอักษรตัวไหนก่อนphom tong roem chak tua-ak-son tua nai konWhich letter should I start with first?
- ณิชา Nichaเริ่มจากตัวอักษรพื้นฐานก่อนนะคะroem chak tua-ak-son phuen-than kon na khaStart with the basic letters first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alphabet” translations and entries ตัวอักษร, อักษร, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
