แล้วคุณล่ะ
laeo khun la
In Thai, "and you" is expressed as แล้วคุณล่ะ (laeo khun la).
This phrase is used to return a question back to the person who just asked it. For example, if someone asks you "How are you?", you can use this to ask them the same thing in return.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of แล้ว (laeo) meaning "and then", คุณ (khun) meaning "you" and the particle ล่ะ (la) which is used to form a question or indicate a change in topic.
Which one should you use?
While แล้วคุณล่ะ is the standard way to return a question, other forms exist depending on the level of formality and the relationship between speakers.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite, you should add a polite particle at the end.
How do you pronounce it?
laeo khun la
Did you know?
- If speaking to someone much younger, Thais often replace คุณ with หนู, which literally means 'mouse'. The phrase becomes แล้วหนูล่ะ, turning a standard question into an affectionate one.
- The word คุณ originally comes from a title meaning 'virtue' or 'goodness'. Using it as a pronoun is essentially a way of addressing someone by their merit.
- Thai speakers rarely use แล้วคุณล่ะ as a standalone question without a preceding answer. It is culturally expected to answer the original question first before returning it.
Examples in context
- ฉันสบายดี แล้วคุณล่ะchan sa-bai dee laeo khun laI am fine, and you?
- ฉันชอบอาหารไทย แล้วคุณล่ะchan chop aa-haan thai laeo khun laI like Thai food, and you?
- ฉันจะไปทะเล แล้วคุณล่ะchan cha pai tha-lay laeo khun laI am going to the sea, and you?
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting for coffee and asking about their well-being.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritสบายดีไหมครับsa-bai dee mai krapHow are you?
- ณิชา Nichaสบายดีค่ะ แล้วคุณล่ะsa-bai dee ka laeo khun laI am fine, and you?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritผมก็สบายดีครับphom ko sa-bai dee krapI am also fine.
- ณิชา Nichaยินดีที่ได้เจอค่ะyin dee thee dai juer kaIt is good to see you.
