ที่รัก
tîi-rák/tʰiː˥˩.rak̚˦˥/
The English phrase "babe" can be translated to Thai as ที่รัก (tîi-rák).
ที่รัก is used to mean babe, darling or honey. While the English word "babe" can sometimes refer to an attractive stranger, ที่รัก is used almost exclusively as a term of endearment between romantic partners or very close loved ones.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of ที่ (place/that which) and รัก (love), literally meaning "the one who is loved" or "beloved".
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English "babe", which can be used to describe a person's physical attractiveness (for example, "She is a babe"), ที่รัก is a direct address used to call someone your sweetheart.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ที่รัก is an informal term of endearment used in intimate or romantic settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is tîi-rák. It has 2 syllables. The IPA is /tʰiː˥˩.rak̚˦˥/.
Did you know?
- While ที่รัก is used for partners, many Thai couples instead use nicknames or the word ตัว ('body') as a cute term of endearment.
- In very formal or old-fashioned Thai literature, a more poetic version of 'beloved' is ยอดรัก, which adds the word for 'summit' or 'peak'.
- Thai speakers often omit the ที่รัก entirely and instead use the particle นะ at the end of sentences to create the same feeling of intimacy.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding on a movie to watch.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanที่รัก อยากดูหนังเรื่องนี้ไหมthi-rak yak du nang rueang ni maiBabe, do you want to watch this movie?
- วิทวัส Witthawatก็น่าสนใจนะ กนกวรรณko na son-chai na KanokwanIt looks interesting, Kanokwan.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanงั้นเราเริ่มดูเลยนะngan rao roem du loei naThen let's start watching it.
- วิทวัส Witthawatตกลงครับtok-long krapAgreed.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ที่รัก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
