แต่
dtɛ̀ɛ/tɛː˨˩/
The English phrase "but" can be translated into Thai as แต่ (dtɛ̀ɛ).
แต่ is used as a conjunction to connect contrasting ideas, meaning "but". Depending on the sentence structure, it can also function to mean "except".
Meaning: except (conj)
Which one should you use?
While แต่ functions as "but" to connect contrasting ideas, it can also function as "except" depending on the sentence structure. In spoken Thai, the form แต่ว่า is a very common way to say "but" or "however". Additionally, the formal phrase แต่เพียง can be used to mean "only" or "just".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dtɛ̀ɛ. The IPA is /tɛː˨˩/.
Did you know?
- When talking about time, แต่ can transform from a conjunction meaning 'but' into a preposition meaning 'since'. For example, you might use it to say 'since childhood' rather than to show contrast.
- In spoken Thai, the phrase แต่ว่า is frequently used to soften a contradiction. Using the shorter แต่ can sometimes sound too abrupt or blunt in a polite conversation.
- The Thai word แต่ shares a common ancestor with the Lao word ແຕ່, meaning the two languages are linguistically 'cousins' in how they express contrast.
Examples in context
- แต่ฉันไม่อยากBut I don't want to.This sentence shows how to use แต่ to express a lack of desire.Tatoeba #8669291 by pastelite, translation #1491670 by fanty
- ทอมไม่ได้พูดอะไรได้แต่ยิ้มTom didn't say anything, but just smiled.This sentence uses แต่ to show a contrast between not speaking and smiling.Tatoeba #10116328 by Somsak, translation #8469706 by CK
- ผมหิวน้ำแต่ไม่มีอะไรให้ดื่มI was thirsty, but there was nothing to drink.This sentence uses แต่ to connect a physical need with a lack of resources.Tatoeba #10597750 by Somsak, translation #8007044 by CK
- สวยแต่ไม่ฉลาดBeautiful but not smart.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sirin and Theeraphat are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinวันนี้กินอะไรดีคะ?wan-nii kin a-rai dii kha?What should we eat today?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatอะไรก็ได้ แต่ไม่เอาเผ็ดครับa-rai kor dai tae mai ao phed krapAnything is fine, but not spicy please.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinงั้นไปกินอาหารญี่ปุ่นกันไหม?ngan pai kin aa-haan yee-pun gan mai?Then shall we go eat Japanese food?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatดีเลยครับ ผมชอบมากdii loei krap phom chop maakThat's great, I like it very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry แต่, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries แต่, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
