โดย
doy/doːj˧/
The English phrase 'by' can be translated into Thai as โดย (doy).
The word โดย is a common and versatile way to say 'by' in formal situations to indicate the performer or the means of doing something. The phrase โดยใช้ can be used to emphasize the method or tool used to accomplish something.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is doy. In the IPA, it is /doːj˧/.
Did you know?
- In certain formal Thai contexts, the word โดย can function as a way to indicate that one is 'following' a certain rule or pattern, reflecting its ancient Khmer origins of 'to follow'.
- The term โดย is highly versatile and can actually be used to introduce a person's name in very formal or poetic descriptions to indicate they are the 'agent' of an action.
- While โดย is used for formal means of transport, in casual daily speech, Thai people often drop the word 'by' entirely and simply name the vehicle.
Examples in context
- ผมลบไฟล์โดยไม่ตั้งใจI deleted the file by accident.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express 'by accident' using โดย.Tatoeba #10669253 by Somsak, translation #8123383 by CK
- ผมไม่ชอบเดินทางโดยรถไฟI don't like traveling by train.This sentence shows how to express traveling 'by train' using โดย.Tatoeba #10321746 by Somsak, translation #6808880 by CK
- ณไปโรงเรียนโดยรถโดยสารประจำทางหรือไม่?Do you go to school by bus?This sentence shows how to ask about traveling 'by bus' using โดย.Tatoeba #8692133 by pastelite, translation #69793 by CK
- ผู้สื่อข่าวรายงานข่าวโดยใช้ไมค์The reporter delivers the news using a microphone.
- ฉันเดินทางเข้ากลางเมืองผ่านทางรถไฟฟ้าI travel to the city center by taking the subway.
- ฉันสอนเขาด้วยการใช้วิธีเก่าI teach him by using an old method.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing how to send a package.
- ณิชา Nichaคุณจะส่งเอกสารโดยวิธีไหนคะ?khun cha song ek ka san doi wi thi nai kha?How will you send the documents?
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitผมจะส่งโดยไปรษณีย์ครับ.phom cha song doi prai sa nee khrap.I will send them by post.
- ณิชา Nichaใช้เวลานานไหมคะ?chai we la nan mai kha?Will it take long?
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitไม่นานครับ ชลสิทธิ์จะจัดการเอง.mai nan khrap. chon la sit cha chat kan eng.Not long. Chonlasit will handle it himself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations and entries โดย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries โดย, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
