สู้ๆ
su su
The English phrase "cheer up" can be translated into Thai as สู้ๆ (su su).
สู้ๆ is used as an encouragement to someone facing difficulties, similar to saying "keep going" or "don't give up" in English. It functions similarly to English expressions such as "keep fighting", "hang in there" or "don't give up".
Meaning: to make someone happy (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a reduplication of the verb สู้ (su), which means "to fight" or "to struggle". Literally, it translates to "fight, fight!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
สู้ๆ is an informal and colloquial expression. It is most commonly used among friends, peers or in casual social media contexts rather than in formal professional settings.
How do you pronounce it?
su su
Did you know?
- You might find that the tone of สู้ๆ is often accompanied by a small physical gesture, such as a light squeeze of the arm or a hand on the shoulder, to bridge the gap between words and true empathy.
- In many Asian cultures, including Thailand, the concept of 'fighting' as encouragement is a way to validate that the person's current hardship is real and difficult.
- Even though the root word สู้ can be aggressive, the reduplicated form สู้ๆ softens the tone, making it sound supportive and friendly rather than a command to fight.
Examples in context
- สู้ๆ นะครับsu su na khrapCheer up.
- สู้ๆ นะ อย่าท้อsu su na ya thoCheer up, don't give up.
Example conversation
Teerapat is comforting Nicha after she failed an exam.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatอย่าร้องไห้เลยนะya rong hai loei naPlease don't cry.
- ณิชา Nichaฉันเสียใจมากเลยค่ะchan sia chai mak loei khaI am very sad.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatสู้ๆ นะ เดี๋ยวก็ดีขึ้นsu su na diao ko di khuenCheer up, it will get better soon.
- ณิชา Nichaขอบคุณนะคะที่ให้กำลังใจkhop khun na kha thi hai kamlang chaiThank you for the encouragement.
