มานี่
ma ni
To say "come here" in Thai, you use มานี่ (ma ni).
มานี่ is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker's current location. Because the bare form can sound quite blunt or even rude if used with elders or strangers, it is best used with close friends, children or subordinates.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb มา (ma) meaning "to come" and the adverb นี่ (ni) meaning "here".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can also use มานี่หน่อย to soften the command into a polite request.
How do you pronounce it?
ma ni
Did you know?
- In Thailand, you should never beckon someone by waving your palm upward and curling your fingers, as this is the standard gesture for มานี่. Instead, use a downward-facing palm to signal someone to come closer.
- In very formal or royal contexts, a different word for 'come' is used entirely. The common มา is replaced by เสด็จ (sadet) when referring to members of the royal family.
- While มานี่ is a command to move toward you, if you want someone to come to a different location entirely, you might use ไปหา (pai ha), which literally means 'go find'.
Examples in context
- มานี่Come here.This sentence shows how to use the phrase มานี่.Tatoeba #7878666 by pastelite, translation #39944 by Swift
- กรุณามาที่นี่หน่อยครับ/ค่ะPlease come here, sir/ma'am.
- ผู้ชายคนนั้นไม่อยากมาที่นี่That man doesn't want to come here.
- มานี่เถอะสิCome here, please.
- มานี่เถอะ เป็นงานสำคัญนะCome here, it's an important matter.
- มานี่หน่อยสิma ni noi siCome here for a moment.
- ลูก มานี่เร็วluk ma ni reoChild, come here quickly.
Example conversation
A man calls a woman to show her something on his phone.
- วิทวัส Witthawatพิมล มานี่หน่อยPhimon ma ni noiPhimon, come here a second.
- พิมล Pimonมีอะไรคะ วิทวัสmi arai kha WitthawatWhat is it, Witthawat?
- วิทวัส Witthawatมานี่ดูรูปนี้สิma ni du rup ni siCome here and look at this photo.
- พิมล Pimonรูปไหนคะrup nai khaWhich photo?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
