มาเถอะ
ma thoe
The English phrase 'come on' can be translated into Thai as มาเถอะ (ma thoe).
The expression มาเถอะ is used to invite or urge someone to do something, serving as an expression of encouragement.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb มา (ma), which means 'to come' and the particle เถอะ (thoe), which is used to suggest or urge an action.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
มาเถอะ is an informal or neutral way to encourage someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle เถอะ (thoe) functions as a soft imperative, which allows the phrase to act as a suggestion or a gentle urge to 'come on'.
How do you pronounce it?
ma thoe
Did you know?
- If a Thai speaker wants to say 'come on' in the sense of 'stop lying' or 'you can't be serious', they would not use มาเถอะ but instead use เอาจริงดิ (ao jing di).
- In very informal settings, the verb มา (ma) can be doubled to มาๆ (ma ma) to act as a high-energy 'come on' that signals urgency or excitement.
- In Thai culture, encouraging someone to 'come on' and join an activity is often accompanied by a gesturing motion with the palm facing up and fingers curling inward.
Examples in context
- มาเถอะ, เราจะไปกินข้าวCome on, let's go eat.
- มาเถอะ อย่ามัวแต่ลังเลเลยma thoe ya mua tae lang loeiCome on, don't just hesitate.
- มาเถอะ เราต้องรีบไปแล้วma thoe rao tong rip pai laeoCome on, we have to go now.
Example conversation
The two friends are deciding whether to enter a haunted house attraction.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatฉันไม่กล้าเข้าไปเลยchan mai kla khao pai loeiI'm too scared to go in.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinมาเถอะ สิรินทร์ ไม่น่ากลัวหรอกma thoe sirin mai na klua rokCome on, Sirin, it's not that scary.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatจริงเหรอ?ching ro?Really?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinจริงสิ ไปกันเถอะching si pai kan thoeYes, let's go.
