ที่รัก
tîi-rák/tʰiː˥˩.rak̚˦˥/
The English phrase "dear" is translated into Thai as ที่รัก (tîi-rák).
ที่รัก can be used as an adjective meaning "loved" or "lovable," but it is most commonly used as a noun to address a romantic partner or a very close loved one, similar to "darling" or "honey."
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of ที่ (tîi), a relative pronoun meaning "that" or "which" and รัก (rák), the verb "to love." Together, they literally mean "that/which is loved."
Which one should you use?
In English, "dear" is often used in formal letter salutations (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith"). However, ที่รัก is strictly intimate and would be inappropriate for formal correspondence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term is used as a vocative, which means it is typically placed at the beginning or end of a sentence when addressing someone directly.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is tîi-rák.
Did you know?
- Thai has several levels of 'dear' depending on the relationship, such as พี่ (pîi) for an older partner or น้อง (nóng) for a younger one, which are often used instead of ที่รัก.
- While ที่รัก is the standard term for 'dear', many Thai couples prefer to use nicknames or the word เตง (teng), which is a cute, shortened version of ตัวเอง (tua-eng) meaning 'yourself'.
- In Thailand, using ที่รัก in public is often seen as very sweet or 'cheesy', and some couples only use it in private to avoid appearing overly sentimental.
Example conversation
A couple greeting each other at home.
- ณิชา Nichaกลับมาแล้วเหรอคะ ที่รักklap ma laew ro kha thi rakAre you back, dear?
- วิทวัส Witthawatครับ ผมกลับมาแล้วครับ ณิชาkrap phom klap ma laew krap NichaYes, I'm back, Nicha.
- ณิชา Nichaวันนี้เหนื่อยไหมคะwan nee nueay mai khaAre you tired today?
- วิทวัส Witthawatนิดหน่อยครับ ขอบคุณที่เป็นห่วงนะnit noi krap khop khun thi pen huang naA little bit, thanks for caring.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ที่รัก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
