ตาย
dtaai/taːj˧/
The Thai word for 'to die' is ตาย (dtaai). Wiktionary also lists เสียชีวิต (sǐia-chii-wít).
Meaning: to stop living (verb)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ตาย | dtaai | /taːj˧/ |
| เสียชีวิต | sǐia-chii-wít | /sia̯˩˩˦.t͡ɕʰiː˧.wit̚˦˥/ |
ตาย is the standard term for 'to die' and can function as both a verb ('to die') and an adjective ('to be dead') depending on the context of the sentence.
Which one should you use?
ตาย is the standard, neutral term used in everyday language. In contrast, เสียชีวิต is a formal and more polite term often used in news reports, official documents or when speaking about someone's passing with respect.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dtaai and the IPA is /taːj˧/.
Did you know?
- While ตาย is the standard word, using it for highly respected individuals, such as royalty or high-ranking monks, is considered extremely rude.
- In some superstitious contexts, Thai people avoid saying ตาย and instead use euphemisms like 'gone' or 'passed away' to avoid attracting bad luck.
- In casual conversation, ตาย is frequently used as an intensifier to mean 'extremely'. For example, saying one is 'tired ตาย' is equivalent to saying 'tired to death' in English.
Examples in context
- ทอมตายไหม?Did Tom die?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has died using ตาย.Tatoeba #8703073 by pastelite, translation #2235663 by CK
- ทำไมฉันถึงยังไม่ตาย?Why didn't I die?This sentence is useful for asking why one has not died using ตาย.Tatoeba #8737965 by ojiisan, translation #2273948 by CK
- ตาย!Die!This sentence shows the use of ตาย as an imperative command.Tatoeba #8669261 by pastelite, translation #364954 by fcbond
- เพิ่งไปเจอคนที่ไม่เคยเจอมานาน ที่นั่นเขาบอกว่าพ่อของเขา ตายแล้วRecently, I met someone whom I haven't seen in a long time. He told me his father already passed away.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman and a man are talking about a pet.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatแมวของเธอตายแล้วเหรอ?maeo khong thoe tai laeo ro?Did your cat die?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinใช่ค่ะ มันตายเมื่อคืนนี้เองchai kha man tai muea khuen ni engYes, it died just last night.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเสียใจด้วยนะsia chai duai naI am sorry to hear that.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอบคุณค่ะkhop khun khaThank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “die” translations and entries ตาย, เสียชีวิต, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
