Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ของขวัญ | kɔ̌ɔng-kwǎn | /kʰɔːŋ˩˩˦.kʰwan˩˩˦/ |
| ของกำนัล | kɔ̌ɔng-gam-nan | /kʰɔːŋ˩˩˦.kam˧.nan˧/ |
| ของฝาก | kɔ̌ɔng-fàak | /kʰɔːŋ˩˩˦.faːk̚˨˩/ |
A gift is something given to another voluntarily and without charge. In Thai, the specific term you choose depends on whether you are talking about a general present, a souvenir from a trip or a formal offering.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ของขวัญ is composed of ของ, meaning thing or stuff and ขวัญ, meaning spiritual essence, auspiciousness or gift.
Which one should you use?
Use ของขวัญ for general gifts given on occasions like birthdays or holidays. Use ของฝาก specifically for gifts or treats that someone brings back for others after traveling or visiting a place. Use ของกำนัล when referring to a gift or offering in a formal context, such as a gift presented to a high-ranking person.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kɔ̌ɔng-kwǎn. It has 2 syllables.
When do people say it?
In Thai, you might hear the phrase "ไม่ต้องให้ของขวัญนะคะ คุณเป็นของขวัญอยู่แล้ว" which translates to "No need to give a gift, you are already a gift."
Did you know?
- The word ขวัญ in ของขวัญ refers to a spiritual essence or a protective soul that is believed to reside within a person. In ancient Thai belief, if one is startled, their ขวัญ might leave the body, requiring a ritual to call it back.
- When giving ของฝาก after a trip, it is common to buy enough for every member of the office or a whole family, rather than a single specific item for one person.
- In Thailand, the act of giving ของกำนัล to a superior often involves placing the gift on a tray or presenting it with both hands to show respect.
Examples in context
- เธอพอใจกับของขวัญShe was pleased with the gift.This sentence shows how to express satisfaction with a gift using ของขวัญ.Tatoeba #10543008 by Somsak, translation #311318 by CK
- มีคนส่งของขวัญมาให้เราSomebody sent us a gift.This sentence demonstrates the use of ของขวัญ when someone sends a gift.Tatoeba #10189681 by Somsak, translation #6846872 by CK
- 1. มันคือของขวัญ 2. พูดเมื่อเราทำอะไรที่คนอื่นทำไม่ได้ เพื่อที่จะเน้นว่า ฉันทำได้เพราะฉันมีความสามารถพิเศษที่ติดตัวมาIt's a gift.This sentence shows how ของขวัญ can be used metaphorically to describe a natural talent or innate ability.Tatoeba #7766170 by JipThaiTeacher, translation #2549814 by CK
Example conversation
Thanakrit gives a birthday present to Sirin.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritสิรินทร์ครับ นี่คือของขวัญวันเกิดครับSirin khrap, ni khue khong khwan wan koet khrapSirin, this is a birthday gift.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอบคุณมากค่ะ ธนกฤตkhop khun mak kha, ThanakritThank you very much, Thanakrit.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritหวังว่าคุณจะชอบของขวัญชิ้นนี้นะครับwang wa khun cha chop khong khwan chin ni na khrapI hope you like this gift.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinฉันชอบมากเลยค่ะ ขอบคุณนะคะchan chop mak loei kha, khop khun na khaI love it very much, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries ของขวัญ, ของกำนัล, ของฝาก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
