ฉันคือ
chan khue
The English phrase "I am" is translated into Thai as ฉันคือ (chan khue).
This phrase is used to identify yourself or to state who you are. While the verb "to be" is often omitted in Thai when stating a name or identity if the context is already clear, คือ is used when you want to provide a formal definition or add emphasis to your identity.
What does it mean word for word?
ฉัน (chan) means "I" and คือ (khue) means "is/am/are" in a defining sense.
How do you pronounce it?
chan khue
Did you know?
- When identifying oneself in a professional setting, a Thai speaker might use their own nickname as the pronoun instead of saying ฉัน.
- The word คือ specifically functions like an equals sign in mathematics, linking two nouns that are identical in essence.
- Thai has many words for 'I' that denote specific social hierarchies, such as different terms used only by royalty or monks.
Examples in context
- ผมเป็น ครูI am a teacher.
- ฉันเป็น คนไทยI am Thai.
Example conversation
Nicha introduces herself to Chonsit at a formal meeting.
- ณิชา Nichaสวัสดีค่ะ ฉันคือณิชาค่ะsawasdee kha chan khue nicha khaHello, I am Nicha.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitยินดีที่ได้รู้จักครับyindee thi dai ru jak krapNice to meet you.
- ณิชา Nichaคุณคือคุณชลสิทธิ์ใช่ไหมคะkhun khue khun chonsit chai mai khaYou are Mr. Chonsit, right?
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitใช่ครับ ผมเองครับchai krap phom eng krapYes, that is me.
