ขอโทษ
kɔ̌ɔ-tôot/kʰɔː˩˩˦.tʰoːt̚˥˩/
The English phrase "I am sorry" is translated into Thai as ขอโทษ (kɔ̌ɔ-tôot).
ขอโทษ is an expression used to apologize for a mistake or a wrongdoing. It can also be used to mean "Excuse me" when you are trying to get someone's attention or when you are trying to pass through a crowd.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the words ขอ (to ask or request) and โทษ (punishment or fault), literally meaning "to ask for punishment/fault" or "to ask for forgiveness".
Which one should you use?
While ขอโทษ is used to apologize for an action, the phrase เสียใจ is used to express feeling sorry or sad about a situation or someone's misfortune.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ is the polite way to say "I am sorry". For a more informal tone, you can use ขอโทษนะ to mean "Sorry".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, respect is shown by adding particles to the end of a phrase based on the speaker's gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is kɔ̌ɔ-tôot.
Did you know?
- When saying ขอโทษ, Thais often perform a 'wai' by pressing their palms together and bowing their head to show sincerity and respect.
- The word โทษ is derived from the Sanskrit word 'doṣa', which relates to a defect or a fault.
- Thai has several different levels of apologies based on social hierarchy, and using the wrong level can accidentally seem condescending or overly subservient.
Examples in context
- ขอโทษครับที่มาสายkho thot khrap thi ma saiI am sorry for being late.
- ขอโทษนะที่ทำแก้วแตกkho thot na thi tham kaeo taekI am sorry for breaking the glass.
- ฉันขอโทษจริงๆ ค่ะchan kho thot ching ching khaI am truly sorry.
Example conversation
Pimol accidentally bumped into Thanakrit at the office.
- พิมล Pimonขอโทษค่ะคุณธนกฤตkho thot kha khun thanakritI am sorry, Mr. Thanakrit.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritไม่เป็นไรครับmai pen rai khrapIt is okay.
- พิมล Pimonฉันไม่ได้ตั้งใจค่ะchan mai dai tang chai khaI didn't do it on purpose.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritผมเข้าใจครับphom khao chai khrapI understand.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ขอโทษ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ขอโทษ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
