ฉันชอบคุณ
chǎn chɔ̂ɔp kun
The English phrase "i like you" is translated into Thai as ฉันชอบคุณ (chǎn chɔ̂ɔp kun).
The Thai word ชอบ specifically means "like".
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ฉัน (I), ชอบ (like) and คุณ (you).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, using a person's name instead of คุณ is considered more respectful. Adding the particle นะ at the end softens the tone and makes the expression of liking sound more gentle or affectionate, as in ชอบนะ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ชอบ does not change its form based on the subject or tense.
How do you pronounce it?
chǎn chɔ̂ɔp kun
Did you know?
- To make the phrase even more affectionate, speakers may replace คุณ ('you') with a nickname or the word ตัวเอง ('tua-eng'), which literally means 'oneself' but acts as a cute version of 'you'.
- In Thai pop culture, especially in 'boy love' dramas, the way 'I like you' is phrased often relies heavily on the subtle use of kinship terms like 'Pee' (older sibling) to show attraction.
- Thai is a tonal language, so the meaning of the words can change entirely if the pitch of your voice is incorrect, potentially turning a declaration of affection into something else.
Examples in context
- ฉันชอบคุณI like you.This sentence shows how to use ฉันชอบคุณ.Tatoeba #7879005 by pastelite, translation #410751 by CK
- ฉันชอบคุณจริงๆ นะchan chop khun ching ching naI really like you.
- ฉันชอบคุณมากกว่าใครchan chop khun mak kwa khraiI like you more than anyone.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their feelings in a park.
- วิทวัส Witthawatสิรินทร์ ฉันชอบคุณSirin, chan chop khunSirin, I like you.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinจริงๆ เหรอคะching ching ro khaReally?
- วิทวัส Witthawatใช่ครับ ฉันชอบคุณจริงๆchai khrap chan chop khun ching chingYes, I really like you.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinฉันก็ชอบคุณเหมือนกันค่ะchan ko chop khun muean kan khaI like you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “i like you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
