เข้าใจแล้ว
khao chai laeo
The English phrase 'I understand' can be said in Thai as เข้าใจแล้ว (khao chai laeo).
This phrase is used to confirm that you have processed an explanation or a set of instructions, showing that you have grasped the meaning of something that was just explained.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase เข้าใจแล้ว is composed of เข้าใจ, which means 'understand' and แล้ว, which means 'already' or 'finished'.
Which one should you use?
While เข้าใจ (khao chai) means 'to understand', adding แล้ว (laeo) is necessary to indicate the state of having just grasped the information, effectively meaning 'I understand now'. An alternate, less frequently used way to express understanding in informal contexts is รับรู้แล้ว.
How do you pronounce it?
khao chai laeo
Did you know?
- The word เข้าใจ (khao chai) literally translates to 'enter the heart'. The component ใจ (chai) refers to the 'heart' or 'mind', suggesting that true understanding is something that penetrates one's inner core.
- Thai distinguishes between intellectual grasp and emotional empathy by using เข้าใจความรู้สึก to specifically mean understanding someone's feelings.
- Saying เข้าใจแล้ว too loudly or sharply can accidentally signal that you are impatient or trying to dismiss the speaker.
Examples in context
- เข้าใจแล้วค่ะkhao jai laeo khaI understand now.
- อ๋อ เข้าใจแล้วao khao jai laeoOh, I see.
Example conversation
A teacher is explaining a rule to a student in a classroom.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanต้องทำแบบนี้เพื่อแก้โจทย์นะคะtong tham baep ni phuea kae chot na khaYou have to do it like this to solve the problem.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเข้าใจแล้วครับkhao jai laeo khrapI understand.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanเก่งมากค่ะkeng mak khaVery good.
- วิทวัส Witthawatขอบคุณครับkhop khun khrapThank you.
