อยากได้
yàak dâai
The English phrase "I want" is translated into Thai as อยากได้ (yàak dâai) when expressing a desire to possess or obtain an object.
อยากได้ is used to express a desire to possess or obtain a specific thing. While อยากได้ focuses on obtaining an object, you can make a request more polite by adding ขอ before the desired object.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of อยาก (yàak), meaning "to want/desire" and ได้ (dâai), meaning "to get/obtain".
Which one should you use?
Use อยาก (yàak) alone when you want to perform an action, but use อยากได้ (yàak dâai) when you want to possess an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase อยากได้… is followed directly by the noun representing the object of desire.
How do you pronounce it?
yàak dâai
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'want' for both people and things, saying อยากได้ (yàak dâai) for a person is highly unusual and can sound objectifying.
- If you use อยาก (yàak) followed by a noun instead of อยากได้ (yàak dâai), it can sound like you want to 'desire to be' that thing rather than 'desire to possess' it.
- In informal speech, Thai speakers may add the particle จัง (jang) to the end of อยากได้ to express a strong, cute, or whining level of desire, similar to saying 'I really, really want it'.
Examples in context
- ฉันอยากได้อันนี้I want this one.This sentence is useful for practicing how to express a desire for a specific object using อยากได้.Tatoeba #8728818 by pastelite, translation #693610 by thedowntowncanon
- ดิฉันอยากเรียนภาษาไทยI want to learn Thai language.
- ฉันอยากไปเที่ยวไทยI want to visit Thailand.
- อยากกินข้าวไทยI want to eat Thai rice.
- ต้องการเสื้อใหม่I want a new shirt.
- ขอกาแฟI want coffee.
- อยากเห็นI want to see.
- ผมอยากได้นาฬิกาเรือนใหม่phom yak dai na-li-ka ruean maiI want a new watch.
- เด็กคนนั้นอยากได้ตุ๊กตาdek khon nan yak dai tuk-ka-taThat child wants a doll.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at clothes in a store.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatณิชา ดูเสื้อตัวนี้สิNicha du suea tua ni siNicha, look at this shirt.
- ณิชา Nichaสวยจัง ฉันอยากได้ตัวนี้suai chang chan yak dai tua niIt's so beautiful, I want this one.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatซื้อเลยสิ ราคาไม่แพงนะsue loei si ra-kha mai phaeng naBuy it then, the price is not expensive.
- ณิชา Nichaตกลง ฉันจะซื้อตัวนี้แหละtok-long chan cha sue tua ni laeOkay, I will buy this one.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
