คนรัก
kon-rák/kʰon˧.rak̚˦˥/
The English phrase "lover" can be translated into Thai as คนรัก (kon-rák).
คนรัก is often used in literature, songs or formal contexts to describe a beloved or a romantic partner, rather than in casual conversation.
Meaning: sexual partner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of คน (person) and รัก (to love), literally meaning "person love".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While คนรัก is a poetic or formal way to say lover, แฟน is the much more common, everyday word used to refer to a romantic partner.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is kon-rák. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- While คนรัก is romantic, the everyday word แฟน is actually a loanword from the English word 'fan'. It shifted from meaning a devotee of a celebrity to meaning a romantic partner.
- The word รัก (love) is the root of many other beautiful Thai words, such as น่ารัก (cute), which literally translates to 'worthy of love'.
- Thai speakers often avoid using the formal คนรัก in person and instead use nicknames or familial terms like 'older brother' or 'older sister' to address their partner.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about someone's relationship status.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatพิมลมีคนรักใหม่หรือยังPhimon mi khon rak mai rue yangDoes Phimon have a new lover yet?
- พิมล Pimonเธอยังไม่มีคนรักในตอนนี้thoe yang mai mi khon rak nai ton niShe doesn't have a lover at the moment.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเธอดูมีความสุขดีนะthoe du mi khwam suk di naShe seems quite happy.
- พิมล Pimonใช่ เธอชอบชีวิตโสดchai thoe chop chi wit sotYes, she likes the single life.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry คนรัก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
