นาย
naai/naːj˧/
The Thai word for mister is นาย (naai).
นาย is a formal title used for adult males, typically found in official documents like legal papers or ID cards.
Meaning: title of adult male (noun)
Which one should you use?
While นาย is used for official or legal identification, the word คุณ is the standard polite way to address a man in social or professional conversations. In social settings, คุณ can be used for both males and females, similar to the English 'Mr.' or 'Ms.'. For example, you might say Khun John to be polite. If you are addressing someone in a higher position of authority, you might use ท่าน, which is akin to the English term 'sir'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The title นาย is placed directly before a person's first name rather than their surname.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is naai.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, นาย can be used as a casual pronoun for 'you' or 'I' among close male friends, similar to 'dude' or 'man'.
- The word นาย comes from a Sanskrit root meaning 'guide' or 'leader', reflecting its ancient role in denoting someone of status.
- Although นาย is used as a formal title today, it is also the common word for 'boss' or 'employer' in a workplace.
Examples in context
- นายสมชายมาที่นี่หรือยังnai somchai ma thi ni rue yangHas Mister Somchai arrived here yet?
- เอกสารนี้เป็นของนายวิทวัสek-ka-san ni pen khong nai wit-tha-watThis document belongs to Mister Witthawat.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new client.
- วิทวัส Witthawatนายวิชัยจะมาถึงเมื่อไหร่ครับnai wichai cha ma thueng muea rai khrapWhen will Mr. Wichai arrive?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanเขาน่าจะมาถึงสิบโมงค่ะkhao na cha ma thueng sip mong khaHe should arrive at ten o'clock.
- วิทวัส Witthawatนายวิชัยชอบดื่มกาแฟไหมครับnai wichai chop duem kafe mai khrapDoes Mr. Wichai like coffee?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanเขาชอบดื่มกาแฟดำค่ะkhao chop duem kafe dam khaHe likes drinking black coffee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mister” translations and entries นาย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries นาย, CC BY-SA 4.0.
