นาย
naai/naːj˧/
The English phrase "mr." is translated into Thai as นาย (naai).
นาย is an abbreviation for "mister" used as a formal title for adult males. It is primarily used in official documents or formal contexts.
Meaning: abbreviation of mister (noun)
Which one should you use?
While นาย is used for official or legal identification, the word คุณ is a much more common and polite way to address a man as "Mr." in daily conversation. Unlike นาย, which is specific to males, คุณ can be used to address both males and females.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, the title นาย is placed directly before the person's first name, similar to how it is used in English.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is naai. The IPA is /naːj˧/.
Did you know?
- Although it translates to 'Mr.', using นาย in a casual setting can actually make you sound like you are addressing a subordinate or a worker, rather than a peer.
- The word นาย actually traces its roots back to the Sanskrit word for 'guide' or 'leader', rather than just a generic title for a man.
- The word นาย can be used as a noun to mean 'boss' or 'master' in certain contexts, reflecting its history as a word for a leader.
Examples in context
- สวัสดีคุณสมชายHello, Mr. Somchai.
- นายสมชายเป็นคนดี.nai somchai pen khon di.Mr. Somchai is a good person.
- ฉันต้องคุยกับนายวิชัย.chan tong khui kap nai wichai.I need to talk to Mr. Wichai.
- นายกิตติทำงานที่นี่.nai kitti tham ngan thi ni.Mr. Kitti works here.
Example conversation
A receptionist welcomes a guest at an office.
- พิมล Pimonสวัสดีค่ะ คุณคือ นายธีรภัทร ใช่ไหมคะSawatdee kha, khun khue Nai Theeraphat chai mai khaHello, you are Mr. Theeraphat, right?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatใช่ครับ ผมเองChai khrap, phom engYes, that is me.
- พิมล Pimonยินดีที่ได้รู้จักค่ะ นายธีรภัทรYindee thee dai roojak kha, Nai TheeraphatNice to meet you, Mr. Theeraphat.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเช่นกันครับChen kan khrapLikewise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry นาย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries นาย, CC BY-SA 4.0.
