นางสาว
naang-sǎao/naːŋ˧.saːw˩˩˦/
The English phrase "ms." is translated into Thai as นางสาว (naang-sǎao).
นางสาว is the standard title used for an unmarried woman in formal contexts and official Thai documents, regardless of the woman's age.
Which one should you use?
นางสาว (naang-sǎao) is used specifically for unmarried women, whereas นาง (naang) is used for married women.
How do you pronounce it?
naang-sǎao
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume this title is only for children or very young women. However, in Thailand, it is the legal title for any woman who has not officially changed her status to married.
Did you know?
- In Thai government documents, the distinction between นาง and นางสาว is strictly enforced to track a woman's legal marital status. While an English speaker might use 'Ms.' to avoid the topic, a Thai woman's title explicitly signals her legal standing to the state.
- While นางสาว is the legal title for unmarried women, many Thai women in professional settings prefer to use the gender-neutral title คุณ (khun) to avoid emphasizing their marital status.
- If you see the word นาง in an ancient Thai poem or a classical song, do not assume it refers to a married woman. In literature, it is often used as a generic, poetic term for any beautiful woman.
Examples in context
- น้องจะมาเล่นกับเราไหมคะWould you like to come and play with us?
- นางสาวลดาเป็นพยาบาลที่นี่.nang-sao la-da pen pha-ya-ban thi ni.Ms. Lada is a nurse here.
- กรุณาเขียนชื่อนางสาวสมศรีลงในนี้.ka-ru-na khian chue nang-sao som-si long nai ni.Please write Ms. Somsri's name in here.
- นางสาววิภาได้รับรางวัลเรียนดี.nang-sao wi-pha dai rap rang-wan rian di.Ms. Wipha received an academic excellence award.
Example conversation
A staff member is checking a guest list at a reception desk.
- พิมล Pimonขอโทษค่ะ คุณคือนางสาวพิมลใช่ไหมคะkhǒ thōth kha khun khụ̄ nāng sǎo phim mon chāi mǎi khaExcuse me, are you Ms. Pimon?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritใช่ครับ ผมมารับนางสาวพิมลครับchāi khráp phǒm mā ráp nāng sǎo phim mon khrápYes, I am here to pick up Ms. Pimon.
- พิมล Pimonอ๋อ เชิญทางนี้เลยค่ะǒ chə̄n thāng nī lə̄y khaOh, please come this way.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritขอบคุณครับkhòp khun khrápThank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry นางสาว, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
