ที่รัก
tîi-rák/tʰiː˥˩.rak̚˦˥/
The English phrase 'my dear' is translated into Thai as ที่รัก (tîi-rák).
ที่รัก is a common term of endearment used by romantic partners to address one another. It can be translated as 'my dear', 'darling' or 'sweetheart'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of ที่, meaning 'place' or 'that which' and รัก, meaning 'to love'. Literally, it means 'the one who is loved'.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers might use 'dear' for friends or acquaintances, ที่รัก is generally too intimate for use with friends or acquaintances compared to English 'dear'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, the possessive 'my' is often omitted when using this term, unlike in English.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is tîi-rák.
Did you know?
- While ที่รัก is romantic, Thai people use the word พี่ 'older sibling' as a term of endearment for a partner, even if they are not related.
- In some Thai social media slang, people may use the word ที่รัก sarcastically to address someone who is acting like a 'spoiled darling' or behaving in a demanding way.
- The word รัก 'love' in ที่รัก is a root found in many Thai names, as parents often incorporate the concept of love directly into their children's identities.
Examples in context
- คิดถึงที่รักมากนะkhit thueng thi-rak mak naI miss you so much, my dear.
- กินข้าวหรือยังที่รักkin khao rue yang thi-rakHave you eaten yet, my dear?
- ฝันดีนะที่รักfan di na thi-rakGoodnight, my dear.
Example conversation
A couple is talking on the phone before bed.
- พิมล Pimonเหนื่อยไหมคะที่รักnueai mai kha thi-rakAre you tired, my dear?
- วิทวัส Witthawatเหนื่อยนิดหน่อยครับnueai nit noi khrapA little bit.
- พิมล Pimonพักผ่อนเยอะๆ นะคะphak phon yo yo na khaPlease get lots of rest.
- วิทวัส Witthawatขอบคุณครับที่รักkhop khun khrap thi-rakThank you, my dear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ที่รัก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
