ชื่อ
chʉ̂ʉ/t͡ɕʰɯː˥˩/
The Thai word for name is ชื่อ (chʉ̂ʉ). Wiktionary also lists นาม (naam).
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ชื่อ | chʉ̂ʉ | /t͡ɕʰɯː˥˩/ |
| นาม | naam | /naːm˧/ /naːm˧.ma˦˥./ |
The term ชื่อ is the common word used in everyday conversation to refer to the names of people, objects or places. Nicknames in Thai are known as "Chue Len."
Which one should you use?
While ชื่อ is the common word for a person's name, นาม is a more formal or technical term often used in legal, academic or linguistic contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, the word for 'name' (ชื่อ) can function as both a noun and a verb meaning 'to be named' or 'to call' depending on the sentence structure. For the verb 'to give a name to', you can use เรียก or เรียกขาน.
How do you pronounce it?
chʉ̂ʉ (/tɕʰɯː˥˩/)
When do people say it?
Khun is equivalent to "Mr." or "Ms."
Did you know?
- Thai nicknames are frequently chosen by parents based on appearance or sounds rather than being shortened versions of a given name.
- Because of the importance of social hierarchy, Thai people often omit using a person's ชื่อ entirely, referring to them instead by their familial role or professional title.
- The common Thai word ชื่อ shares a surprising historical connection with the Chinese word for 'courtesy name', written as '字'.
Examples in context
- คุณชื่ออะไรWhat is your name?This sentence is useful for asking someone's name using ชื่อ.Tatoeba #6633670 by kanacan, translation #70623 by frpzzd
- เธอชื่อมาเรียHer name is Mary.This sentence is useful for stating a name using ชื่อ.Tatoeba #7879061 by pastelite, translation #2273434 by CK
- ฉันไม่ชอบชื่อนั้นI don't like that name.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference regarding a name using ชื่อ.Tatoeba #7879036 by pastelite, translation #2276095 by CK
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a registration desk for a workshop.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอชื่อของคุณเพื่อลงทะเบียนด้วยค่ะkho chue khong khun phuea long thabian duay khaMay I have your name for registration, please?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatผมชื่อธีรภัทรครับphom chue theeraphat khrapMy name is Theeraphat.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinคุณธีรภัทร สะกดอย่างไรคะkhun theeraphat saked yang-rai khaHow do you spell your name, Mr. Theeraphat?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatสะกดง่ายมากครับsaked ngai mak khrapIt is very easy to spell.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations and entries ชื่อ, นาม, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ชื่อ, นาม, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
