ข้างนอก
kâang-nɔ̂ɔk/kʰaːŋ˥˩.nɔːk̚˥˩/
The Thai word for "outside" (as an adverb) is ข้างนอก (kâang-nɔ̂ɔk).
ข้างนอก is used to describe being outdoors. It can function as an adverb, such as in the phrase "to be outside" or as a noun, meaning "the outside".
Meaning: outdoors (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of ข้าง (kâang), meaning "side" or "beside" and นอก (nɔ̂ɔk), meaning "outside" or "beyond".
Which one should you use?
The opposite of ข้างนอก (outside) is ข้างใน (inside).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is kâang-nɔ̂ɔk. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- Thai has a specific phrase นอกใจ which literally means 'outside the heart' but is the standard term for cheating or being unfaithful in a relationship.
- If you want to say 'outside' in a way that implies 'outdoors' specifically in a nature-focused sense, you might use กลางแจ้ง (glang-jâeng), which literally means 'in the open/bright'.
- In formal or poetic Thai, you might encounter the word ภายนอก for 'outside', which is borrowed from Sanskrit and used instead of ข้างนอก in writing.
Examples in context
- พวกเขาอยู่ข้างนอกThey're outside.This example shows how to use ข้างนอก to state a location.Tatoeba #8743258 by pastelite, translation #2111254 by CK
- ผมไม่สามารถออกไปข้างนอกได้I was unable to go outside.This example uses ข้างนอก to describe the inability to go to an exterior location.Tatoeba #10455743 by Somsak, translation #1258461 by CK
- ผมนอนไม่หลับเพราะข้างนอกสว่างเกินไปI can't sleep because it's too bright outside.This example uses ข้างนอก to refer to the exterior environment causing a lack of sleep.Tatoeba #10567468 by Somsak, translation #10110350 by ddnktr
- มีร้านกาแฟข้างนอกThere is a café outside.
- คุณได้เห็นพวกเขาทำงานอะไรข้างนอกสถานที่ไหมHave you seen them doing anything outside the place?
Example conversation
A woman asks a man if he wants to go out for a walk.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritคุณอยากไปเดินเล่นข้างนอกไหมkhun yak pai doen len khang nok maiDo you want to go for a walk outside?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanไปค่ะ แต่ข้างนอกร้อนไหมpai kha tae khang nok ron maiYes, but is it hot outside?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritไม่ร้อนครับ ตอนนี้ลมเย็นดีmai ron khrap ton ni lom yen diIt's not hot. The breeze is nice right now.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanงั้นเราออกไปกันเถอะngan rao ok pai kan thoeThen let's go out.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ข้างนอก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
