ขวา
kwǎa/kʰwaː˩˩˦/
The Thai word for the direction right is ขวา (kwǎa).
ขวา is an adjective used to describe a direction or position that is the opposite of left. Note that if you wish to express the concept of something being 'correct' or 'right' (as in an answer being right), you should use different terms such as the formal ถูกต้อง or the informal ถูกแล้ว. Additionally, for a legal or moral entitlement, the word สิทธิ is used, while the verb 'to correct' is แก้.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
ขวา is the direct antonym of ซ้าย (left).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a direction or a side, you can modify ขวา by adding certain words before it. Adding ทาง before ขวา creates ทางขวา, which means 'to the right' or 'on the right side'. If you want to refer more specifically to a particular side or surface, use ด้านขวา to mean 'the right side'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kʰwaː˩˩˦/ (kwǎa).
Did you know?
- In Thailand, it is traditionally considered impolite to use the ซ้าย (left) hand to hand over objects or touch people, making the ขวา (right) hand the primary hand for social interactions.
- In Thai culture, the ขวา (right) side is traditionally viewed as the auspicious or 'correct' side during certain religious ceremonies.
- The word ขวา is borrowed from Old Chinese, which explains why it sounds similar to the word for 'right' in languages like Lao and Shan.
Examples in context
- ขาขวาของฉันเจ็บMy right leg hurts.This sentence demonstrates the use of ขวา to describe a body part.Tatoeba #11084462 by Somsak, translation #2343173 by kareybh
- ผมยกแขนขวาไม่ได้I can't raise my right arm.This sentence shows how ขวา is used to specify an arm.Tatoeba #10519306 by Somsak, translation #2806245 by AlanF_US
- เขาขยายแขนขวาของเขาHe extended his right arm.This sentence illustrates the use of ขวา when describing an extended arm.Tatoeba #8720260 by pastelite, translation #293860 by CK
- ทำตามกติกาที่ถูกต้องFollow the correct rules.
- เขาได้ให้คำตอบที่ถูกต้องHe provided the right answer.
- นี่ถูกแล้วThat's right.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are looking for a restaurant.
- พิมล Pimonเลี้ยวขวาที่แยกข้างหน้าค่ะliao khwa thi yaek khang na khaTurn right at the next intersection.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritแล้วร้านอยู่ทางไหนครับlaeo ran yu thang nai khrapAnd which way is the restaurant?
- พิมล Pimonอยู่ทางขวาสุดของถนนค่ะyu thang khwa sut khong thanon khaIt is on the far right of the road.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritเข้าใจแล้วครับ ขอบคุณครับkhao chai laeo khrap khop khun khrapI understand, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries ขวา, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ขวา, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
