เศร้า
sâo/saw˥˩/
The English word 'sad' is translated into Thai as เศร้า (sâo). Wiktionary also lists เศร้าโศก (sâo-sòok).
Meaning: feeling sorrow (adj)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| เศร้า | sâo | /saw˥˩/ |
| เศร้าโศก | sâo-sòok | /saw˥˩.soːk̚˨˩/ |
The term is used to describe the feeling of sorrow.
Which one should you use?
While เศร้า is the standard word for sad, เศร้าโศก is a more formal and intense version often used in literature or to describe profound grief.
How does it change in a sentence?
In colloquial speech, you can add the reduplication particle ๆ to make เศร้า ๆ. This is used to describe a continuous state or to add a descriptive nuance, such as 'sad-looking' or 'feeling somewhat sad'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sâo. The IPA is /saw˥˩/.
Did you know?
- The word เศร้า is closely related to Tai Nüa words meaning 'dirty', suggesting a historical linguistic connection between being 'unclean' and feeling 'gloomy' or 'dark'.
- While เศร้า describes an internal feeling, Thai speakers often use words related to the 'heart' ใจ to specify the type of sadness, such as 'broken heart' or 'heavy heart'.
- Thai has many specific words for sadness based on the cause, such as a specific term for the sadness felt when longing for a home or a loved one.
Examples in context
- อย่ามองฉันด้วยสายตาเศร้า ๆ อย่างนั้นDon't look at me with such sad eyes.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone's eyes using the form เศร้า.Tatoeba #8671135 by pastelite, translation #1502096 by Eldad
- ฉันเศร้าI'm sad.This sentence is useful for expressing the state of being sad using the form เศร้า.Tatoeba #1762960 by Vortarulo, translation #317741 by CK
- เขารู้สึกเสียใจมากHe feels very sad.
- เขาเศร้าหมองมาก รู้สึกสลดใจHe is very melancholic, feeling immense sadness.
Example conversation
A friend notices another friend looking upset at a cafe.
- วิทวัส Witthawatทำไมทำหน้าเศร้าแบบนั้นล่ะtham-mai tham na sao baep nan laWhy do you have such a sad face?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinฉันแค่รู้สึกเศร้าเรื่องงานน่ะchan khae ru-suek sao rueang ngan naI'm just feeling sad about work.
- วิทวัส Witthawatอย่าเศร้าไปเลยนะya sao pai loei naDon't be sad.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอบใจนะที่รับฟังkhop-chai na thi rap fangThanks for listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sad” translations and entries เศร้า, เศร้าโศก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries เศร้า, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
