ครับ
kráp/kʰrap̚˦˥/
The English word 'sir' can be expressed in Thai using ครับ (kráp).
While it translates to 'sir' in certain contexts, ครับ is primarily used by male speakers to make any statement or question sound polite and respectful.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kráp.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use 'sir' as a noun (like 'Yes, sir') in Thai, but it is more natural to simply append ครับ to the end of your sentence.
Did you know?
- The word ครับ traces back to the formal phrase ขอรับ, which originally meant 'I am willing to accept your command'.
- If a man speaks ครับ with an unusually high or soft tone, it can signal a flirtatious or affectionate mood toward the listener.
- Male speakers often repeat the word as ครับ ครับ when listening to someone speak to show they are paying close attention.
Examples in context
- เรามีบางสิ่งที่พิเศษสำหรับคุณครับท่านสุภาพบุรุษWe have something special for you, sir.This sentence shows how to use ครับ when addressing a gentleman.Tatoeba #8675792 by pastelite, translation #280557 by CK
- Khun John (คุณจอห์น)Mr. John
- ขอโทษครับkho thot khrapExcuse me, sir.
Example conversation
A staff member is greeting a male customer at a store.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitสวัสดีครับ รับอะไรดีครับsawasdee khrap rap arai dee khrapHello sir, what would you like?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอขอดูเมนูก่อนนะkho kho du menu kon naI'd like to see the menu first.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitนี่ครับ เมนูของวันนี้ครับni khrap menu khong wan ni khrapHere it is, sir, today's menu.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอบคุณมากนะkhob khun mak naThank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ครับ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ครับ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
