ขอโทษค่ะ
khɔ̌ɔ thôot khâfemale speaker
A woman says ขอโทษค่ะ (khɔ̌ɔ thôot khâ) for "sorry" in Thai. The softer ขอโทษนะคะ (khɔ̌ɔ thôot ná khá) and the warmer ขอโทษด้วยนะคะ (khɔ̌ɔ thôot dûai ná khá) are common when you really mean it.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ขอโทษค่ะ | khɔ̌ɔ thôot khâ | female speaker |
| ขอโทษนะคะ | khɔ̌ɔ thôot ná khá | female speaker, softer |
| ขอโทษด้วยนะคะ | khɔ̌ɔ thôot dûai ná khá | female speaker, sincere |
ขอโทษ (khɔ̌ɔ thôot) also means "excuse me", for example when passing in front of someone or getting someone's attention.
How does it change in a sentence?
Women add ค่ะ (khâ) to make it polite. นะคะ (ná khá) adds a gentle, pleading tone.
When do people say it?
A small wai or bow often goes with an apology, and a smile is usual even when you are sorry.
Did you know?
- The usual reply to an apology is ไม่เป็นไร (mâi bpen rai), the same "never mind" attitude that Thai people are known for.
Examples in context
- ขอโทษนะคะ ขอผ่านหน่อยค่ะkhɔ̌ɔ thôot ná khá, khɔ̌ɔ phàan nɔ̀i khâExcuse me, may I pass.
Example conversation
Mali is late for lunch with her friend Noi in Bangkok.
- Maliขอโทษค่ะ มาช้าไปหน่อยkhɔ̌ɔ thôot khâ, maa cháa bpai nɔ̀iSorry, I am a little late.
- Noiไม่เป็นไรจ้ะmâi bpen rai jáIt is okay.
- Maliขอโทษด้วยนะคะkhɔ̌ɔ thôot dûai ná kháI am really sorry.
