ที่รัก
tîi-rák/tʰiː˥˩.rak̚˦˥/
ที่รัก (tîi-rák) is the Thai word for sweetheart.
ที่รัก refers to someone you have deep affection for and is a casual term for a partner, friend or family member.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ที่รัก is used as a noun and does not change its form based on the gender of the speaker or the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is tîi-rák. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While ที่รัก is a common way to address a partner, many Thai couples use the word ตัว (tua), which literally means 'body', as an intimate term of endearment.
- In some contexts, Thai speakers use the word for 'baby' or 'child' ลูก as a term of affection for a romantic partner.
- Depending on the tone of the speaker, ที่รัก can be used sarcastically to address someone who has just made a mistake.
Examples in context
- คิดถึงที่รักนะkhit thueng thi-rak naI miss you, sweetheart.
- ฝันดีนะที่รักfan di na thi-rakGoodnight, sweetheart.
- ที่รักอยากกินอะไรครับthi-rak yak kin arai khrapWhat would you like to eat, sweetheart?
Example conversation
A couple is talking on the phone before bedtime.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเหนื่อยไหมครับที่รักnueai mai khrap thi-rakAre you tired, sweetheart?
- ณิชา Nichaเหนื่อยนิดหน่อยค่ะnueai nit noi khaA little bit.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatพักผ่อนเยอะๆ นะphak phon yo yo naPlease get plenty of rest.
- ณิชา Nichaขอบคุณนะที่รักkhop khun na thi-rakThank you, sweetheart.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ที่รัก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
