ไทย
tai/tʰaj˧/
ไทย (tai) is the Thai word for Thai.
The word ไทย is the general term used to refer to Thai people and the Thai language.
Meaning: language (name)
Which one should you use?
While ไทย can mean 'Thai' as an adjective, you must add คน (person) to refer to a Thai person. Additionally, ชาวไทย is a more formal way to refer to Thai people or the Thai citizenry compared to คนไทย.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term คนไทย translates to 'Thai people' and is used to specifically refer to Thai people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas of Northern Thailand, the term เผ่าไท is used to emphasize the ethnic connotation of being Thai.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the 'Thai language' specifically, the word ภาษา (language) is placed before ไทย.
How do you pronounce it?
tai (/tʰaj˧/)
Did you know?
- The word ไทย is closely related to the word ไท, which means 'free' or 'human being'.
- The word ไท (without the high tone marker) is often used to refer to the broader Tai ethnic groups across Southeast Asia.
Examples in context
- ฉันกำลังเรียนภาษาไทยI am learning Thai.This sentence is useful for describing the act of learning ไทย.Tatoeba #8669216 by pastelite, translation #8389584 by Adelpa
- ฉันยังพูดภาษาไทยได้ไม่คล่องI still can't speak Thai fluently.This sentence is useful for describing one's level of fluency in ไทย.Tatoeba #7784226 by pastelite, translation #8663967 by Mediabat
- ภาษาไทยเป็นภาษาของประเทศไทยThai is the language of Thailand.This sentence is useful for stating that ไทย is the language of Thailand.Tatoeba #8688285 by pastelite, translation #7808152 by sharris123
- ฉันชอบคนไทยเพราะมีน้ำใจI like Thai people because they are kind-hearted.
- ไทยเป็นภาษาที่น่าเรียนรู้Thai is a language worth learning.
- พวกเราได้นัดพบกันที่ร้านอาหารไทยWe have a meeting at the Thai restaurant.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their language studies at a cafe.
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณเรียนภาษาไทยมานานหรือยังครับkhun rian phasa thai ma nan rue yang khrapHave you been studying the Thai language for a long time?
- พิมล Pimonเพิ่งเริ่มเรียนได้สองเดือนค่ะphoeng roem rian dai song duean khaI only started learning it two months ago.
- วิทวัส Witthawatภาษาไทยยากไหมครับphasa thai yak mai khrapIs the Thai language difficult?
- พิมล Pimonยากนิดหน่อย แต่สนุกมากค่ะyak nit noi tae sanuk mak khaIt is a little difficult, but very fun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ไทย, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ไทย, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
