ขอบคุณ
kɔ̀ɔp-kun/kʰɔːp̚˨˩.kʰun˧/
The English phrase "thank you" is ขอบคุณ (kɔ̀ɔp-kun) in Thai.
ขอบคุณ is used to express gratitude.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ขอบคุณ is the standard form, ขอบใจ (kɔ̀ɔp-jai) is used specifically when speaking to people of lower status or younger than you, such as children or close friends.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a casual and friendly way to say thank you, you can use Khop khun na. In formal situations, males typically use Khàawp-khun khráp and can add emphasis by using Khàawp-khun mâak.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kɔ̀ɔp-kun. It has 2 syllables and the IPA transcription is /kʰɔːp̚˨˩.kʰun˧/.
When do people say it?
When saying ขอบคุณ in a formal or respectful context, it is customary to perform a wai (ไหว้). This involves pressing your palms together at chest level and bowing your head.
Did you know?
- When performing a wai while saying khop khun, the height of your hands can signal your level of respect. For a truly deep expression of gratitude, your thumbs should touch your nose.
- In very close relationships, saying ขอบคุณ too frequently can actually feel cold or distant, as it creates a formal boundary between friends.
- The word คุณ in ขอบคุณ is also the standard polite pronoun for 'you' in Thai. Using it in a thank you phrase acknowledges the other person's inherent value and kindness.
Examples in context
- ขอบคุณThank you.This example shows the basic form ขอบคุณ.Tatoeba #499081 by ojiisan, translation #1876041 by Asma
- ขอบคุณที่เข้าใจThank you for understanding.Tatoeba #8692214 by pastelite, translation #2643710 by CK
- ฉันอยากพูดว่าขอบคุณI want to thank you.Tatoeba #11756038 by superteenkai, translation #2011497 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sirin gives Teerapat a cup of coffee at his office.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinกาแฟค่ะคุณธีรภัทรka-fae kha khun theeraphatHere is your coffee, Teerapat.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatขอบคุณครับสิรินทร์khop khun khrap sirinThank you, Sirin.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinไม่เป็นไรค่ะmai pen rai khaYou're welcome.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatผมชอบกาแฟร้านนี้มากphom chop ka-fae ran ni makI like this coffee shop very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries ขอบคุณ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
