นั้น
nán/nan˦˥/
In Thai, 'that' is expressed as นั้น (nán) when used as a determiner.
The word นั้น is used as a demonstrative determiner to specify 'that [noun]'.
Meaning: what is being indicated (det)
Which one should you use?
The form นั้น is a determiner used following a noun to specify 'that [noun]'. If you want to use 'that' as a pronoun (for example, 'That is good'), use นั่น instead. If the object being indicated is much further away from both the speaker and the listener, use the pronoun โน่น rather than นั่น. Additionally, the word ว่า can be used to connect a noun clause.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, the determiner นั้น must always follow the noun or noun phrase it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
nán (/nan˦˥/)
Did you know?
- When using นั้น to describe a person, Thai speakers often add a kinship term like 'older sibling' or 'auntie' first. Referring to someone solely as 'that person' can sound cold or accusatory.
- In very formal or royal Thai, different sets of pronouns and determinatives replace นั้น entirely to show respect to the person or object being indicated.
- The Thai word นั้น is a direct cognate of the Lao word ນັ້ນ, meaning the two languages share the same root for this demonstrative.
Examples in context
- ฉันทำอันนั้นI made that one.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use นั้น to refer to a specific object.Tatoeba #8717355 by pastelite, translation #1887563 by CK
- ทอมชอบสิ่งนั้นTom likes that.This sentence shows how นั้น can follow a noun to specify what is liked.Tatoeba #8675694 by pastelite, translation #2237175 by CK
- หยุดทำสิ่งนั้นStop doing that.This sentence demonstrates using นั้น to point out a specific action or thing to stop.Tatoeba #8679096 by pastelite, translation #1849364 by CK
- 136 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman is pointing at a dress in a shop window.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritชุดนั้นสวยมากเลยchut nan suai mak loeiThat dress is very beautiful.
- ณิชา Nichaใช่ค่ะ ราคาแพงด้วยchai kha, ra-kha phaeng duaiYes, and it is expensive too.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritคุณอยากได้ชุดนั้นไหมkhun yak dai chut nan maiDo you want that dress?
- ณิชา Nichaไม่ค่ะ ฉันชอบสีอื่นมากกว่าmai kha, chan chop si uen mak kwaNo, I prefer other colors.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry นั้น, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries นั้น, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
