Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “this one” in Thai! Knowing how to express this concept in another language is essential for effective communication in everyday conversations, whether you are traveling, making new friends, or doing business in Thailand. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing “this one” in Thai, along with some tips, examples, and a brief mention of regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This One” in Thai
In formal contexts or when speaking to strangers, it’s important to use polite language. Here are some formal ways to express “this one” in Thai:
- “Nan nee” (นั้นนี้): This is the most common and universally understandable way to say “this one” in Thai. It’s ideal for pointing out an object or making a selection in a formal setting.
- “Phom/Chan yaang nee” (ผม/ฉันอยากนี้): Phom is used by males, and chan is used by females. Adding “yaang” before “nee” emphasizes your desire for the specific item. This is often used when shopping or making a specific request.
- “Khun dtawn-nan nee dai mai?” (คุณตั้งนั้นนี้ได้ไหม?): This translates to “Can you please put this one here?” and is polite when requesting someone to place an item in a particular location.
Informal Ways to Say “This One” in Thai
When speaking to friends, family, or in informal situations, Thai people often use more casual language. Here are some informal ways to say “this one” in Thai:
- “Nan nee” (นั้นนี้): Same as the formal version, this is the most commonly used way to express “this one” informally.
- “Wan nee” (วันนี้): In a casual setting, Thai people may use “wan nee” to refer to “this day” instead of explicitly mentioning the item.
- “Gin nee” (กินนี้): Used when referring to something edible, this means “eat this one” in an informal manner.
Tips and Examples
Now, let’s explore some useful tips and examples to help you better understand how to use these expressions:
1. Gestures: Pointing or gesturing towards the item you are referring to is common and perfectly acceptable in Thai culture. Combine gestures with the appropriate expression for effective communication.
2. Politeness Matters: Thai people greatly value politeness and respect in their language. Applying polite particles like “kha” or “krub” at the end of sentences or phrases helps convey courtesy, especially when interacting with strangers or older individuals.
3. Context Matters: Pay attention to the context in which you are using these phrases. The appropriate way to say “this one” may vary depending on the situation, such as shopping, dining, or requesting specific items.
Example 1:
Situation: You are shopping at a market and pointing at a specific shirt.
You: Nan nee dai mai? (Can I have this one?)
Seller: Ja, dai ka/krub. (Sure, you can have it.)
Example 2:
Situation: You are having dinner at a local restaurant and want to try a particular dish.
You: Phom/Chan yaang nee krap/ka. (I would like to try this one.)
Waiter: Khorb khun krap/ka. (Thank you.)
Regional Variations
The Thai language exhibits some regional variations in vocabulary and accent, but when it comes to saying “this one,” the phrases mentioned earlier are generally understood and used across Thailand. However, you might encounter different accents or slight variations in specific regions, so keep an open mind and observe the local language when visiting different parts of the country.
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “this one” in Thai! Remember, practice is key to mastering any language, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases in your everyday conversations. Thai people will greatly appreciate your effort and warm demeanor. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Thai language and culture!
