สาม
sǎam/saːm˩˩˦/
The Thai word for three is สาม (sǎam).
สาม is the cardinal number 3 used for counting.
Meaning: cardinal number 3 (num)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Thai, the word for three is also สาม.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sǎam. The IPA is /saːm˩˩˦/.
Did you know?
- In Thai culture, the number สาม is often associated with the 'three worlds' or the triple gem of Buddhism, making it a spiritually significant digit.
- The Thai word สาม is a direct relative of the Middle Chinese word 三, meaning many Tai-speaking languages share this exact root for the number 3.
- When using สาม to describe a date, the Thai language places the number after the word for 'day', which is the reverse of the common English '3rd of the month' phrasing.
Examples in context
- ทอมมีรถสามคันTom has three cars.This sentence is useful for practicing the word สาม when counting cars.Tatoeba #8850937 by pastelite, translation #1025302 by CK
- คุณมีสามปัญหาYou have three problems.This sentence is useful for practicing the word สาม when counting problems.Tatoeba #10289247 by Somsak, translation #2663514 by CK
- ฉันมีกล้องสามตัวI have three cameras.This sentence is useful for practicing the word สาม when counting cameras.Tatoeba #8692107 by pastelite, translation #321599 by CK
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pimol and Witthawat are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- พิมล Pimonเอาอเมริกาโน่สามแก้วค่ะao amerika-no sam kaew khaI would like three Americanos, please.
- วิทวัส Witthawatรับขนมเพิ่มด้วยไหมครับrap khanom phoem duai mai khrapWould you like some snacks as well?
- พิมล Pimonขอครัวซองต์สามชิ้นค่ะkho khru-song sam chin khaI'll take three croissants, please.
- วิทวัส Witthawatได้ครับ รอสักครู่นะครับdai khrap ro sak khru na khrapCertainly, please wait a moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry สาม, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries สาม, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
