แล้วแต่
laaeo-taae
The English phrase "up to you" is translated into Thai as แล้วแต่ (laaeo-taae).
แล้วแต่ is used to tell someone that they can make the decision about what to do.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of แล้ว meaning "already" or "then" and แต่ meaning "depending on" or "according to".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using แล้วแต่ alone without a pronoun or a polite particle can sound blunt or dismissive depending on the tone. For a polite way to say "up to you" in formal Thai, use คุณตัดสินใจเอง. In informal Thai, you can use คุณเอาเป็นแบบไหนก็ได้, which means "you can choose however you want".
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify who the decision is up to, you add the pronoun after the phrase, such as แล้วแต่คุณ (up to you). You can follow the phrase with a verb to say "it is up to [someone] to [verb]", such as แล้วแต่จะ…
How do you pronounce it?
laaeo-taae
Did you know?
- When you want to say 'it is up to fate' or 'it is up to destiny', Thai speakers use the phrase แล้วแต่บุญกรรม (depending on one's merit and karma). This links the concept of decision-making to deeply rooted Buddhist beliefs.
- While แล้วแต่ means 'up to you', the word แต่ also functions as the primary word for 'but' in Thai sentences.
- In Thai culture, saying แล้วแต่ too often can be interpreted as a lack of opinion or a sign of passive-aggressiveness rather than just being flexible.
Examples in context
- ก็แล้วแต่คุณIt's up to you.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of แล้วแต่.Tatoeba #11533362 by onlinepokes, translation #237713 by CK
- ถ้าวันนี้คุณอยากกินอะไรก็ตามสบายใจเลยIf you want to eat anything today, it's up to you, no worries.
- คุณตัดสินใจเองว่าจะจองห้องประชุมหรือไม่It's up to you whether you want to book the meeting room or not.
- ก็ตามใจAs you wish / suit yourself
- เรื่องนี้แล้วแต่เธอเลยrueang ni laeo tae thoe loeiThis matter is entirely up to you.
- จะกินอะไรก็แล้วแต่คุณcha kin arai ko laeo tae khunWhatever you want to eat is up to you.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding which movie to watch at the cinema.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitเราจะดูเรื่องไหนกันดี?rao cha du rueang nai kan di?Which movie should we watch?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinแล้วแต่ชลสิทธิ์เลยlaeo tae chonlasit loeiIt is up to you, Chonlasit.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitงั้นดูเรื่องแอคชั่นไหม?ngan du rueang aek-chan mai?Then, shall we watch an action movie?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinได้เลย ตามนั้นdai loei, tam nanSure, let's do that.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
