มาก
mâak/maːk̚˥˩/
The Thai way to say "very" is มาก (mâak). Wiktionary also lists แสน (sɛ̌ɛn).
Meaning: to a high degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| มาก | mâak | /maːk̚˥˩/ |
| แสน | sɛ̌ɛn | /sɛːn˩˩˦/ |
The standard word for "very" is มาก. To convey severity or intensity, you can use the phrase อย่างหนัก. For casual conversation, you can use ดีสุด to express that something is "very good" or "excellent".
Which one should you use?
While มาก is the standard way to say "very", the form แสน is used for much stronger emphasis and can be translated as "extremely" or "incredibly".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, the word for "very" typically follows the adjective it modifies, whereas in English it precedes it.
How do you pronounce it?
mâak
Did you know?
- The word แสน is actually a specific number, meaning 'one hundred thousand'. Using it as an intensifier is like saying something is 'a hundred thousand times' better.
- While มาก is the standard word for 'very', using it twice as มากๆ is a common way to add even more emphasis in spoken Thai.
- In very informal Thai, the word มาก is sometimes omitted entirely if the tone of voice is sufficiently exaggerated, as the prosody conveys the 'very' meaning.
Examples in context
- มันดีมากIt's very good.This sentence shows how to use มาก.Tatoeba #8669432 by pastelite, translation #37872 by CK
- ฉันจนมากI'm very poor.Tatoeba #8743309 by pastelite, translation #2639047 by CK
- คุณสวยมากYou're very beautiful.Tatoeba #8675854 by pastelite, translation #2218475 by CK
- ฉันหิวมากI'm very hungry.
- สวยมากVery beautiful.
- เย็นมากVery cold.
- คุณช่วยได้เป็นอย่างมากYou've been very helpful.
- เขาเสียใจอย่างมากHe's very saddened.
- เมื่อวานฝนตกอย่างหนักIt rained heavily yesterday.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Witthawat and Nicha are eating at a local restaurant.
- วิทวัส Witthawatอาหารร้านนี้อร่อยมากa-han ran ni a-roi makThe food in this restaurant is very delicious.
- ณิชา Nichaใช่ค่ะ แต่เผ็ดมากเลยchai kha tae phet mak loeiYes, but it is very spicy.
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณดื่มน้ำเยอะๆ นะkhun duem nam yoe-yoe naPlease drink a lot of water.
- ณิชา Nichaขอบคุณค่ะ วิทวัสkhop khun kha WitthawatThank you, Witthawat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations and entries มาก, แสน, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
