กับ
gàp/kap̚˨˩/
The English word 'with' is translated into Thai as กับ (gàp).
The word กับ is used to indicate accompaniment (being with someone) or to indicate a relationship/connection between two entities. For example, you might use กับน้อง when referring to being "with" a younger sibling or a close friend who is younger than you or กับเด็ก when someone is "with" children or younger people.
Meaning: with (prep)
Which one should you use?
While 'กับ' (gàp) is commonly used for 'with', in more formal or written contexts, the word และ (láe) is often used to mean 'and' when connecting two nouns. Additionally, the phrase พร้อมกับ (phráwm gàp) is used to emphasize being together or being prepared along with someone or something.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as gàp.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may confuse กับ (gàp – with) with กัป (gap – a unit of time/era) due to similar sounds, but the tone is the key differentiator.
Did you know?
- In Thai, the word กับ can also mean 'side dish' or 'food eaten with rice'. In this context, it refers to the dishes that accompany the plain rice rather than the rice itself.
- While กับ means 'with', using it to connect two people in a sentence can sometimes imply a conflict or a competition, such as in the phrase 'fighting with someone'.
- In many Tai-language families, such as Lao and Shan, the word for 'with' sounds almost identical to the Thai กับ, often using the same root.
Examples in context
- ไปกับทอมGo with Tom.This sentence shows how to use กับ to express accompanying a person.Tatoeba #8850976 by pastelite, translation #2230783 by CK
- ติดต่อกับฉันKeep in touch with me.This sentence demonstrates using กับ to express a connection or contact with someone.Tatoeba #8675867 by pastelite, translation #38259 by CK
- ผมไปกับคุณได้I can go with you.This sentence illustrates using กับ to express the ability to go with someone.Tatoeba #10162195 by Somsak, translation #9120349 by CK
- ฉันไปกินข้าวกับเพื่อนI'm going to eat with my friend.
- พ่อเดินไปเล่นที่สวนกับเด็กDad walked to the park with the kids.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nicha and Witthawat are deciding what to eat.
- ณิชา Nichaคุณอยากกินข้าวกับอะไรคะkhun yak kin khao kap arai khaWhat do you want to eat with (your rice)?
- วิทวัส Witthawatผมอยากกินไข่เจียวครับphom yak kin khai chiao khrapI want to eat an omelet.
- ณิชา Nichaกินไข่เจียวกับซอสมะเขือเทศไหมคะkin khai chiao kap so ma-khuea thet mai khaDo you want to eat the omelet with tomato sauce?
- วิทวัส Witthawatดีครับ กินกับซอสอร่อยดีdi khrap kin kap sot aroi diThat's good, it's delicious with sauce.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “with” translations and entries กับ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
