คำ
kam/kʰam˧/
The English phrase "words" is translated into Thai as คำ (kam).
คำ refers to a single, distinct meaningful element of speech or writing. When you want to refer specifically to the actual words spoken by a person or the content of their speech, you should use คำพูด instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
คำ is used for both singular and plural forms of "word" without changing the word itself.
How do you pronounce it?
kam
Did you know?
- In Thai, the word for 'word' คำ is also used as a classifier for a 'mouthful' of food.
- Because คำ can mean 'gold', ancient Thai texts might use the word to refer to both a verbal 'word' and a piece of 'gold' through wordplay.
- Depending on the tone used, the same spelling คำ can shift meaning from 'word' to 'gold'.
Examples in context
- มันก็แค่คำพูดThey're only words.This sentence is useful for showing the use of คำ in the context of speech.Tatoeba #4293647 by Spanger, translation #4287290 by AlanF_US
- มีหลายคำที่ฉันไม่เข้าใจThere are many words that I don't understand.This sentence is useful for expressing difficulty with specific คำ.Tatoeba #8675895 by pastelite, translation #1414 by CK
- คุณออกเสียงคำเหล่านี้ได้ไหม?Can you pronounce these words?This sentence is useful for practicing the pronunciation of คำ.Tatoeba #8743268 by pastelite, translation #855042 by CM
Example conversation
At a library, a man asks a woman about a textbook.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitคำนี้แปลว่าอะไรครับ?kham ni plae wa arai khrap?What does this word mean?
- ณิชา Nichaคำนี้แปลว่า ความสุข ค่ะkham ni plae wa khwam suk khaThis word means happiness.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitขอบคุณครับ คำนี้เขียนยากจังkhop khun khrap, kham ni khian yak changThank you, this word is hard to write.
- ณิชา Nichaเดี๋ยวณิชาช่วยเขียนให้ค่ะdiao nicha chuay khian hai khaI will help you write it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry คำ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
