Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ใช่ | châi | /t͡ɕʰaj˥˩/ | |
| ถูก | tùuk | /tʰuːk̚˨˩/ | |
| ถูกต้อง | tùuk-dtɔ̂ng | /tʰuːk̚˨˩.tɔŋ˥˩/ | formal |
| อืม | ʉʉm | /ʔɯːm˧/ | informal |
Thai uses different words depending on the context of the agreement. You might use a form to confirm an identity or a fact, a different form to indicate that an answer is correct or an informal sound to show you are listening.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what you are confirming. ใช่ is used to confirm that a statement or identity is correct (e.g., 'Yes, that is true' or 'Yes, it is me'). In contrast, ถูก is used to indicate that an answer or a specific piece of information is correct or right. For a more formal and emphatic way to say something is correct or accurate, use ถูกต้อง.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ถูกต้อง is a formal way to express that something is correct. The informal อืม is used in conversational settings to say "yeah" or "um-hmm" to show you are listening or agreeing. In formal settings, especially when speaking to an older man, you can use ใช่ครับ (Chai Khrap) to convey agreement. In formal situations when speaking to an older woman, you can use ใช่ค่ะ (Chai Kha).
How do you pronounce it?
châi (/tɕʰaj˥˩/)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ใช่ to answer questions about possession or ability, whereas Thai requires repeating the verb used in the question.
Did you know?
- The word ถูก, used to say 'yes' when something is correct, also means 'cheap' in a completely different context.
- The word ถูก originally meant 'to touch' or 'to come into contact with' in Proto-Tai. This explains why it evolved into the meaning of something being 'correct' or 'hitting the mark'.
- Because there is no single word for 'yes', a Thai speaker might answer a question with a word that sounds like 'no' to a beginner if they are repeating a negative verb.
Examples in context
- ใช่ฉันรู้Yes, I know it.This example shows the use of ใช่ to confirm knowledge.Tatoeba #8679137 by pastelite, translation #433589 by CK
- ใช่Yes.This example shows the use of ใช่ to express agreement.Tatoeba #8669273 by pastelite, translation #477086 by soweli_Elepanto
- คุณสามารถมาช่วยแม่ได้ไหม?Can you help my mother?
- ใช่ เป็นอย่างนั้นchai pen yang nanYes, that is how it is.
Example conversation
Sirin and Thanakrit are talking about a movie.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinนี่คือหนังที่คุณชอบใช่ไหม?ni khue nang thi khun chop chai mai?This is the movie you like, right?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritใช่ครับ ผมชอบเรื่องนี้มากchai khrap phom chop rueang ni makYes, I like this story very much.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinอยากไปดูอีกรอบไหมคะ?yak pai du ik rop mai kha?Do you want to go see it again?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritใช่ครับ ไปกันเถอะchai khrap pai kan thoeYes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yes” translations and entries ใช่, ถูก, ถูกต้อง, อืม, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ถูก, ถูกต้อง, ใช่, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
