Language/Thai/Grammar/Regular-Verbs

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Thai → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Tense Verbs → Regular Verbs

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on regular verbs in the present tense! In this lesson, we will learn how to use and conjugate regular verbs in Thai. This topic is important because verbs are a fundamental part of any language, and understanding how to use them correctly is essential for effective communication. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use regular verbs in the present tense in various contexts. So let's get started!

Regular Verbs

Regular verbs in Thai follow a predictable pattern when conjugated in the present tense. Unlike irregular verbs, which have unique conjugations, regular verbs have a standard conjugation that applies to most verbs in the language. To conjugate a regular verb in the present tense, we simply add a suffix to the verb stem.

Verb Stem

The verb stem is the base form of the verb before any affixes are added. To find the verb stem, remove the ending "-อ" or "-ด" from the infinitive form of the verb. For example, the verb "เรียน" (to study) has a stem of "เรียน". Similarly, the verb "อ่าน" (to read) has a stem of "อ่าน".

Conjugation

To conjugate regular verbs in the present tense, we add the appropriate suffix to the verb stem. The suffix depends on the type of verb ending in the stem. There are three types of regular verb endings: "-ว", "-ร" and "-น". Let's look at each type and its corresponding suffixes:

Verbs Ending in "-ว"

For verbs ending in "-ว", we add the suffix "-ว" to the verb stem. Here are some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เรียน	rian	to study
เขียน	khian	to write
แต่ง	taeng	to decorate
อุ่น	un	to warm
กิน	gin	to eat

As you can see from the examples, the verb stem remains unchanged and we only add the "-ว" suffix.

Verbs Ending in "-ร"

For verbs ending in "-ร", we add the suffix "-ร" to the verb stem. Here are some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
นอน	non	to sleep
คิด	kit	to think
แพ้	phae	to lose
ดี	di	to be good
ฟัง	fang	to listen

Again, the verb stem remains unchanged and we only add the "-ร" suffix.

Verbs Ending in "-น"

For verbs ending in "-น", we add the suffix "-น" to the verb stem. Here are some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
วิ่ง	wing	to run
ชอบ	chob	to like
บิน	bin	to fly
ดำ	dam	to be black
จำ	jam	to remember

Once again, the verb stem remains unchanged and we only add the "-น" suffix.

Cultural Insights

In Thai culture, the use of polite language and appropriate verb forms is highly valued. When speaking to someone of higher status or older age, it is important to use the appropriate verb form to show respect. This includes using the correct conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Thai people take great pride in their language and appreciate when foreigners make an effort to learn and use correct Thai grammar. So, by mastering the conjugation of regular verbs, you not only improve your language skills but also show respect to the Thai people and their culture.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of regular verbs in the present tense.

Exercise 1: Conjugation Conjugate the following regular verbs in the present tense:

1. อยู่ (to live) 2. ออก (to go out) 3. ชอบ (to like) 4. เขียน (to write) 5. ดำ (to be black)

Solution: 1. อยู่ -> อยู่ 2. ออก -> ออก 3. ชอบ -> ชอบ 4. เขียน -> เขียน 5. ดำ -> ดำ

Exercise 2: Sentence Formation Form sentences using the conjugated verbs given below:

1. เขา (to eat) 2. ฉัน (to sleep) 3. คุณ (to study) 4. เรา (to listen) 5. พวกเขา (to write)

Solution: 1. เขากินข้าว (He/She eats rice.) 2. ฉันนอนหลับ (I sleep.) 3. คุณเรียนภาษาไทย (You study Thai language.) 4. เราฟังเพลง (We listen to music.) 5. พวกเขาเขียนจดหมาย (They write a letter.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use and conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, making it easier for you to communicate in Thai. Remember to practice using regular verbs in various contexts to strengthen your language skills. Keep up the good work, and soon you'll be able to express yourself confidently in Thai!

Table of Contents - Thai Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Basic Greetings & Introductions

• Saying Hello
• Asking for Name and Nationality
• Introducing Family Members

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Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject and Verb
• Negative Sentences
• Questions
• Adjectives

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Numbers and Counting

• Numbers 1-10
• Numbers 11-100
• Ordinal Numbers
• Telephone Numbers

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Present Tense Verbs

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Verb 'To Be'

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Thai Culture and Customs

• Thai Greetings
• Thai Food and Dining Etiquette
• Thai Festivals

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Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Time Expressions
• Days of the Week and Months

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Adverbs

• Adverbs of Time
• Adverbs of Frequency
• Adverbs of Manner
• Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

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Colors

• Basic Colors
• Describing Colors
• Fruit and Vegetables

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Pronouns

• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

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Thai Geography and Places

• Thai Provinces and Capitals
• Tourist Attractions in Thailand

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Animals

• Common Animals
• Pet Animals
• Wild Animals

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Prepositions

• Basic Prepositions
• Prepositions of Movement

Sources

• A Beginner's Guide to Basic Thai Grammar
• A Thai Teachers' Guide to Teaching English Simple Past Tense to ...
• Thai Grammar Rules - The Perfect Beginner's Guide

Other Lessons

• Comparative and Superlative Adverbs
• Questions
• Prepositions of Movement
• How to Use Have
• Adjectives
• Object Pronouns
• Subject Pronouns
• Negative Sentences
• Verb 'To Be'

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