Language/Thai/Vocabulary/Ordinal-Numbers

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Thai → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Counting → Ordinal Numbers

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the world of ordinal numbers in Thai. Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of something in a series. Understanding ordinal numbers is essential for everyday conversations, as they are commonly used when talking about dates, rankings, and more. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use ordinal numbers in your Thai conversations.

What are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers are words or numerals that indicate the position or order of something in a series. In English, we use words like "first," "second," and "third" to express ordinal numbers. Similarly, in Thai, we have specific words and rules to form ordinal numbers.

Forming Ordinal Numbers in Thai

To form ordinal numbers in Thai, we usually add the word "ที่" (thîi) before the cardinal number. For example:

• 1st - ที่หนึ่ง (thîi nèung)
• 2nd - ที่สอง (thîi sǎawng)
• 3rd - ที่สาม (thîi sǎam)

Let's take a closer look at the formation of ordinal numbers in Thai:

Cardinal Numbers 1-10

Here are the cardinal numbers from 1 to 10 in Thai, along with their corresponding ordinal forms:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
1	nèung	first
2	sǎawng	second
3	sǎam	third
4	sìi	fourth
5	hâa	fifth
6	hòk	sixth
7	jèt	seventh
8	bàat	eighth
9	gâo	ninth
10	sìp	tenth

Note: The pronunciation provided here is just an approximation. It is recommended to listen to native speakers to get a better understanding of the correct pronunciation.

Cardinal Numbers 11-100

When forming ordinal numbers from 11 to 100, we use the cardinal numbers and add the word "ที่" (thîi) before them. Here are some examples:

• 11th - ที่สิบเอ็ด (thîi sìp èt)
• 22nd - ที่ยี่สิบสอง (thîi yîi sìp sǎawng)
• 33rd - ที่สามสิบสาม (thîi sǎam sìp sǎam)
• 44th - ที่สี่สิบสี่ (thîi sìi sìp sìi)
• 55th - ที่ห้าสิบห้า (thîi hâa sìp hâa)
• 66th - ที่หกสิบหก (thîi hòk sìp hòk)
• 77th - ที่เจ็ดสิบเจ็ด (thîi jèt sìp jèt)
• 88th - ที่แปดสิบแปด (thîi bàat sìp bàat)
• 99th - ที่เก้าสิบเก้า (thîi gâo sìp gâo)
• 100th - ที่หนึ่งร้อย (thîi nèung rói)

As you can see, the formation of ordinal numbers in Thai follows a consistent pattern, making it relatively easy to understand and use.

Cultural Insights

In Thai culture, ordinal numbers play an important role in various aspects of daily life. They are commonly used when referring to the order of siblings, ranking in competitions, and even when discussing historical events. For example, when talking about Thai kings, ordinal numbers are used to refer to their position in the royal lineage, such as "พระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวที่ 10" (Phrá Bàat Somdet Phrá Cháo Yùu Hǔa thîi sìp), which translates to "King Rama X" in English.

Additionally, ordinal numbers are used when talking about dates in Thai. For instance, when referring to the date of the month, ordinal numbers are used, such as "วันที่ 21" (wan thîi sǎam sìp èt), which means "the 21st day." It's important to note that in Thai, the word "วันที่" (wan thîi) is used before the ordinal number to indicate the date.

Understanding how to use ordinal numbers in Thai not only helps you communicate more effectively but also provides insights into the cultural significance attached to them.

Exercises

Now, let's practice using ordinal numbers in various contexts. Choose the correct ordinal number to complete each sentence:

1. วันพุธเป็นวันที่ ... (wan phút bpen wan thîi ...) - Wednesday is the ... day of the week. a) สอง (sǎawng) b) สาม (sǎam) c) สี่ (sìi) d) ห้า (hâa)

2. เขาได้รับรางวัลอันดับ ... (khǎo dâi ráp raang-wan an-dàp ...) - He received the ... place award. a) หนึ่ง (nèung) b) สอง (sǎawng) c) สาม (sǎam) d) สี่ (sìi)

3. มีนาคมเป็นเดือนที่ ... (mee-naakom bpen deuan thîi ...) - March is the ... month. a) หนึ่ง (nèung) b) สอง (sǎawng) c) สาม (sǎam) d) สี่ (sìi)

4. ที่ห้าสิบสองคือจังหวัด ... (thîi hâa sìp sǎawng keu jang-wàt ...) - The 52nd is the province of ... a) กรุงเทพมหานคร (grung-thêep-má-hǎa-ná-khǒn) b) สุราษฎร์ธานี (sù-raat-thá-nii) c) เชียงใหม่ (chiang-mài) d) นนทบุรี (non-thá-bù-ree)

Solutions

1. c) สี่ (sìi) 2. b) สอง (sǎawng) 3. c) สาม (sǎam) 4. c) เชียงใหม่ (chiang-mài)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to use ordinal numbers in Thai. This knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various situations, from discussing dates to expressing rankings. Remember to practice using ordinal numbers in your daily Thai conversations to reinforce your understanding. Keep up the great work, and soon you'll be ready to explore more advanced topics in the Thai language!

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

  ---

Daily Activities

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

  ---

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

• Thai Numbers - Learn Thai from a White Guy
• Learn Thai | Ordinal Numbers, Months & Dates
• Thai numerals - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Fruit and Vegetables
• Seasons
• Basic Colors
• Colors
• Sports
• Isan basic phrases
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Asking for Name and Nationality
• Time

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