Language/Thai/Grammar/Negation
Hi Thai learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about negation in the Thai language. Negation is an important part of any language, and it is essential to understand how to use it correctly in order to communicate effectively. We will look at the different ways to express negation in Thai, as well as some examples of how to use them. So let's get started!
Negation in Thai
Negation in Thai is expressed using a variety of words and phrases. The most common way to express negation is by using the word ไม่ (mâi). This word can be used to negate verbs, adjectives, and nouns. For example:
| Thai | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| เขาไม่เข้าใจ | kǎo mâi kâo jai | He doesn't understand |
| เขาไม่รู้ | kǎo mâi rúu | He doesn't know |
| เขาไม่ดี | kǎo mâi dii | He isn't good |
| เขาไม่คนดี | kǎo mâi kon dii | He isn't a good person |
The word ไม่ (mâi) can also be used to negate questions. For example:
| Thai | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| เธอไม่เป็นคนดีหรือเปล่า? | thêu mâi bpen kon dii rĕu bplâo? | Are you not a good person? |
| เธอไม่รู้อะไรหรือเปล่า? | thêu mâi rúu à-rai rĕu bplâo? | Don't you know anything? |
| เธอไม่อยากไปหรือเปล่า? | thêu mâi yàak bpai rĕu bplâo? | Don't you want to go? |
Another way to express negation in Thai is by using the word ไม่เลย (mâi lœ̂i). This word is used to express strong negation, and is often used to express disbelief or surprise. For example:
| Thai | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| เขาไม่เลยเข้าใจ | kǎo mâi lœ̂i kâo jai | He doesn't understand at all |
| เขาไม่เลยรู้ | kǎo mâi lœ̂i rúu | He doesn't know anything |
| เขาไม่เลยดี | kǎo mâi lœ̂i dii | He isn't good at all |
| เขาไม่เลยคนดี | kǎo mâi lœ̂i kon dii | He isn't a good person at all |
Finally, the word ไม่มี (mâi mii) can be used to express the idea of "not having". For example:
| Thai | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| เขาไม่มีเงิน | kǎo mâi mii ngern | He doesn't have any money |
| เขาไม่มีเพื่อน | kǎo mâi mii pheuuan | He doesn't have any friends |
| เขาไม่มีที่พัก | kǎo mâi mii thii pák | He doesn't have a place to stay |
| เขาไม่มีอะไร | kǎo mâi mii à-rai | He doesn't have anything |
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have looked at the different ways to express negation in Thai. We have seen that the word ไม่ (mâi) is the most common way to express negation, while the word ไม่เลย (mâi lœ̂i) is used to express strong negation. We have also seen that the word ไม่มี (mâi mii) is used to express the idea of "not having".
Now that you have a better understanding of how to use negation in Thai, why not try using it in your own conversations? You can also use the Polyglot Club website to find native speakers and ask them any questions you may have. Good luck!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎