Language/Thai/Grammar/Verb-'To-Be'
Welcome to the present tense verb lesson. In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb 'to be' in Thai sentences. This is an essential skill that every beginner must learn when studying Thai.
Verb 'To Be' - คือ
The verb 'to be' in Thai is translated as คือ (keu). The verb 'to be' is used to link the subject of the sentence with its complement. It is usually used to identify or describe the subject of the sentence.
For example, in the English sentence "I am a teacher", the verb 'am' is the equivalent of คือ (keu) in Thai.
Conjugation of 'To Be'
The verb 'to be' is not conjugated in Thai. It remains the same for all the subject pronouns.
<thead> </thead> <tbody> </tbody>| Thai | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| ฉัน คือ ครู | chăn keu kruu | I am a teacher |
| เขา คือ นักเรียน | kăo keu nákrîian | He/She is a student |
| พวกเขา คือ นักบุญ | pûak-kăo keu nákbun | They are monks |
Using 'To Be' for Identification
The verb 'to be' (คือ - keu) is also used to identify someone or something in Thai sentences.
- To ask for someone's name: คุณ คือ ใคร (kun keu khrai) - What is your name?
- To tell someone your name: ฉัน คือ นายชื่อ (chăn keu naay chêu) - My name is...
Using 'To Be' for Descriptions
The verb 'to be' (คือ - keu) is also used to describe someone or something in Thai sentences.
- To describe someone's appearance: เธอ คือ สวย (ther keu suay) - She is beautiful
- To describe someone's personality: เขา คือ ยอดเยี่ยม (kăo keu yôtdyîiam) - He/She is excellent
Keep in mind that in Thai, the subject of the sentence often comes after the verb. For example, "I am a teacher" will be "ครู คือ ฉัน" (kruu keu chăn).
Practice
Let's put the verb 'to be' into practice by translating the following English sentences into Thai. You can check your answers with the translations provided.
- I am happy. - ฉัน คือ มีความสุข (chăn keu mii kwaam-sùk).
- You are my friend. - คุณ คือ เพื่อนของฉัน (kun keu pêuan khǎawng chăn).
- He is a doctor. - เขา คือ หมอ (kăo keu mǒr).
- She is not here. - เธอ ไม่ อยู่ที่นี่ (ther mâi yùu thîi-nîi).
- We are excited. - เรา คือ ตื่นเต้น (rao keu dtûuen-dtên).
Culture Tip
In Thai culture, it is common to use titles to address people. For example, if you meet someone who is older than you or has a higher social status, you should use the title 'khun' before their name.
If you are not sure what title to use, it is always better to err on the side of respect and address the person with a title.
Sources
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_verbs">Thai Verbs</a>
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_language">Thai Language</a>