Classifiers for counting (คน, อัน)

Counting with Classifiers

In Thai, whenever you count a noun, you must use a classifier (a counter word). Unlike English, where you just say "two dogs," Thai requires the structure Noun + Number + Classifier.

For animals, the classifier is ตัว.

General Objects and Asking for Things

For many generic, small objects like keys, use the classifier อัน.

When making a polite request or asking for an item, use the verb ขอ (to ask for) before the noun.

Bags and Glasses

For containers or hollow objects such as bags and glasses, use the classifier ใบ.

Books and Giving

To count books, use the classifier เล่ม.

When talking about giving an object to someone, use the verb ให้ (to give).

Vehicles and Totals

Vehicles like cars and motorcycles use the classifier คัน.

To emphasize a total amount, place the word ทั้งหมด (in total) immediately before the number.

Machines and Electronics

For mechanical devices or electronics, such as a TV or a telephone, use the classifier เครื่อง.

Pieces and Snacks

To count pieces of a larger whole, use the classifier ชิ้น. This is commonly used with ขนม, which refers to snacks, sweets, or desserts.

Counting People

Finally, the classifier for counting people is simply the word for person, คน.