Wanting an object (เอา)

Wanting an Object

To say you want an object, use the verb เอา (to want / to take). While you use อยาก for actions, เอา is used strictly for nouns. This is the verb you will use most often when ordering food, shopping, or asking for items.

The pattern is: Subject + เอา + Noun

When speaking, you can often drop the subject if it is obvious from context.

For a simple yes/no question, add the question particle ไหม at the end of the sentence.

Not Wanting an Object

To express that you do not want an item, place the negative word ไม่ (not) directly before the verb.

The pattern is: ไม่ + เอา + Noun

Specifying Quantities

When you want to state exactly how many of an item you want, attach the quantity and the appropriate classifier after the noun.

The pattern is: เอา + Noun + Number + Classifier

To ask someone "how many" of an object they want, use the question word กี่ (how many) followed by the classifier.

Asking for Extra

If you want an extra portion or an additional piece of something, use the word เพิ่ม (to add / extra). Place it directly after the noun.

You can combine positive and negative statements using the conjunction แต่ (but) to specify exactly what you do and do not want in a single sentence.