Yes/No questions (ไหม)

Asking Yes/No Questions

In Thai, turning a statement into a yes/no question is simple: just add the question particle ไหม at the very end of the sentence.

Polite particles like ครับ or ค่ะ always come after ไหม, at the absolute end of the sentence.

Answering Yes/No Questions

Thai does not have generic, all-purpose words for "yes" and "no". Instead, the most natural way to answer a yes/no question is to echo the main verb from the question.

• To say "Yes": Repeat the main verb.
• To say "No": Place the negative word ไม่ in front of the main verb.

Adjectives function as verbs in Thai. When a question asks about a state or feeling, you echo the adjective to answer.

The exact same echoing rule applies to action verbs. Listen for the main verb the person is using, and mirror it back to them.