Word
คำ นี้ หมายถึง อะไร
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Questions & Answers about คำ นี้ หมายถึง อะไร
Why is it นี้ (high tone) instead of นี่ (falling tone) for "this"?
In Thai, the high tone นี้ is used as an adjective modifying a noun or classifier, meaning "this [noun]." The falling tone นี่ stands alone as a pronoun, meaning "this is" or "here." Because "this" is modifying "word" (คำ), we must use the adjective form นี้.
Doesn't Thai usually require a classifier before "this"? Why is it just คำนี้?
Normally, the pattern is Noun + Classifier + นี้ (this). However, คำ (word) is a noun that acts as its own classifier. When a noun and its classifier are the exact same word, Thai drops the classifier to avoid sounding repetitive. So instead of the clunky คำคำนี้, it naturally shortens to คำนี้.
Could I use แปลว่า instead of หมายถึง here?
Yes, but they have slightly different focuses. แปลว่า literally means "translates to" or "means [in another language]." You'd use it if you want the English translation of a Thai word. หมายถึง means "refers to" or "signifies," so you are asking for the definition, concept, or intention behind the word.
If I want to say "I didn't mean to do that," can I also use หมายถึง?
No. หมายถึง is strictly used for definitions, signifying, or referring to something. If you want to express "meaning to" as having an intention to do something, you should use ตั้งใจ (to intend) instead.