Let’s speak Thai correctly!
“want” in Thai
1.เอา ao = want “something” want to have “something” – for ordering foods/drinks or when you go shopping. *Only follow by a noun or an object.
For example : In a restaurant
I would like to have (order) two bottles of water.
= เอาน้ำสองขวด ao náam sŏng kùat = I want two bottles of water please.
2. อยาก yàak = to want “to do something” so always follow by a verb or an action “Subject + yàak + verb”
I want to dance with you.
ผมอยากเต้นรำกับคุณ pŏm yàak dtên ram gàp kun.
I don’t want to eat here.
ฉันไม่อยากกินที่นี่ chăn mâi yàak gin tîi-nîi
3. อยากได้ yàak dâai = want “something” or want to get “something” + an object or “noun”
I want “a new phone”.
ฉันอยากได้โทรศัพท์ใหม่ chăn yàak dâai to0-rá-sàp mài
4. อยากให้ yàak hâi = want or wish “someone else” to do/to be something.
or want “something happens or not happen”
I want my family to be happy.
ฉันอยากให้ครอบครัวมีความสุข chăn yàak hâi krôp-krua mii kwaam sùk
I want you to understand me.
ฉันอยากให้คุณเข้าใจฉัน chăn yàak hâi kun kâo jai chăn