المعنى
Expressing a lack of knowledge.
خلفية ثقافية
Saying 'I don't know' can be a way to avoid conflict or 'save face'. If a Thai person doesn't want to answer a sensitive question, they might use 'ไม่รู้' as a polite shield. In a meeting, saying 'ไม่รู้' directly to a superior can be seen as lack of preparation. It's better to say 'ขอไปเช็คข้อมูลก่อนครับ' (Let me check the info first). Teenagers often use 'ม่ายรุ' (mâi rú) or 'รุ้ป่าว' (róo pào - do you know?) in a cute, 'kawaii' style influenced by Japanese pop culture. In the Isan dialect, people might say 'บ่ฮู้' (bor hoo) instead of 'ไม่รู้'. 'บ่' is the local word for 'not' and 'ฮู้' for 'know'.
The 'Sì' Trick
Add 'สิ' (sì) at the end to sound more like a native speaker when you're unsure. 'ไม่รู้สิ' sounds much more natural than just 'ไม่รู้'.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'ไม่รู้' without a polite particle (krap/ka) to a stranger can sound like 'I don't know, go away'.
المعنى
Expressing a lack of knowledge.
The 'Sì' Trick
Add 'สิ' (sì) at the end to sound more like a native speaker when you're unsure. 'ไม่รู้สิ' sounds much more natural than just 'ไม่รู้'.
Don't be too blunt
Saying 'ไม่รู้' without a polite particle (krap/ka) to a stranger can sound like 'I don't know, go away'.
Formal Switch
If you are in a bank or a government office, always use 'ไม่ทราบ' (mâi sâap). It makes you sound much more educated and respectful.
The Shrug
Thais often accompany 'ไม่รู้' with a slight head tilt rather than a heavy shoulder shrug.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the most polite way to say 'I don't know' to a teacher.
Teacher: 'Do you know the answer?'
'ไม่ทราบ' is the formal version of 'ไม่รู้', appropriate for teachers.
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't know where he is.'
ผม___ว่าเขาอยู่ที่ไหน
'ไม่รู้' is used for factual information like location.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are texting a close friend and want to sound casual.
'ดิ' is a casual particle used with friends.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: คุณว่ายน้ำเป็นไหม? (Can you swim?) B: ขอโทษครับ ผมว่ายน้ำ___
Swimming is a skill, so 'ไม่เป็น' must be used instead of 'ไม่รู้'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينTeacher: 'Do you know the answer?'
'ไม่ทราบ' is the formal version of 'ไม่รู้', appropriate for teachers.
ผม___ว่าเขาอยู่ที่ไหน
'ไม่รู้' is used for factual information like location.
Situation: You are texting a close friend and want to sound casual.
'ดิ' is a casual particle used with friends.
A: คุณว่ายน้ำเป็นไหม? (Can you swim?) B: ขอโทษครับ ผมว่ายน้ำ___
Swimming is a skill, so 'ไม่เป็น' must be used instead of 'ไม่รู้'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt can be if used without polite particles (ครับ/ค่ะ). With them, it's perfectly fine for daily use.
'ไม่รู้' is neutral/casual, while 'ไม่ทราบ' is formal and polite.
No, use 'ไม่รู้จัก' (mâi róo-jàk) to say you don't know a person.
Say 'ไม่รู้เหมือนกัน' (mâi róo mǔean-kan).
Repeating the word emphasizes the ignorance or can be used to dismiss a question quickly.
No, for skills use 'ทำอาหารไม่เป็น' (tham aa-hǎan mâi pen).
It means 'to be clueless' or 'to not understand what's going on'.
Yes, 'ม่ายรุ' (mâi rú) is common in texting.
It's the same: 'ไม่รู้'. You can add 'เมื่อก่อน' (before) if you need to clarify.
It is a high tone.
عبارات ذات صلة
ไม่ทราบ
synonymI don't know (formal)
ไม่เป็น
contrastI don't know how to (skill)
รู้จัก
similarTo know (a person/place)
ไม่รู้เรื่อง
specialized formTo be clueless
ความรู้
builds onKnowledge
