Signification
Informal apology or way to get attention.
Contexte culturel
The 'Smile' often accompanies 'Kho thot na.' Even if you are genuinely sorry, a small smile helps to 'cool down' the situation and show you have no ill intent. In meetings, 'Kho thot na' is used to 'soften' a critique. If you want to point out an error in a report, you start with this phrase to protect the other person's 'Face.' Teenagers often shorten it to 'Thot na' or 'Thot ti.' It sounds cooler and less 'stiff' than the full version. Expats who use 'Kho thot na' instead of just English 'Sorry' are often treated with more warmth by locals, as it shows an effort to understand Thai social norms.
The 'Na' Length
The longer you draw out the 'naaaaa,' the more sincere (or sometimes pleading) you sound. A short 'na' is just polite; a long 'na' is 'please forgive me!'
Don't Overuse
While being polite is good, saying 'Kho thot na' every five seconds can make you seem lacking in confidence. Use it when there's a reason.
Signification
Informal apology or way to get attention.
The 'Na' Length
The longer you draw out the 'naaaaa,' the more sincere (or sometimes pleading) you sound. A short 'na' is just polite; a long 'na' is 'please forgive me!'
Don't Overuse
While being polite is good, saying 'Kho thot na' every five seconds can make you seem lacking in confidence. Use it when there's a reason.
The Wai
If you are apologizing to someone significantly older, always combine the phrase with a 'Wai' (hands pressed together).
Gender Particles
Even with 'na,' adding 'khrap' (men) or 'kha' (women) at the very end is the gold standard for politeness.
Teste-toi
You accidentally step on a friend's shoe. What do you say?
A friend's shoe is stepped on by you.
'Kho thot na' is the perfect informal apology for a small accident with a friend.
Complete the sentence to say 'Sorry for being late.'
ขอโทษนะ___มาสาย
In Thai, we use 'thi' (ที่) to connect an apology to the action.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to ask a stranger for the time.
Starting with 'Kho thot na' is the polite way to approach a stranger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ขอโทษนะที่ทำน้ำหก B: _________
'Mai pen rai' is the standard response to an apology.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of Apologies
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA friend's shoe is stepped on by you.
'Kho thot na' is the perfect informal apology for a small accident with a friend.
ขอโทษนะ___มาสาย
In Thai, we use 'thi' (ที่) to connect an apology to the action.
Situation: You want to ask a stranger for the time.
Starting with 'Kho thot na' is the polite way to approach a stranger.
A: ขอโทษนะที่ทำน้ำหก B: _________
'Mai pen rai' is the standard response to an apology.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, many Thais understand 'Sorry,' but using 'Kho thot na' shows much more respect for the culture.
The 'na' makes it softer and friendlier. Without it, the phrase can sound a bit blunt or cold.
It's better to use 'ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ' (Kho thot khrap/kha) with a boss to maintain professional distance.
Add 'jing jing' (really) at the end: 'Kho thot jing jing na.'
No, for small things like bumping into a friend, a 'Wai' is not necessary. A nod is enough.
When in doubt, use 'khrap' or 'kha.' It's never wrong to be too polite!
Yes, it is the most common way to do that.
It's not rude, but it's very casual. Only use it with people your own age or younger.
Say 'Mai pen rai' (It's okay/No problem).
No, unlike the Japanese 'Sumimasen,' 'Kho thot' is only for apologies or attention.
ขอประทานโทษ (Kho prathan thot).
Yes, if it's a casual email to a colleague. For a formal email, use 'Kho aphai.'
Expressions liées
ไม่เป็นไร
contrastNo problem / It's okay
ขออภัย
specialized formTo apologize (formal)
เสียใจ
similarTo feel sorry / sad
ขอโทษจริงๆ
builds onI am really sorry
เกรงใจ
builds onTo be considerate
