Signification
Being unable to meet due to tasks.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a key part of 'saving face.' By using a vague excuse, you avoid the potential conflict of a direct 'no.' In meetings, if someone says they 'ติดธุระ,' it is considered rude to ask 'What kind of business?' unless you are very close. Thais often use stickers of characters looking busy or overwhelmed along with the text 'ติดธุระ' to soften the message. In Bangkok, 'ติดธุระ' often refers to traffic or office work. In rural areas, it might refer to family or community obligations.
The 'Phor-dee' Trick
Always put 'พอดี' (phor-dee) before 'ติดธุระ.' it makes you sound 10x more like a native speaker and much more polite.
Don't Over-explain
In Thailand, if you say 'ติดธุระ,' people usually won't ask what it is. If you start explaining, it might actually seem like you are lying!
Signification
Being unable to meet due to tasks.
The 'Phor-dee' Trick
Always put 'พอดี' (phor-dee) before 'ติดธุระ.' it makes you sound 10x more like a native speaker and much more polite.
Don't Over-explain
In Thailand, if you say 'ติดธุระ,' people usually won't ask what it is. If you start explaining, it might actually seem like you are lying!
The Social Shield
Use this phrase to protect your 'me-time.' It's a socially acceptable way to say 'I just don't feel like going out' without being judged.
Teste-toi
Choose the most polite way to tell a colleague you can't go to lunch.
เพื่อนร่วมงาน: 'ไปกินข้าวเที่ยงด้วยกันไหม?' (Want to go to lunch together?)
'Phor-dee dtit-tú-rá khrap' is the most polite and natural way to decline in a professional setting.
Fill in the blank to say 'I am busy with errands all day today.'
วันนี้ผม...ทั้งวันเลย (Wan-nee phom... thang wan loei)
'ติดธุระ' fits best when describing being tied up with tasks for the whole day.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: 'เย็นนี้ว่างไหม?' (Free tonight?) B: 'ขอโทษทีนะ พอดี...' (Sorry, I happen to...)
In the context of an apology for not being free, 'ติดธุระ' is the standard excuse.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase would you use in a formal email to a client?
'ติดภารกิจ' is the formal version of 'ติดธุระ' suitable for high-level professional communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Busy vs. Tied Up
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesเพื่อนร่วมงาน: 'ไปกินข้าวเที่ยงด้วยกันไหม?' (Want to go to lunch together?)
'Phor-dee dtit-tú-rá khrap' is the most polite and natural way to decline in a professional setting.
วันนี้ผม...ทั้งวันเลย (Wan-nee phom... thang wan loei)
'ติดธุระ' fits best when describing being tied up with tasks for the whole day.
A: 'เย็นนี้ว่างไหม?' (Free tonight?) B: 'ขอโทษทีนะ พอดี...' (Sorry, I happen to...)
In the context of an apology for not being free, 'ติดธุระ' is the standard excuse.
Which phrase would you use in a formal email to a client?
'ติดภารกิจ' is the formal version of 'ติดธุระ' suitable for high-level professional communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's neutral. It's safer than 'ไม่ว่าง' (mai wang) which can sometimes sound a bit too direct or grumpy.
Yes, but 'ติดงาน' (dtit ngan) is more specific if it's strictly job-related. 'ติดธุระ' is better for errands or personal tasks.
Add 'มาก' (mak) at the end: 'ติดธุระมากครับ'.
'ติดธุระ' implies you are currently stuck or engaged. 'มีธุระ' just means you have something to do (often used for future plans).
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to explain why you can't attend a meeting.
No. That's the beauty of the phrase! It's a complete excuse on its own.
Yes, you can say 'ติดธุระที่บ้าน' (busy with things at home/family).
You can say 'ธุระส่วนตัวครับ' (Personal business) to politely end the questioning.
It's in between. It's an unaspirated 't'. Your tongue is in the 't' position but you don't blow air out.
Yes, but they might sound a bit like 'little adults.' Usually, kids just say 'ไปไม่ได้' (can't go).
Expressions liées
ยุ่ง
similarBusy (working)
ไม่ว่าง
synonymNot free
มีนัด
similarHave an appointment
ติดงาน
specialized formStuck with work
ธุระไม่ใช่
contrastNone of my business
