Signification
Traveling to one's workplace.
Contexte culturel
The 'going to work' experience is defined by the 'Skytrain' (BTS) and 'Subway' (MRT). Many people use this phrase while standing in crowded trains. Being 'diligent' (khayan) about going to work is highly valued. Even if there is little to do, showing up is a sign of respect to the hierarchy. The commute is incomplete without 'Kafe Yen' (iced coffee) or 'Moo Ping'. You will see thousands of people 'pai tham-ngan' with plastic bags of food in hand. In places like Chiang Mai, 'pai tham-ngan' might mean going to a co-working space or a cafe rather than a traditional office.
The 'Krap/Ka' Rule
Always add 'Krap' (male) or 'Ka' (female) at the end to sound polite when telling someone you are going to work.
Don't say 'Pai To Work'
English speakers often try to insert a preposition. 'Pai tham-ngan' is complete as it is.
Signification
Traveling to one's workplace.
The 'Krap/Ka' Rule
Always add 'Krap' (male) or 'Ka' (female) at the end to sound polite when telling someone you are going to work.
Don't say 'Pai To Work'
English speakers often try to insert a preposition. 'Pai tham-ngan' is complete as it is.
Use 'Kam-lang'
If you are currently on the bus/train, always use 'Kam-lang pai tham-ngan' to show ongoing action.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am going to work'.
ฉัน___ทำงาน (Chan ___ tham-ngan)
'Pai' means 'to go', which is necessary for this phrase.
Which sentence means 'Are you going to work today?'
Choose the correct Thai translation:
'Wan-nee' (today) + 'khun' (you) + 'pai tham-ngan' (go to work) + 'mai' (question particle).
Complete the dialogue.
A: ไปไหนครับ? (Pai nai krap?) B: ___________
The speaker is answering a 'where' question, so 'Pai tham-ngan krap' is the logical answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are late for your shift.
'Sai' means late in the morning/work context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesฉัน___ทำงาน (Chan ___ tham-ngan)
'Pai' means 'to go', which is necessary for this phrase.
Choose the correct Thai translation:
'Wan-nee' (today) + 'khun' (you) + 'pai tham-ngan' (go to work) + 'mai' (question particle).
A: ไปไหนครับ? (Pai nai krap?) B: ___________
The speaker is answering a 'where' question, so 'Pai tham-ngan krap' is the logical answer.
Situation: You are late for your shift.
'Sai' means late in the morning/work context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that usually means going to a party or an event. You must include 'tham' (do) to mean work.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for almost any situation, from talking to your boss to talking to your spouse.
Say 'Mai yak pai tham-ngan' (ไม่อยากไปทำงาน).
'Pai tham-ngan' is the act of going/commuting. 'Khao ngan' is the act of starting your shift/clocking in.
In Thai, you can often drop the subject if it's clear who is speaking. Just 'Pai tham-ngan krap' is very natural.
Add 'doy rot-yon' or 'khap rot' (drive) before 'pai tham-ngan'. Example: 'Khap rot pai tham-ngan'.
No, for school use 'Pai rian' (ไปเรียน - go to study).
Say 'Tham-ngan thee baan' (ทำงานที่บ้าน). You don't use 'pai' because you aren't going anywhere.
Yes, 'Pai pan ngan' (ไปปั่นงาน) implies you are going to work hard or rush through tasks.
Ask 'Yoo thee tham-ngan rue plao?' (Are you at the workplace or not?).
Expressions liées
เลิกงาน
contrastTo finish work / get off work
เข้างาน
similarTo start work / clock in
ที่ทำงาน
builds onWorkplace / Office
ทำงานหนัก
specialized formTo work hard
