ถูก 30 सेकंड में
- ถูก (thùuk) is an A1 Thai word with two main meanings: 'cheap' (price) and 'correct' (accuracy).
- It also functions as a passive voice marker, usually for negative experiences like being scolded or hit.
- In Thai word order, it follows the noun when used as an adjective (e.g., 'ของถูก' - cheap things).
- It is a high-frequency word essential for shopping, education, and daily conversations across all levels.
The Thai word ถูก (thùuk) is a multifaceted linguistic powerhouse that every learner must master early on. Primarily categorized as an adjective at the A1 level, it carries two distinct yet equally vital meanings: 'cheap' (low in price) and 'correct' (accurate or right). Beyond these, as learners progress, they discover its role as a passive voice marker and a verb meaning 'to touch' or 'to be hit.' Understanding the context is the secret key to distinguishing between 'This shirt is cheap' and 'This answer is correct.'
- Economic Context
- When shopping in Thailand's vibrant street markets or malls, you will use 'ถูก' to describe items that are inexpensive. It is the opposite of 'แพง' (phaeng), which means expensive. Thais often repeat the word for emphasis: 'ถูกๆ' (thùuk thùuk), meaning 'very cheap' or 'a bargain.'
เสื้อตัวนี้ราคาถูกมาก (Sûea tua níi raa-khaa thùuk mâak) - This shirt is very cheap.
- Accuracy Context
- In educational or conversational settings, 'ถูก' signifies that a statement, answer, or action is right. While 'ถูกต้อง' (thùuk-tông) is the more formal version used in exams or official documents, 'ถูก' suffices for daily confirmation. It is the linguistic equivalent of a checkmark.
คำตอบของคุณถูกแล้ว (Kham-tòop khǒong khun thùuk láew) - Your answer is already correct.
In social dynamics, 'ถูก' also appears in phrases like 'ถูกใจ' (thùuk-jai), meaning 'to like' or 'to please the heart.' This versatility makes it one of the top 100 most used words in the Thai language. Whether you are bargaining for a Tuk-Tuk ride or confirming a meeting time, this word will be your constant companion. The tonal aspect is crucial; it is a low tone. Pronouncing it with the wrong tone could lead to confusion, though context usually saves the day. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the structural nuances that allow 'ถูก' to shift from a price tag descriptor to a grammatical marker of the passive voice.
Using 'ถูก' correctly requires an understanding of Thai word order and grammatical function. Unlike English, where 'cheap' always precedes the noun ('cheap car'), in Thai, the adjective follows the noun or the noun-classifier pair. Understanding these patterns is essential for natural-sounding Thai.
- As an Adjective for Price
- Structure: [Noun] + [ถูก]. Example: 'อาหารถูก' (Aa-hǎan thùuk) - Cheap food. To make it a full sentence, you might add 'ราคา' (raa-khaa - price): 'อาหารราคาถูก' (Aa-hǎan raa-khaa thùuk).
ที่นี่ขายของถูกมาก (Thîi nîi khǎai khǒong thùuk mâak) - This place sells things very cheaply.
- As an Adjective for Correctness
- Structure: [Statement/Fact] + [ถูก]. Often used with 'ไหม' (mǎi) to ask 'Right?'. Example: 'ไปทางนี้ถูกไหม?' (Pai thaang níi thùuk mǎi?) - Going this way is correct, right?
คุณพูดถูกแล้ว (Khun phûut thùuk láew) - You said it correctly / You are right.
Another common usage is 'ถูก' + [Body Part] which means to touch or come into contact with something, often accidentally. For example, 'น้ำถูกมือ' (náam thùuk mue) means 'the water touched/hit the hand.' In more advanced Thai, 'ถูก' combines with other words to form compound verbs like 'ถูกชะตา' (thùuk cha-taa) - to feel an instant liking or connection to someone. Mastering 'ถูก' allows you to navigate both the marketplace and the classroom with confidence, ensuring you get the right price and the right meaning every time.
You will hear 'ถูก' everywhere in Thailand, from the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market to high-level corporate meetings. Its ubiquity stems from its dual utility in describing value and accuracy. In the streets, it's the sound of a good deal. In the office, it's the sound of consensus.
- At the Market
- Vendors use it to attract customers: 'ของดีราคาถูก!' (Khǒong dii raa-khaa thùuk!) - Good quality, cheap price! You'll also hear shoppers whispering to each other, 'ร้านนี้ถูกกว่า' (Ráan níi thùuk kwàa) - This shop is cheaper.
ลดหน่อยได้ไหม? ร้านโน้นถูกกว่านะ (Lót nòi dâai mǎi? Ráan nóon thùuk kwàa ná) - Can you discount a bit? That shop over there is cheaper.
- In Conversations and Media
- On TV game shows, the host will shout 'ถูกต้องนะคร้าบบบ!' (Thùuk-tông ná khráp!) when a contestant gets an answer right. In daily chat, people use it to agree: 'ถูก!' or 'ก็ถูก' (Kô thùuk) - 'True' or 'That's true.'
ที่เขาพูดมาก็ถูกของเขา (Thîi khǎo phûut maa kô thùuk khǒong khǎo) - What he said is actually right (from his perspective).
In news reports, 'ถูก' is the standard way to report accidents or crimes in the passive voice. 'คนร้ายถูกจับ' (Khon-ráai thùuk jàp) - The criminal was caught. This specific usage is almost exclusively for unpleasant events. If someone won the lottery, you wouldn't typically use 'ถูก' as a passive marker (instead, you'd use 'ถูกหวย' which means 'to hit the lottery,' where 'ถูก' acts as a verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to match'). Understanding these subtle environmental cues will help you interpret the word correctly every time you hear it.
Even though 'ถูก' is an A1 word, its multi-functional nature leads to several common pitfalls for English speakers. Avoiding these will make your Thai sound much more natural and precise.
- The 'Positive' Passive Mistake
- In English, we use 'to be' for both good and bad things (e.g., 'I was promoted' and 'I was fired'). In Thai, 'ถูก' as a passive marker is almost always reserved for negative or unpleasant actions. Using 'ถูกชม' (was praised) sounds slightly awkward to some; 'ได้รับคำชม' (received praise) is better. Never say 'ถูกเชิญ' (was invited) in formal Thai; use 'ได้รับเชิญ' instead.
❌ เขาถูกให้ของขวัญ (He was given a gift - sounds like the gift was a punishment).
✅ เขาได้รับของขวัญ (He received a gift).
- Confusing 'Cheap' with 'Low Quality'
- In English, 'cheap' can mean 'low quality.' In Thai, 'ถูก' specifically refers to the price. If you want to say something is 'cheaply made' or 'low quality,' use 'คุณภาพต่ำ' (khun-na-phâap tàm) or 'ก๊องแก๊ง' (gong-gaeng - slang for flimsy).
ของถูกและดีมีอยู่จริง (Cheap and good things really do exist - emphasizing 'ถูก' is just about price).
Finally, remember that while 'ถูก' means 'correct,' it isn't used to say 'Yes' in response to a 'Yes/No' question unless you are specifically confirming a fact. If someone asks 'Are you going?', you don't say 'ถูก.' You say 'ไป' (going) or 'ใช่' (yes/it is so). Use 'ถูก' only when accuracy is the point of the conversation.
Thai has many shades of meaning for 'cheap' and 'correct.' Choosing the right synonym can elevate your Thai from basic to sophisticated. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'ถูก.'
- Alternatives for 'Cheap'
- ย่อมเยา (yôm-yao): More formal and polite than 'ถูก.' Often used in advertisements to mean 'affordable' or 'reasonable.'
- ราคามิตรภาพ (raa-khaa mit-tra-phâap): Literally 'friendship price.' Used when a seller gives a special discount.
- ถูกเหมือนได้เปล่า (thùuk muean dâai plào): An idiom meaning 'so cheap it's like getting it for free.'
- Alternatives for 'Correct'
- ถูกต้อง (thùuk-tông): The full, formal version. Always safe to use in any context.
- ใช่ (châi): Means 'yes' or 'that's right.' Used to agree with a statement rather than just marking it as 'accurate.'
- แม่นยำ (mâen-yam): Means 'precise' or 'accurate' (like a sharpshooter or a precise calculation).
เป้าหมายนี้ต้องใช้ความแม่นยำสูง (This goal requires high precision - 'ถูก' would be too simple here).
When it comes to the passive voice, the alternative is 'โดน' (doon). 'โดน' is much more informal and common in spoken Thai than 'ถูก.' Like 'ถูก,' it is used for negative things. 'โดนด่า' (doon dàa) - to get scolded/cussed out. If you want to sound more natural with friends, use 'โดน.' If you want to sound more standard or are writing, use 'ถูก.' By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you'll be able to express nuance that 'ถูก' alone cannot convey.
How Formal Is It?
"ข้อมูลนี้ได้รับการยืนยันว่าถูกต้อง"
"อันนี้ราคาถูกดีนะ"
"ถูกมากพี่ เอาเลย!"
"หนูตอบถูกแล้ว เก่งมาก!"
"มันไม่ถูกจริตอ่ะ"
रोचक तथ्य
The reason 'ถูก' is used for the passive voice is because it originally meant 'to be hit' by something. Over time, it became a general marker for any action that 'hits' or 'happens to' a person, usually with a negative connotation.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing with a high tone (sounds like 'every').
- Not aspirating the 't' (sounds like 'd').
- Shortening the 'oo' vowel too much.
- Ending with a hard 'k' (it should be a stopped 'k').
- Confusing it with 'thuk' (high tone, short vowel).
कठिनाई स्तर
Very simple character structure, common at A1.
Easy to write, but requires remembering the silent 'k' ending.
Low tone is essential to distinguish from 'thuk' (every).
Easy to hear, but context is needed to know if it's 'cheap' or 'correct'.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Adjective placement
Noun + ถูก (e.g., รถถูก - cheap car)
Passive marker (Adversative)
ถูก + Verb (e.g., ถูกดุ - was scolded)
Reduplication for emphasis
ถูกๆ (Very cheap)
Negation
ไม่ + ถูก (Not cheap/correct)
Comparative
ถูก + กว่า (Cheaper)
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
ส้มกิโลละเท่าไหร่? ถูกมาก!
How much for a kilo of oranges? Very cheap!
ถูก acts as an adjective here.
อันนี้ถูกไหม?
Is this one correct?
Asking for confirmation of accuracy.
ฉันอยากได้ของถูก
I want cheap things.
ของถูก is a noun phrase.
ราคาไม่ถูกเลย
The price is not cheap at all.
Negation using ไม่.
เขียนแบบนี้ถูกไหม?
Is writing like this correct?
ถูก modifies the action of writing.
นั่นถูกแล้ว
That is already correct.
แล้ว indicates a completed state of correctness.
ที่นี่มีอาหารถูกๆ
There is very cheap food here.
Reduplication (ถูกๆ) for emphasis.
คุณชื่อส้ม ถูกไหม?
Your name is Som, right?
Used as a tag question.
เขาถูกแม่ดุเพราะกลับบ้านสาย
He was scolded by his mother because he came home late.
Passive voice marker for a negative event.
รองเท้าคู่นี้ถูกใจฉันมาก
I really like this pair of shoes (They please my heart).
ถูกใจ is a compound verb meaning 'to like'.
คุณต้องตอบให้ถูกต้อง
You must answer correctly.
ถูกต้อง is the formal version of 'correct'.
รถคันนี้ราคาถูกกว่าคันนั้น
This car is cheaper than that one.
Comparative structure using กว่า.
เขาถูกลอตเตอรี่รางวัลที่หนึ่ง
He won the first prize in the lottery.
ถูก used as a verb meaning 'to hit/match'.
ทำแบบนี้ไม่ถูกนะ
Doing this isn't right, you know.
Moral or procedural correctness.
เราต้องเลือกสิ่งที่ถูกที่สุด
We have to choose the cheapest thing.
Superlative structure using ที่สุด.
เขาถูกเพื่อนแกล้ง
He was teased by his friend.
Passive voice for a negative social interaction.
อาหารจานนี้ถูกปากคนไทยมาก
This dish suits the Thai palate very well.
ถูกปาก (suits the mouth) means 'tasty for someone'.
เขาถูกรถชนเมื่อวานนี้
He was hit by a car yesterday.
Passive voice for an accident.
คุณเข้าใจถูกแล้วที่คิดแบบนั้น
You were right to think that way.
Confirming a line of reasoning.
สินค้ายี่ห้อนี้ถูกและดี
This brand's products are cheap and good.
Common collocation 'ถูกและดี'.
เขาถูกไล่ออกจากงาน
He was fired from his job.
Passive voice for a serious negative event.
แต่งกายให้ถูกกาลเทศะ
Dress appropriately for the time and place.
ถูกกาลเทศะ is a formal phrase for appropriateness.
มันไม่ถูกจริตฉันเท่าไหร่
It doesn't quite suit my taste/vibe.
ถูกจริต is a common idiom for personal taste.
เขาถูกทิ้งให้รอคนเดียว
He was left to wait alone.
Passive voice indicating neglect.
การกระทำนี้ไม่ถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย
This action is not legally correct.
Formal legal context.
เขาถูกเสนอชื่อให้เป็นหัวหน้า
He was nominated to be the leader.
Formal passive voice; note that 'ถูก' is sometimes used for neutral formal actions.
ราคาบ้านในช่วงนี้ถือว่าถูกลงมาก
House prices during this period are considered to have dropped significantly.
Economic analysis context.
เราต้องตรวจสอบข้อมูลให้ถูกต้องแม่นยำ
We must verify the information to be correct and precise.
Combining ถูกต้อง with แม่นยำ.
เขาถูกวิพากษ์วิจารณ์อย่างกว้างขวาง
He was widely criticized.
Passive voice for public discourse.
สีนี้ถูกโฉลกกับคุณนะ
This color is lucky for you (astrologically).
ถูกโฉลก refers to astrological compatibility.
เขาถูกบังคับให้เซ็นสัญญา
He was forced to sign the contract.
Passive voice for coercion.
ต้องจัดวางสิ่งของให้ถูกสุขลักษณะ
Items must be arranged hygienically.
ถูกสุขลักษณะ is a technical term for hygiene.
ความถูกต้องมักจะมาพร้อมกับความรับผิดชอบ
Correctness/Righteousness usually comes with responsibility.
Using 'ความถูกต้อง' as an abstract noun.
เขาถูกตราหน้าว่าเป็นคนทรยศ
He was branded as a traitor.
Metaphorical passive voice.
งบประมาณปีนี้ถูกตัดทอนลงอย่างมาก
This year's budget has been significantly slashed.
Passive voice in institutional context.
เขาเป็นคนถูกชะตากับเด็กๆ
He naturally gets along with/is liked by children.
ถูกชะตา refers to a natural affinity.
คำให้การของเขาถูกบิดเบือน
His testimony was distorted.
Formal passive voice in legal/investigative context.
พิจารณาให้ถูกถ้วนถี่ถ้วน
Consider it thoroughly and correctly.
Advanced phrasing for thoroughness.
เขาถูกคัดเลือกให้เป็นตัวแทนประเทศ
He was selected to be the national representative.
Neutral/Positive passive in formal context.
การตัดสินใจครั้งนี้ถูกทักท้วงโดยหลายฝ่าย
This decision was challenged by many parties.
Passive voice for institutional disagreement.
ความจริงแท้ไม่อาจถูกจำกัดด้วยกาลเวลา
Ultimate truth cannot be limited by time.
Philosophical passive construction.
เขาถูกหล่อหลอมด้วยสภาพแวดล้อมที่โหดร้าย
He was molded by a harsh environment.
Metaphorical/Literary passive voice.
นโยบายนี้ถูกออกแบบมาเพื่อแก้ปัญหาเชิงโครงสร้าง
This policy was designed to solve structural problems.
Passive voice in high-level policy discussion.
เขาถูกครอบงำด้วยความโลภ
He was dominated/possessed by greed.
Abstract passive for psychological states.
บทกวีนี้ถูกรังสรรค์ขึ้นอย่างประณีต
This poem was exquisitely created.
High literary register for 'created'.
เขาถูกเนรเทศออกนอกประเทศ
He was exiled from the country.
Serious legal/political passive.
ความรักไม่เคยถูกตีกรอบด้วยเหตุผล
Love is never framed/confined by reason.
Poetic use of passive voice.
เขาถูกยกย่องให้เป็นปราชญ์แห่งยุค
He was hailed as the sage of the era.
Positive passive in a very high register.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
ถูกที่สุด
ถูกแล้ว
ถูกไหม?
ถูกๆ
ไม่ถูก
ถูกระเบียบ
ถูกใจไหม?
ถูกหวย
ถูกด่า
ถูกจุด
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
High tone, means 'every.' Easy to confuse for beginners.
Means 'yes/is.' Use 'ใช่' for identity, 'ถูก' for accuracy.
Both are passive markers, but 'โดน' is much more casual.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"ถูกชะตา"
To feel an instant connection or liking for someone.
ฉันถูกชะตากับเพื่อนใหม่คนนี้มาก
Informal"ถูกปาก"
To be delicious or suit one's taste.
อาหารร้านนี้ถูกปากฉันที่สุด
Neutral"ถูกใจ"
To like something very much.
เสื้อตัวนี้ถูกใจฉันจริงๆ
Neutral"ถูกคอ"
To get along well in conversation; to hit it off.
เขาสองคนคุยกันถูกคอมาก
Informal"ถูกโฉลก"
To be lucky or compatible based on fate/astrology.
สีแดงถูกโฉลกกับคนเกิดวันอาทิตย์
Cultural"ถูกเนื้อต้องตัว"
To touch someone's body (often implies inappropriate touch).
อย่ามาถูกเนื้อต้องตัวฉัน
Sensitive"ถูกเส้น"
To get along well with someone (similar to ถูกคอ).
ฉันไม่ค่อยถูกเส้นกับเขาเท่าไหร่
Slang"ถูกหลอก"
To be deceived or tricked.
เขาถูกหลอกให้ซื้อของปลอม
Neutral"ถูกจังหวะ"
Perfect timing.
คุณมาได้ถูกจังหวะพอดี
Neutral"ถูกที่ถูกเวลา"
At the right place at the right time.
ทุกอย่างเกิดขึ้นถูกที่ถูกเวลา
Neutralआसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Similar sound, different tone.
ทุก is high tone and means 'every'
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
[Noun] + ถูก
ส้มถูก (Oranges are cheap)
[Statement] + ถูกไหม?
ไปทางนี้ถูกไหม? (Go this way, right?)
[Noun] + ถูกใจ + [Person]
เสื้อตัวนี้ถูกใจผม (I like this shirt)
[Subject] + ถูก + [Verb]
เขาถูกตี (He was hit)
[Food] + ถูกปาก + [Person]
ส้มตำถูกปากฉัน (I find Som Tum tasty)
[Subject] + ถูก + [Actor] + [Verb]
เขาถูกแม่ดุ (He was scolded by mother)
[Action] + ถูกต้องตาม + [Rule]
ทำถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย (Do it legally)
[Subject] + ถูก + [Abstract Verb]
เขาถูกวิพากษ์วิจารณ์ (He was criticized)
शब्द परिवार
संज्ञा
क्रिया
विशेषण
संबंधित
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Extremely High (Top 100 words)
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of 'THUUK' as 'TOOK.' If a price is 'TOOK' (low), it is 'THUUK' (cheap). If an answer is 'TOOK' (taken correctly), it is 'THUUK' (correct).
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a green checkmark (correct) and a price tag with a very small number (cheap) joined together.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Go to a market and find 5 items. Say 'ราคาถูก' (raa-khaa-thùuk) for each. Then, check your Thai homework and say 'ถูกต้อง' (thùuk-tông) for every right answer.
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Of Tai-Kadai origin. The word has evolved from a basic physical meaning ('to touch' or 'to hit') to its modern abstract and grammatical functions.
मूल अर्थ: To touch, to come into contact with, or to hit a target.
Tai-Kadaiसांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Be careful using 'ถูกเนื้อต้องตัว' (touching someone) as it can imply harassment or inappropriate physical contact.
English speakers often use 'cheap' for quality; Thais only use 'ถูก' for price. English speakers use 'to be' for all passive voice; Thais use 'ถูก' only for bad news.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Shopping at a market
- อันนี้ถูกไหม?
- ลดหน่อยได้ไหม?
- ราคาถูกมาก
- ของถูกและดี
In a classroom
- คำตอบถูก
- เขียนถูกไหม?
- ถูกต้องครับ
- ไม่ถูกนะ
Talking about accidents
- ถูกรถชน
- ถูกหมากัด
- ถูกขโมยกระเป๋า
- ถูกทำร้าย
Expressing feelings
- ถูกใจมาก
- ถูกคอกัน
- ถูกปากที่สุด
- ไม่ถูกกัน
Winning/Luck
- ถูกหวย
- ถูกรางวัล
- ถูกโฉลก
- ถูกจุด
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"คุณว่าร้านนี้ราคาถูกไหม? (Do you think this shop is cheap?)"
"ผมพูดภาษาไทยถูกไหมครับ? (Am I speaking Thai correctly?)"
"คุณชอบของถูกหรือของแพง? (Do you like cheap things or expensive things?)"
"อาหารจานนี้ถูกปากคุณไหม? (Does this dish suit your taste?)"
"คุณเคยถูกหวยไหม? (Have you ever won the lottery?)"
डायरी विषय
เขียนเกี่ยวกับของที่ถูกที่สุดที่คุณเคยซื้อมา (Write about the cheapest thing you ever bought.)
วันนี้คุณทำอะไรถูกต้องบ้าง? (What did you do correctly today?)
คุณรู้สึกอย่างไรเมื่อถูกคนอื่นดุ? (How do you feel when you are scolded by others?)
อาหารอะไรที่ถูกปากคุณที่สุดในประเทศไทย? (What food suits your palate best in Thailand?)
การแต่งกายให้ถูกกาลเทศะสำคัญอย่างไร? (How is dressing appropriately important?)
Summary
The word 'ถูก' is your go-to for value and truth. Remember: use it after the noun for 'cheap' (ของถูก), and use it as a passive marker before the verb only for negative events (ถูกดุ - was scolded).
- ถูก (thùuk) is an A1 Thai word with two main meanings: 'cheap' (price) and 'correct' (accuracy).
- It also functions as a passive voice marker, usually for negative experiences like being scolded or hit.
- In Thai word order, it follows the noun when used as an adjective (e.g., 'ของถูก' - cheap things).
- It is a high-frequency word essential for shopping, education, and daily conversations across all levels.