Demonstrative Pronouns
Chapter in 30 Seconds
Master the art of pointing things out in Thai with three simple demonstrative pronouns.
- Identify objects near you using 'nee'.
- Point to things at a distance using 'nan' and 'noon'.
- Combine pronouns with nouns to create clear sentences.
What You'll Learn
Using 'nee', 'nan', 'noon' for proximity.
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Using 'Nee' (นี่) for 'This'Use 'nee' to point out things right in front of you, just like saying 'this' in English.
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Using 'That' (nan) in ThaiUse
nanto point to objects or ideas that are not in your immediate grasp but are still clear in the conversation. -
Thai Demonstratives: That over there (noon)Use
noonto identify objects that are further away from both you and the listener. -
Thai Demonstratives: This, That, and That Over There (nii, nan, noon)Thai demonstratives follow the noun and change based on how far away the object is.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
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1
By the end you will be able to: correctly identify objects based on their proximity to the speaker.
Key Examples (8)
kapao nii suay
This bag is pretty.
Thai Demonstratives: This, That, and That Over There (nii, nan, noon)Tips & Tricks (4)
Context is King
nee to be 100% clear.Context is King
nan is your safest bet!Use your eyes
The Finger Point
Key Vocabulary (5)
Real-World Preview
At the Market
Review Summary
- นี่ (Nee) + คือ (kue) + Noun
- นั่น (Nan) + คือ (kue) + Noun
- โน่น (Noon) + คือ (kue) + Noun
Common Mistakes
You used 'noon' for something close. Always use 'nee' for items in your hand.
If the object is far away, 'nee' is incorrect. Switch to 'noon'.
In formal or clear speech, you need the verb 'kue' to connect the subject to the noun.
Rules in This Chapter (4)
Next Steps
You have mastered demonstratives! Keep practicing by labeling your surroundings in Thai.
Point at items in your house and say their names using 'nee', 'nan', or 'noon'.
Quick Practice (9)
Find and fix the mistake:
ฉันเอา ni (pointing to a far sign).
nan or nun, but nan is standard for 'that'.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'That' (nan) in Thai
Select the correct way to introduce a friend.
nee.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'Nee' (นี่) for 'This'
I want ___ (that one over there).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Demonstratives: That over there (noon)
I want ___ (that) apple.
nan.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'That' (nan) in Thai
Find and fix the mistake:
nii khao suay (This rice is pretty)
nii must follow the noun khao.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Demonstratives: This, That, and That Over There (nii, nan, noon)
Choose the sentence that refers to something at a medium distance.
nan is the correct term for medium distance.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'That' (nan) in Thai
I want to buy ___ (this) pen.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Demonstratives: This, That, and That Over There (nii, nan, noon)
____ khue a-rai? (What is this?)
Nee is the correct word for 'this' when referring to something close by.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using 'Nee' (นี่) for 'This'
Choose the correct way to say 'that car (over there)':
noon is used for things far away, and it must follow the noun.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Demonstratives: This, That, and That Over There (nii, nan, noon)
Score: /9
Common Questions (6)
wan-nee for today. nee is purely for physical location.nee works for one or many items.nan.nii is center stage with you, nan is in the audience, and noon is way at the back of the theater.
