Modality: Can, Should, Must
Chapter in 30 Seconds
Master the art of expressing what you can do, must do, and want to do in Thai.
- Identify the correct placement of modal verbs.
- Formulate polite requests for permission.
- Express personal desires and social requirements clearly.
What You'll Learn
Expressing ability, obligation, and permission using modal verbs. Navigating social expectations.
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Ability 'Dai' (Can/Able)The word
daiis your universal 'can' in Thai, needing no conjugation or changes based on the subject. -
Thai Obligation: How to use 'tong' (ต้อง)Use 'tong' (ต้อง) before a verb to express an obligation or necessity in Thai.
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Asking for Permission in Thai (dai)Adding
dai maito the end of your verb turns any action into a polite permission request. -
Expressing Wants in Thai (`yak`)The word
yakis your go-to Thai term for expressing casual wants and desires in daily life.
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: express basic ability, obligation, permission, and desire in daily conversations.
Key Examples (8)
Mai tong gin phed kor dai.
You don't have to eat spicy food.
Thai Obligation: How to use 'tong' (ต้อง)Tips & Tricks (4)
Context is King
Placement
Don't overthink
Drop the Subject
Key Vocabulary (6)
Real-World Preview
At the Local Market
Review Summary
- Subject + Verb + ได้
- Subject + ต้อง + Verb
- Verb + ได้ + ไหม
- Subject + อยาก + Verb
Common Mistakes
Ability 'dai' must follow the verb, not precede it.
'Tong' acts as a modal auxiliary and must come before the main verb.
You don't need 'dai' when using 'yak'; 'yak' already carries the desire to perform the action.
Rules in This Chapter (4)
Next Steps
You're doing fantastic! Keep building those sentences.
Practice saying sentences aloud to native speakers.
Quick Practice (10)
ผม ___ ไปโรงเรียน (I have to go to school).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Obligation: How to use 'tong' (ต้อง)
Choose the correct sentence:
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thai Obligation: How to use 'tong' (ต้อง)
Find and fix the mistake:
Chan yak telefon.
yak dai (want to get).frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Wants in Thai (`yak`)
Chan ___ pai thiao.
yak is used to express the desire to do an action.frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Wants in Thai (`yak`)
Choose the correct permission request:
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking for Permission in Thai (dai)
___ (take a photo) dai mai?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking for Permission in Thai (dai)
Find and fix the mistake:
Nang dai.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking for Permission in Thai (dai)
Choose the most natural sentence:
yak must come before the verb 'to eat' (gin).frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Wants in Thai (`yak`)
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ability 'Dai' (Can/Able)
Chan ___ pai suea.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ability 'Dai' (Can/Able)
Score: /10
Common Questions (6)
mai before dai. Example: mai dai (cannot).
