Signification
Used to invite someone to do something.
Contexte culturel
Thais take great pride in being 'Jai Dee' (good-hearted). Using 'Choen' frequently makes you appear as someone who has a 'Service Mind,' a highly valued trait in Thai society. When saying 'Choen,' it is customary to gesture with an open palm (never point with one finger) and slightly lower your upper body if speaking to an elder. While you don't usually 'Wai' while saying 'Choen' (because your hands are busy gesturing), a small nod of the head often accompanies the phrase to show respect. In Thai meetings, silence is common. A leader will use 'Choen' to explicitly invite subordinates to speak, creating a safe space for them to overcome their 'Kreng-jai'.
The Hand Gesture
Always use an open palm gesture when saying 'Choen.' Pointing with a finger is considered rude in Thailand.
Don't 'Choen' Yourself
You never use 'Choen' to describe your own actions (e.g., 'I invite myself to sit'). It is strictly for others.
Signification
Used to invite someone to do something.
The Hand Gesture
Always use an open palm gesture when saying 'Choen.' Pointing with a finger is considered rude in Thailand.
Don't 'Choen' Yourself
You never use 'Choen' to describe your own actions (e.g., 'I invite myself to sit'). It is strictly for others.
The Smile
A 'Choen' without a smile can sound like a command. Always pair it with a friendly expression.
Gender Particles
Remember: Men say 'Khrap', Women say 'Kha'. This is the most important rule for A1 learners.
Teste-toi
Match the Thai phrase to the correct situation.
1. เชิญนั่งครับ | 2. เชิญทานครับ | 3. เชิญทางนี้ครับ
'Nang' means sit, 'Thaan' means eat, and 'Thang nee' means this way.
Fill in the blank with 'Choen' or 'Kho'.
____ กาแฟหนึ่งแก้วครับ (____ one cup of coffee, please.)
You use 'Kho' when requesting an item for yourself.
Complete the dialogue at the elevator.
You: (Holding the door) _________ Stranger: ขอบคุณค่ะ
'Choen khrap' is the polite way to say 'After you'.
Which phrase is the MOST formal?
Inviting a CEO to speak at a gala.
'Rian choen' is the high-formal register for VIPs.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices1. เชิญนั่งครับ | 2. เชิญทานครับ | 3. เชิญทางนี้ครับ
'Nang' means sit, 'Thaan' means eat, and 'Thang nee' means this way.
____ กาแฟหนึ่งแก้วครับ (____ one cup of coffee, please.)
You use 'Kho' when requesting an item for yourself.
You: (Holding the door) _________ Stranger: ขอบคุณค่ะ
'Choen khrap' is the polite way to say 'After you'.
Inviting a CEO to speak at a gala.
'Rian choen' is the high-formal register for VIPs.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it might sound a bit formal. For close friends, 'Choen loey' is better, or just 'Aow loey' (Go for it).
'Choen' is an invitation to do something for pleasure or movement. 'Karuna' is a formal request or a plea for a specific behavior (like 'Please don't smoke').
Simply smile and say 'Khop khun khrap' (Thank you).
Yes, very often. You might see 'จึงเรียนมาเพื่อโปรดพิจารณาเชิญ...' in very formal letters.
It's better to use 'Nimon' (นิมนต์) which is the specific word for inviting a monk.
Not exactly. 'Yin dee ton rap' means 'Welcome to a place.' 'Choen' is the invitation to enter or act.
It's part of the 'Service Mind' culture to make customers feel prioritized and cared for at every step.
No. Use 'Kep tang duay khrap' or 'Check bin khrap'.
That's perfectly fine! If the context is clear (like standing at a door), 'Choen khrap' alone is 100% correct.
Yes, it is very polite. Just make sure to use a polite particle (khrap/kha) and a slight head bow.
Expressions liées
ตามสบาย
similarAt your leisure / as you wish
ยินดีครับ
similarMy pleasure / You're welcome
กรุณา
similarPlease (formal request)
ขอ
contrastMay I have...
เอาเลย
informal alternativeGo for it / Do it
เชิญเลย
builds onGo right ahead
