Meaning
Used to deny a statement or express surprise.
Cultural Background
Directly saying 'ไม่จริง' to a superior can be seen as 'Huk-Naa' (breaking face). It is often better to start with 'I think...' or 'Maybe...'. Thais use 'ไม่จริง' to deflect compliments. Accepting a compliment too directly can be seen as arrogant. In Thai soap operas, 'ไม่จริง!' is a dramatic staple, usually shouted by a protagonist discovering a betrayal. On Thai Twitter/X, 'ไม่จริง' is often used with many 'ง' (ng) characters to show exaggerated disbelief or playfulness.
The 'Ròrk' Rule
Always add 'หรอก' (ròrk) when disagreeing with someone to sound 10x more natural.
Tone Matters
A rising tone on 'Jing' (จริ๊ง?) turns it into a sarcastic 'Really?'. Stick to mid tone for a standard denial.
Meaning
Used to deny a statement or express surprise.
The 'Ròrk' Rule
Always add 'หรอก' (ròrk) when disagreeing with someone to sound 10x more natural.
Tone Matters
A rising tone on 'Jing' (จริ๊ง?) turns it into a sarcastic 'Really?'. Stick to mid tone for a standard denial.
Compliment Deflection
Don't just say 'Thank you' (Khop khun) to a compliment; use 'mâi jing ròrk' first to show humility.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'mâi bpen kwaam jing' in emails or reports; keep 'mâi jing' for talking.
Test Yourself
Which phrase should you use to deny a rumor that you are moving to another country?
เพื่อนบอกว่าคุณจะย้ายไปต่างประเทศ คุณจะตอบว่าอะไร?
Since you are denying the truth of a statement/rumor, 'ไม่จริง' is the correct choice.
Fill in the blank to make the denial sound more natural and conversational.
เรื่องนั้นไม่จริง____ (Rêuang nán mâi jing ____)
'หรอก' (ròrk) is the standard particle used to soften a negation or contradict a previous statement.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone says 'You are the smartest person I know!'
In Thai culture, 'ไม่จริงหรอก' is the standard humble response to a compliment.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: ได้ข่าวว่าลิซ่าจะมาไทยพรุ่งนี้! B: ________! ฉันเพิ่งเห็นเขาอยู่ที่ปารีสเองนะ
B is expressing disbelief and factual denial based on evidence, so 'ไม่จริง' is perfect.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
ไม่จริง vs ไม่ใช่
Practice Bank
4 exercisesเพื่อนบอกว่าคุณจะย้ายไปต่างประเทศ คุณจะตอบว่าอะไร?
Since you are denying the truth of a statement/rumor, 'ไม่จริง' is the correct choice.
เรื่องนั้นไม่จริง____ (Rêuang nán mâi jing ____)
'หรอก' (ròrk) is the standard particle used to soften a negation or contradict a previous statement.
Situation: Someone says 'You are the smartest person I know!'
In Thai culture, 'ไม่จริงหรอก' is the standard humble response to a compliment.
A: ได้ข่าวว่าลิซ่าจะมาไทยพรุ่งนี้! B: ________! ฉันเพิ่งเห็นเขาอยู่ที่ปารีสเองนะ
B is expressing disbelief and factual denial based on evidence, so 'ไม่จริง' is perfect.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be if said too loudly or without polite particles. Always add 'kráp' or 'kâ' when talking to people you don't know well.
'ไม่จริง' means 'not true' (describing the fact). 'โกหก' means 'to lie' (describing the person's action).
Only if the question is asking if something is true. If they ask 'Do you like this?', use 'ไม่ชอบ' (mâi chôp).
Add 'เลยสักนิด' (loei sàk nít) at the end: 'ไม่จริงเลยสักนิด'.
It's a historical spelling from Sanskrit/Khmer. In modern Thai, 'จร' (jor-ror) is pronounced as a simple 'j' sound.
Yes, but it's better to use 'ไม่เป็นความจริง' to sound more professional.
It means 'Probably not true' or 'I doubt it'.
You can say 'มั่วแล้ว' (mûa láew) for a more playful 'You're full of it!'.
Yes, though Northern or Isan dialects might have their own negation words, 'mâi jing' is understood everywhere.
Yes. If someone says 'You ate my cake!', you can say 'ไม่จริง!' (Not true!).
Related Phrases
ไม่ใช่
similarNot (it)
โกหก
specialized formTo lie
มั่ว
informalMessy/Incorrect
จริงเหรอ
builds onReally?
ความจริง
builds onThe truth
