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Thai

เฮ้

Pronunciation

เฮ้

hey

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  1. 1 hey、hi [very casual]、wait a second!

A casual interjection borrowed from English “hey,” used to get someone’s attention, greet them informally, or react with surprise or objection.

1

hey、hi [very casual]、wait a second!

Interjection⭐️4 Often used Loanword Casual

Used to call for someone’s attention, offer a very casual greeting, or express an immediate reaction such as surprise or objection.

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Learning notes

Explanation

This is a Thai transcription of the English interjection “hey.” It usually stands alone or appears at the beginning of an utterance. Its basic function is to draw attention, while context and tone can make it a casual greeting, a surprised reaction, a warning, or an objection.

Usage

Common among friends when getting someone’s attention, calling after someone, stopping an action, reacting suddenly, or opening a casual chat.

Caution

Because it is very casual, it may sound rude when addressed directly to a senior, customer, or stranger. Use ขอโทษนะครับ/คะ to get someone’s attention politely, and สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ for a standard greeting.

Differences from similar words

1 hey synonyms

  • เฮ้ย also expresses a call, surprise, or objection, but it is usually more forceful and can sound rough. เฮ้ is closer to English “hey” and can also serve as a light, casual greeting.

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