ไม่ยอม

Explanation

ไม่ยอม combines ไม่, “not,” with ยอม, “to accept, agree, or give in.” It therefore suggests an active refusal rather than a neutral negative statement. The pattern ไม่ยอม + verb means that someone resists or refuses to perform the action. For example, ไม่ไป simply means “not go,” while ไม่ยอมไป suggests refusing to go despite being asked or expected to. In the pattern ไม่ยอมให้ + person + verb, it means “not let someone do something.” The common expression ไม่ยอมแพ้ means “refuse to give up.” It is widely used in both conversation and writing.

Usage

It is commonly used when someone resists a request or instruction, when a child refuses to eat or sleep, when someone will not accept a fact or outcome, or when a person stands firm against unfair treatment. With ไม่ยอมให้, it is also used to say that someone will not permit an action.

Caution

This expression implies deliberate refusal or resistance. Do not use it merely to mean that someone is unable to do something; use ไม่ได้ or ทำไม่ได้ for inability. When said directly about another person, it can sound accusatory, as though they are being stubborn.

1 refuse synonyms

• ปฏิเสธ

  ปฏิเสธ focuses on explicitly rejecting an offer, request, claim, or proposal. ไม่ยอม focuses more on a person's unwillingness, resistance, or refusal to comply.

• ไม่ยินยอม

  ไม่ยินยอม means “not consent” and is more common in formal contexts involving permission, rules, or rights. ไม่ยอม is broader and frequently describes everyday refusal, unwillingness, or resistance.