หาก
if
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 if、in case、provided that
- 2 separate、apart
หาก introduces a condition, meaning “if” or “in the event that.” It sounds a little more formal and written than everyday ถ้า.
if、in case、provided that
Used to introduce a condition and state what follows if that condition is true. It is common in notices, rules, business writing, and polite explanations.
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หากฝนตก เราจะเลื่อนนัด hàak fǒn tòk raw cà lʉ̂an nát If it rains, we will postpone the appointment. หากฝนตก เราจะเลื่อนนัด details
separate、apart
As an adjective it means “separate” or “apart,” but learners will most often meet it inside expressions such as ต่างหาก.
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ไม่ใช่วันนี้ พรุ่งนี้ต่างหาก mây chây wan níi phrûŋníi tàaŋ hàak Not today. Tomorrow, actually. ไม่ใช่วันนี้ พรุ่งนี้ต่างหาก details
Learning notes
Explanation
The main use of หาก is the conjunction “if.” It is very close to ถ้า, but หาก sounds a bit more formal and written, so it is common in notices, terms and conditions, news, business writing, and polite instructions. Common patterns include หาก + condition, หาก...ก็..., and หากไม่.... There is also an older/basic sense meaning “separate” or “apart.” For modern learners, this is most useful in expressions such as ต่างหาก, which is used to correct or emphasize something as the real point.
Usage
Use หาก when setting out a condition in notices, instructions, contracts, emails, news, or polite explanations. In casual everyday conversation, ถ้า usually sounds more natural.
Caution
หากแต่ means “but” or “rather” in a literary/formal contrast, and ต่างหาก is used for correction or emphasis such as “actually” or “rather.” Do not translate these expressions as plain “if.”