ควร
should
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 should、ought to、had better、be supposed to
ควร is a modal verb used to say that something is the right, appropriate, or advisable thing to do. It sounds more like a judgment or recommendation than a direct command.
should、ought to、had better、be supposed to
Placed before a verb, it expresses that an action or situation is advisable, proper, or expected.
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คุณควรพักผ่อน khun khuan phák phɔ̀ɔn You should rest. คุณควรพักผ่อน details
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ไม่ควรพูดแบบนั้น mây khuan phûut bɛ̀ɛp nán You shouldn’t say it like that. ไม่ควรพูดแบบนั้น details
Learning notes
Explanation
ควร is normally used before a verb: ควร + verb. Its negative form is ไม่ควร + verb, meaning “should not.” ควรจะ is also very common and often sounds a little smoother or softer in conversation. The pattern ควรได้รับ... means “should receive” or “should be given,” and is common in formal, workplace, news, and social-issue contexts.
Usage
It is common in advice, health warnings, manners, rules, workplace suggestions, and statements about socially desirable behavior. It fits situations where the speaker is giving a reasoned judgment about what is appropriate.
Caution
Saying คุณควร... directly to someone senior can sound a bit too instructive depending on the context. To soften it, use ควรจะ, น่าจะ, or phrase it as a question.