กู
I; me [vulgar, overly familiar]
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 I; me [vulgar, overly familiar]、my; mine [vulgar, overly familiar]
A first-person pronoun meaning “I” or “me.” In modern Thai it is strongly vulgar and overly familiar, used either among very close friends or in angry, confrontational speech.
I; me [vulgar, overly familiar]、my; mine [vulgar, overly familiar]
A rough, vulgar first-person pronoun used within some very close friendships or in angry and confrontational speech.
-
กูหิวแล้ว kuu hǐw lɛ́ɛw I'm hungry now. กูหิวแล้ว details
-
นี่ของกู nîi khɔ̌ɔŋ kuu This is mine. นี่ของกู details
Show more (1)
-
มึงฟังกูนะ mʉŋ faŋ kuu ná You, listen to me. มึงฟังกูนะ details
Learning notes
Explanation
กู can function as the subject “I,” the object “me,” or a possessor, as in ของกู, “mine.” In modern Thai, its use is strongly restricted. Some close-knit groups use กู for “I” and มึง for “you” as markers of intimacy. The same pairing can express open hostility or contempt during an argument. Older texts may use กู without its full modern vulgar force, but that historical usage does not make it neutral in present-day conversation.
Usage
It is mainly heard among extremely close friends who mutually accept this style, in angry arguments, and in emotionally charged self-talk or social media posts. In movies, fiction, and song lyrics, it often signals a rough, rebellious, blunt, or highly intimate voice.
Caution
This is risky for learners to use actively. Hearing someone use กู does not automatically give you permission to use it back. Avoid it with strangers, elders, teachers, supervisors, customers or staff, and in professional or public settings. Safer choices include ผม for men, ดิฉัน or ฉัน for women, and sometimes เรา in friendly informal speech.
Differences from similar words
1 I; me [vulgar, overly familiar] synonyms
-
ฉัน is a much milder word for “I,” used especially by women in informal or neutral contexts. กู is restricted to highly familiar or hostile situations.
-
ผม is a polite, broadly usable first-person pronoun for male speakers. กู is not gender-specific, but sounds much rougher and can be offensive.
-
เรา can mean “I” in friendly informal speech without normally sounding vulgar. กู is far rougher and may be insulting if the relationship does not permit it.