นี่
this
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 this、this one
- 2 hey、look、listen
- 3 indeed this、exactly this、[emphasis after a noun or phrase]
นี่ points to something close to the speaker or something currently in focus. It is very common in conversation and can mean “this,” “here,” or be used to get someone’s attention like “hey” or “look.”
this、this one
Refers to a thing, situation, or topic close to the speaker: “this.”
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นี่คืออะไร? nîi khʉʉ aray What is this? นี่คืออะไร? details
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เอานี่ไหม? aw nîi mǎy Do you want this? เอานี่ไหม? details
Show more (2)
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นี่แพงไป nîi phɛɛŋ pay This is too expensive. นี่แพงไป details
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มานี่ maa nîi Come here. มานี่ details
hey、look、listen
Used in casual speech to get someone’s attention, like “hey,” “look,” or “listen.”
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นี่ ฟังหน่อย nîi faŋ nɔ̀ɔy Hey, listen for a second. นี่ ฟังหน่อย details
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นี่ อย่าทำแบบนั้น nîi yàa tham bɛ̀ɛp nán Hey, don’t do that. นี่ อย่าทำแบบนั้น details
Show more (1)
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นี่ไง! nîi ŋay Look, here it is! นี่ไง! details
indeed this、exactly this、[emphasis after a noun or phrase]
Adds emphasis to the thing or point just mentioned, highlighting it as the focus.
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แบบนี้นี่แหละ bɛ̀ɛp níi nîi lɛ̀ This is exactly the kind of thing. แบบนี้นี่แหละ details
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เรื่องนี้นี่สำคัญมาก rʉ̂aŋ níi nîi sǎmkhan mâak This matter is really important. เรื่องนี้นี่สำคัญมาก details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core idea of นี่ is “near me” or “the thing currently in focus.” It can refer to an object, a place, a situation, or the current topic. When used with a noun, Thai places the demonstrative after the noun, often with a classifier, as in คนนี้ “this person” and หนังสือเล่มนี้ “this book.” In that attributive use, นี้ is the more standard form. In conversation, นี่ is also very common for drawing attention, like “hey,” “look,” or “listen.”
Usage
It is used constantly in everyday speech when pointing at things, indicating a nearby place, choosing items, or referring to the current topic. It also appears at the start of casual remarks to get someone’s attention, or when showing someone something they were looking for.
Caution
For “this + noun,” learners should first rely on นี้, especially in patterns with classifiers such as หนังสือเล่มนี้. Also, when นี่ is said sharply, it can sound like “Hey!” or “Listen!” with a scolding tone, so use polite wording with people you should treat respectfully.
Differences from similar words
1 this synonyms
2 hey synonyms
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เฮ้ is a casual borrowed “hey” and mainly calls someone. นี่ also directs attention to what is being shown or said.
3 indeed this synonyms
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เนี่ย is a very common spoken variant of นี่ and sounds more casual. นี่ is the cleaner written form, though still conversational in this use.
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แหละ reinforces a conclusion or confirmation, like “that’s exactly it.” นี่ highlights the item or point itself as the focus.