need
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 need、want、require、request、want to
This verb expresses a clear need, want, or request. It is a little more objective and formal than a casual “want,” and is common in service, business, and practical situations.
need、want、require、request、want to
Used when someone needs, wants, or requests something, or wants an action or result. It presents the need or desire as clear and practical rather than merely emotional.
-
ต้องการน้ำไหมครับ tɔ̂ŋ kaan náam mǎy khráp Do you need any water? ต้องการน้ำไหมครับ details
-
ฉันต้องการข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม chǎn tɔ̂ŋ kaan khɔ̂ɔmuun phə̂əmtəəm I need more information. ฉันต้องการข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม details
Show more (3)
-
บริษัทต้องการพนักงานใหม่ bɔɔrisàt tɔ̂ŋ kaan phánákŋaan mày The company needs new employees. บริษัทต้องการพนักงานใหม่ details
-
ผมต้องการจองห้องพัก phǒm tɔ̂ŋ kaan cɔɔŋ hɔ̂ŋphák I would like to book a room. ผมต้องการจองห้องพัก details
Learning notes
Explanation
ต้องการ is best learned as a single verb meaning that there is a need, want, or request. Common patterns are ต้องการ + noun for “need/want something,” ต้องการ + verb phrase for “want to do something,” and ต้องการให้ + person + verb for “want someone to do something.” It is useful because it sounds clearer and more service- or business-appropriate than a casual want.
Usage
It is common in shops, hotels, offices, government counters, customer service, job postings, and practical requests. Use it to state what you need or want politely, to ask what someone needs, or to describe what a company or system requires.
Caution
For casual “I want to...,” อยาก often sounds more natural. Also, ไม่ต้องการ means “do not want/need,” while “do not have to” is usually ไม่ต้อง + verb.
Differences from similar words
1 need synonyms
-
ประสงค์ is a formal word meaning to wish or intend, common in official notices and documents. ต้องการ is still polite but more broadly usable in speech and business contexts.
-
อยาก is the everyday word for simply wanting to do or have something. ต้องการ sounds more definite and practical, and fits service, business, forms, and explanations.