ซึ่ง
which [referring to a previous statement]
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 which [referring to a previous statement]、and this、and that
- 2 [formal object marker]
ซึ่ง is a formal, written-style connector that refers back to a noun or a whole previous idea and adds more information about it. In everyday speech, ที่ is often more natural for modifying nouns.
which [referring to a previous statement]、and this、and that
Refers back to a whole preceding statement or situation and connects it to a follow-up comment, result, or explanation.
[formal object marker]
In formal writing, ซึ่ง can appear before a noun phrase to mark it as the object of a verb. Learners will most often meet it in set or semi-fixed formal expressions.
-
ได้มาซึ่งความรู้ dâay maa sʉ̂ŋ khwaam rúu to acquire knowledge ได้มาซึ่งความรู้ details
-
เคารพซึ่งกันและกัน khawróp sʉ̂ŋ kan lɛ́ kan to respect one another เคารพซึ่งกันและกัน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core function of ซึ่ง is to point back to something already mentioned and add more information. After a noun, it works like a formal relative pronoun. After a whole clause, it refers to the entire previous idea and adds a result or explanation. It is much more common in written Thai than in casual conversation. The expression ซึ่งกันและกัน is best learned as a fixed phrase meaning “each other” or “one another.”
Usage
You will see ซึ่ง most often in news, reports, business writing, legal texts, academic prose, and formal announcements. In ordinary conversation, speakers usually choose ที่ or restructure the sentence more simply.
Caution
Do not use ซึ่ง as a general standalone word for “it” or “that.” It needs an earlier noun or idea to refer back to and is used to continue the sentence with more information. Overusing it in casual speech can sound stiff.