แน่
certain
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 certain、settled、sure
- 2 definitely、for sure
- 3 capable、formidable、bold
แน่ expresses certainty—something is settled, reliable, or beyond much doubt. After a predicate, it often adds the speaker’s strong conviction that something will definitely happen.
certain、settled、sure
Describes a fact, plan, or judgment as certain, settled, or reliably established.
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เรื่องนี้ยังไม่แน่ rʉ̂aŋ níi yaŋ mây nɛ̂ɛ This matter is still uncertain. เรื่องนี้ยังไม่แน่ details
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ยังเอาแน่ไม่ได้ yaŋ aw nɛ̂ɛ mây dâay Nothing can be said for certain yet. ยังเอาแน่ไม่ได้ details
definitely、for sure
Placed after a predicate to show strong confidence that the stated event or result will definitely occur.
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เขามาแน่ khǎw maa nɛ̂ɛ He’ll definitely come. เขามาแน่ details
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พรุ่งนี้ฝนตกแน่ๆ phrûŋníi fǒn tòk nɛ̂ɛ nɛ̂ɛ It’s definitely going to rain tomorrow. พรุ่งนี้ฝนตกแน่ๆ details
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ถ้าไม่รีบ สายแน่ thâa mây rîip sǎay nɛ̂ɛ If we don’t hurry, we’ll definitely be late. ถ้าไม่รีบ สายแน่ details
capable、formidable、bold
Informally describes someone as highly capable, formidable, or bold. In a challenge, it can sound provocative rather than complimentary.
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คนนี้แน่มาก khon níi nɛ̂ɛ mâak This person is really capable. คนนี้แน่มาก details
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เขาแน่จริงๆ khǎw nɛ̂ɛ ciŋ ciŋ He’s really impressive. เขาแน่จริงๆ details
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แน่จริงก็ลองดูสิ nɛ̂ɛ ciŋ kɔ̂ɔ lɔɔŋ duu sì If you’re really that good, go ahead and try. แน่จริงก็ลองดูสิ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image of แน่ is firmness or freedom from serious doubt. When it describes a matter, it means that something is certain or settled. When placed after a predicate, it means that the speaker is confident the event will definitely happen. The repeated form แน่ๆ strengthens this certainty and is very common in everyday speech. The negative form ไม่แน่ can mean “uncertain,” but it may also introduce a possibility, much like “maybe.” With นะ, as in ไม่แน่นะ, it gives a softer sense such as “maybe” or “not necessarily.” แน่ใจ is an important related word for being personally sure or confident. Its negative, ไม่แน่ใจ, means being unsure or not knowing with confidence.
Usage
It is common in everyday conversation when checking whether plans are settled, strongly predicting an outcome, or saying that something remains uncertain. Informally, it can also evaluate—or challenge—someone’s ability, confidence, or courage.
Caution
Do not confuse แน่ with แน่น. แน่ concerns certainty, while แน่น commonly means tight, dense, or crowded. To describe your own state of being sure about something, use แน่ใจว่า… rather than แน่ alone. Also, แน่จริงก็… often challenges someone to prove their ability or courage, so it is unsuitable for polite situations.
Differences from similar words
2 definitely synonyms
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คง expresses a likelihood similar to “probably” or “likely.” แน่ conveys much stronger confidence, closer to “definitely.”
3 capable synonyms
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เก่ง is the ordinary, generally neutral word for being skilled or talented. แน่ is more informal and may suggest confidence or nerve as well as ability; it can also sound challenging.