do unwillingly
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 do unwillingly、be forced to do、do reluctantly
- 2 reluctantly、unwillingly、grudgingly
จำใจ means to do something unwillingly because the situation leaves no real choice. It carries a sense of reluctance, resignation, or being forced by circumstances.
do unwillingly、be forced to do、do reluctantly
Used when someone does something they do not want to do because circumstances force them to.
reluctantly、unwillingly、grudgingly
Used adverbially to describe doing an action reluctantly or unwillingly, especially in the pattern อย่างจำใจ.
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เขาพยักหน้าอย่างจำใจ khǎw pháyák nâa yàaŋ cam cay He nodded reluctantly. เขาพยักหน้าอย่างจำใจ details
Learning notes
Explanation
จำใจ combines the idea of being compelled with ใจ, “heart” or “mind.” A very common pattern is จำใจต้อง + verb, meaning someone does not want to do the action but has to. Compared with ต้อง alone, it adds clear emotional reluctance or resignation. It is usable in both everyday speech and writing.
Usage
It is commonly used when someone has to sell something for financial reasons, quit a job because of circumstances, go somewhere they do not want to go, apologize unwillingly, or accept an unwanted decision.
Caution
Use ต้อง by itself for a neutral “have to.” จำใจ adds that the person does not want to do it, so it should not be used for actions someone is happy or willing to do.
Differences from similar words
1 do unwillingly synonyms
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ฝืนใจ emphasizes forcing oneself against one’s feelings. จำใจ focuses more on being left with no real choice because of the situation.