How to Use “ๆ” in Thai (ไม้ยมก – mai yá-mók): The Thai Repetition Mark Explained

If you’re learning Thai, you may have noticed a small symbol after words: ๆ.

This punctuation mark is called ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók)

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What is "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) and how to read it?

• How to use "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) in daily life?

Understanding this symbol will help you read Thai faster and sound more natural when speaking Thai.

---

What is "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) and how to read it?

"ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) is a Thai punctuation mark used to repeat the word or phrase that comes before it.

Example:

• รวย ๆ = รวย รวย (ruay-ruay) mean rich

• ไฟไหม้ ๆ = ไฟไหม้ ไฟไหม้ (fai-mâi fai-mâi) mean Fire!

But instead of writing the word twice, Thai uses ๆ to indicate repetition.

This feature makes Thai writing more efficient and visually cleaner.

However, the meaning of the repetition can change depending on context.

Let’s explore the four most common uses of ไม้ยมก.

---

How to use "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) in daily life?

1. Showing Plurality

In many cases, "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) indicates more than one person or thing.

Example:

• เด็ก (dèk) = child / kid

• เด็ก ๆ (dèk dèk) = children / kids

• เด็ก ๆ ชอบเล่นเกม (dèk châawb lên gehm)

  = Children like to play games.

Unlike English, Thai nouns do not automatically change for plural. Instead, Thai speakers often use repetition to express plurality.

2. Emphasis or Intensification

Repeating a word can strengthen the meaning, similar to saying “very” in English.

Example:

• ร้อน (ráawn)= hot

• ร้อน ๆ (ráawn ráawn)= very hot / really hot

• กาแฟร้อน ๆ มาแล้ว (ghaa-faae ráawn ráawn maa láaeo) = Hot coffee is here

Thai speakers often repeat adjectives to emphasize intensity.

This usage helps express strong feelings or reactions.

3. Commands or Instructions

In Thai, repeating a word with "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) can make the sentence sound like a command, request, or encouragement for someone to take action.

Example:

• เร็ว (reo) = fast

• เร็ว ๆ (reo reo) = quickly / hurry up

• เดินเร็ว ๆ หน่อย (derrn reo reo nòi) = Hurry up a little.

4. Non-Specific or Approximate Meaning

Sometimes "ๆ" ไม้ยมก (mai yá-mók) softens the meaning, making something sound approximate rather than exact.

Example:

• ดำ (dam) = black

• ดำ ๆ (dam dam) = blackish / somewhat black

• พวกเขาใส่เสื้อสีดำ ๆ (pûak khǎo sài sêua sǐi dam dam) = They are wearing a dark/blackish shirt.

  

---

Want to Learn How to Read and Write Thai?

If you want to read Thai words, signs, and messages with confidence, learning the Thai writing system step by step can make it much easier.

At Thai by Chom, our Thai Reading & Writing Group Class helps foreigners learn:

• Thai consonants and vowels

• Tone rules explained in a simple way

• How to read real Thai words and sentences

• Common Thai symbols used in everyday writing (like ๆ – mai yamok)

👉 Start learning with our Thai Reading & Writing Group Class today.

Reading & Writing A1 [Zoom 2026] Beginner

FromTHB 4,150.00

Buy Now