Thai Verbs

Learning how to speak the Thai language fluently can seem like an impossible task for English speakers because it is a language that is quite different from their own. However, when you break the process into fundamental building blocks and rules, it becomes much more possible. One of the most important elements to cover is how to use Thai verbs properly. Once you learn how to correctly utilize the verbs, you will be much closer to mastering the entire language.

Verbs play a very important role in any language. They allow you to express actions or states of being. They are essential elements within any sentence structure. This is certainly true for Thai. Like in English, Thai sentence structures follow the pattern of subject, followed by verb, followed by an object.

Unlike with English, and most other languages, Thai verbs are not conjugated to indicate information such as person, number, or tense. For example, regardless of whether or not you were saying, “I am running”, or “She ran”, in Thai, the verb would remain the same. In the Thai language, information such as the number of people or the time the action is taking place is indicated through other words accompanying the verb.

While this structure may be quite different from the one that you are used to, some students of the language enjoy the fact that Thai verbs are not conjugated. This means that instead of having to learn all of the conjugated forms of the verb, you simply must devote your time to increasing your Thai vocabulary and learning the many different verbs. Along with learning the verbs, you must learn how to add indicative words to your sentences in order to properly signify to your reader or listener information such as tense, person, and number.

Reduplication

The Thai language uses a process known as reduplication. Thai verbs can be reduplicated by repeated the root or stem of the verb. When you reduplicate the verb, you intensify or stress the meaning of the verb. This is usually only used infrequently and typically in figurative or expressive speech.

When learning how to speak Thai, learning how to use Thai verbs is a significant milestone. Once you can use verbs, you can communicate with Thai speakers much more easily and effectively. The best way to learn the verbs, and master the language, is through regular and frequent studying, practice, and memorization.