𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 "𝗮𝗼", "𝘆𝗮̀𝗮𝗸", "𝗺𝗲𝗲" 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in my class. When it comes to these three words, I've noticed that a lot of non-Thais make a lot of mistakes. Let me make it crystal clear to you today.

Ao เอา

means to get/take something in your possession.

---> Use this when you choose or order something.

For example:

• Ao Padthai 1 jaan (kà/kráp) เอาผัดไท 1 จาน ( ค่ะ/ครับ) = I'll get a dish of Padthai (please).

• Ao an née (kà/kráp) เอาอันนี้ ( ค่ะ/ครับ) = I want this one.

Yàak อยาก

means "want to". 𝘆𝗮̀𝗮𝗸 can only be followed by a verb.

---> Use this when you want to do something.

For example:

• Yàak bpai Phuket อยากไปภูเก็ต = I want to go to Phuket.

• Yàak gin pizza อยากกินพิซซ่า = I want to eat pizza.

Mee มี

means "to have" and it can also mean " there is or there are"

---> Use this when you have something in possession, or when you want to say " there is/are something/someone..."

For example:

• Pŏm mee bprà-chum ผมมีประชุม = I have a meeting.

• Mee bâan yòo dtrong nán มีบ้านอยู่ตรงนั้น = There is a house over there.

🚩Note: Don't say " Yàak mee Padthai" as " I'd like to have Padthai". We don't use this when you want to order or buy something.