Small wordsBy (by means of) in Thai
“By (by means of)” in Thai is โดยdooi; you'll also hear นั่งnâng (by bus, train, boat).
by (means of); by (someone) preposition formal, written
- dooi mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
to ride, to take (a vehicle); to sit verb by bus, train, boat
- nâng falling
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
With a vehicle it means to take or ride it: นั่งแท็กซี่nâng táek-sîi (take a taxi).
นั่งnâng is taught in Unit 7 · Lesson 2: On the BTS of the free course.
Practise it freeHow to use it
To say how you travel, everyday Thai uses a verb instead of "by": นั่งnâng, to sit, for buses, trains and boats, as in นั่งรถไฟไปnâng rót-fai bpai, go by train, and ขับรถไปkàp rót bpai, drive there. โดยdooi is the "by" of signs, news and writing: โดยเครื่องบินdooi krûeang-bin, by plane, or a book "by" its author.
Other spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- dohy
More small words in Thai
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Learn this word in Unit 7, free
Unit 7 · By Grab and BTS · On the BTS. Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones