Work and studyGoal in Thai
“Goal” in Thai is เป้าหมายbpâo-mǎai; you'll also hear จุดหมายjùt-mǎai (goal in life).
goal, target noun
- bpâo falling
- mǎai rising
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
goal; destination noun goal in life
- jùt low
- mǎai rising
- Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
You'll hear จุดหมายjùt-mǎai in I Like Us (ชอบตัวเองตอนอยู่กับเธอ).
How to use it
เป้าหมายbpâo-mǎai, "the aimed-at target", is a goal at work, in life or on a diet, and setting one is ตั้งเป้าหมายdtâng bpâo-mǎai. Sales staff shorten it: ทำเป้าtam bpâo is hitting your target. จุดหมายjùt-mǎai is a goal in life and a destination, the word of songs. In football, a goal is a ประตูbprà-dtuu, a door.
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:
- pao mai
- pow mai
- phao mai
More work and study in Thai
All work and study
Learn Thai with the free course
A complete course from your first phrase to real conversations, with audio for every word and AI speaking practice. Free, no sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones