PeopleMr in Thai
Before a name, Thais say คุณkun for Mr, Mrs, Ms and Miss alike; forms use นายnaai for Mr, นางnaang for Mrs and นางสาวnaang-sǎao for Miss.
Mr, Mrs, Ms (before a name); you pronoun
- kun mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
The polite 'you' for adults, and a polite title before a name: คุณน้ำkun náam.
Mr (on forms and ID cards) noun
- naai mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
Mrs (on forms and ID cards) noun
- naang mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
Miss (on forms and ID cards) noun
- naang mid
- sǎao rising
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
Taught in Unit 2 · Lesson 1: What's your name? of the free course.
Practise it freeHow to use it
Before a first name or a nickname, Thais say คุณkun for everyone, man or woman, married or not: Khun Krit, Khun Nam. People are addressed by their first name, never their surname, so a Mr Somchai Jaidee is Khun Somchai.
Forms, ID cards and official letters use นายnaai (Mr), นางnaang (Mrs) and นางสาวnaang-sǎao (Miss) before the full name.
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:
- khun
- nang sao
- nangsao
Read more
Culture Khun, Phi, Nong Meaning: How Thais Address Each Other What Khun, Phi and Nong mean, how Thais use family words for everyone from aunties to waiters, and what Hia and Jeh mean. 
Culture Thai Names Explained: First Names, Surnames & Meanings Why Thai surnames are so long, what common first names mean, how to address Thai people, and why so many Thais change their names.
More people in Thai
All people
Learn this word in Unit 2, free
Unit 2 · Nice to meet you · What's your name? 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