Learn Thai For Free
Start free
Verbs

Must in Thai

“Must” in Thai is ต้องdtâwng.

ต้อง dtâwng

must, have to, need to verb

  • dtâwng falling
  • Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”

It goes before the verb; you already know it from ต้องไปแล้วdtâwng bpai láew (I have to go) and ไม่ต้องmâi dtâwng (no need).

Taught in Unit 16 · Lesson 2: Medicine and the doctor of the free course.

Practise it free

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:

  • tong
  • dtong
  • tawng

More verbs in Thai

All verbs
  • เป็น bpen Be

    to be (a nationality, a job, a role)

  • มี mii Have

    to have

  • ไป bpai Go

    to go

  • มา maa Come

    to come

  • กิน gin Eat

    to eat

  • ดื่ม dùuem Drink

    to drink

Learn this word in Unit 16, free

Unit 16 · At the clinic · Medicine and the doctor. Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.

Practise it free (2 min) See Unit 16

Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones