Learn Thai For Free
Start free
Feelings

Startled in Thai

“Startled” in Thai is ตกใจdtòk-jai.

ตกใจ dtòk-jai

startled, shocked adjective

  • dtòk low
  • jai mid
  • Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
Parts: ตกdtòk to fall, drop ใจjai heart

Literally 'the heart drops': a sudden shock, not a lasting fear (that's กลัวglua).

Taught in Unit 21 · Lesson 2: Telling the story 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:

  • tok jai
  • tokjai

More feelings in Thai

All feelings
  • มีความสุข mii kwaam-sùk Happy

    to be happy

  • เสียใจ sǐa-jai Sad
  • ซึมเศร้า suem-sâo Depressed
  • เหงา ngǎo Lonely
  • คิดถึงบ้าน kít-tǔeng bâan Homesick

    homesick (literally 'miss home')

  • ร้องไห้ ráwng-hâai Cry

    to cry

Learn this word in Unit 21, free

Unit 21 · Island stories · Telling the story. Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.

Practise it free (2 min) See Unit 21

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