Small wordsThing in Thai
“Thing” in Thai is ของkǎwng; you'll also hear สิ่งsìng (formal, abstract) and อันan (a thing (pointing)).
things, stuff; of, belonging to preposition
- kǎwng rising
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
Thing + ของkǎwng + owner, and the thing is often left out: ของคุณkǎwng kun (yours). On its own ของkǎwng means things, stuff.
thing (formal, abstract) noun
- sìng low
- Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
counting word for small things (the all-purpose one) classifier a thing (pointing)
- an mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
The all-purpose counting word. อันนี้an níi (this one) is simply อันan + นี้níi.
Taught in Unit 6 · Lesson 1: Question words of the free course.
Practise it freeHow to use it
ของkǎwng is "things, stuff", the things you can hold: ของเยอะมากkǎwng yóe mâak, so much stuff; ของฝากkǎwng-fàak, souvenirs. สิ่งsìng is a "thing" in careful speech and for ideas: สิ่งที่สำคัญsìng tîi sǎm-kan, the important thing. When you point at something and don't know its name, อันนี้an níi, "this one", does the job. For a matter or an issue, Thai uses เรื่องrûeang: เรื่องงานrûeang ngaan, work things.
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:
- kong
- khong
More small words in Thai
All small words
Learn this word in Unit 6, free
Unit 6 · Questions, questions · Question words. 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