FeelingsWorry in Thai
“Worry” in Thai is เป็นห่วงbpen-hùang; you'll also hear กังวลgang-won (anxious).
to worry about (someone) verb
- bpen mid
- hùang low
- Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
Worrying because you care. You know the same ห่วงhùang from ไม่ต้องห่วงmâi dtâwng hùang (don't worry).
anxious, worried (about a situation) adjective
- gang mid
- won mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
Taught in Unit 23 · Lesson 2: Advice and the bill of the free course.
Practise it freeHow to use it
เป็นห่วงbpen-hùang is worrying about someone you care for: a child out late, a friend who's ill. Thais say it as a sign of love: เป็นห่วงนะbpen-hùang ná, "I worry about you". กังวลgang-won is anxiety about a situation: an exam, a visa, money. Both soften with ไม่ต้องmâi dtâwng: don't worry.
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:
- pen huang
- pen hoang
- kang won
- kangwol
More feelings in Thai
All feelings
Learn this word in Unit 23, free
Unit 23 · If I were you · Advice and the bill. 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