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Everyday expressions

Wretched in Thai

“Wretched” in Thai is เจ้ากรรมjâo-gam.

เจ้ากรรม jâo-gam

wretched, accursed (causing trouble) adjective

  • jâo falling
  • gam mid
  • Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
Parts: เจ้าjâo owner, lord กรรมgam karma, deeds

After the thing that keeps causing trouble: รถเจ้ากรรมrót jâo-gam = this wretched car.

You'll hear it in Jai Sang Ma (ใจสั่งมา).

How to use it

เจ้ากรรมjâo-gam goes after the thing that keeps causing you trouble, said with a sigh: the car that breaks down again, the rain that ruins the trip, your own heart in Loso's song. It's a grumble, not a swear word, so you can say it in front of anyone. When luck is against you, the word is ซวยsuay, unlucky.

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:

  • jao kam
  • chao kam
  • jow gum

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