4 Useful Particles In Thai Including ‘Na Ka’

Every so often when listening to Thai people speak, you will hear certain words or phrases that you may be unsure of the meaning of. The use of na ka (นะค่ะ, ná kâ) and na khrap (นะครับ, ná kráp) in Thai is one example of this. These are just some of the many particles in Thai!

‘Na ka’ is a pretty common phrase, so you will likely hear it frequently. This will especially be the case when speaking with shop workers or hearing people speaking with higher-ups. In this post, we will take a look into the meaning of this word and other Thai particles that any Thai learner should be prepared for. 

Particles In Thai: What Does ‘Na’ Mean?

So, what does this particle mean? The meaning of na ka (นะค่ะ, ná kâ) and the male equivalent na khrap (นะครับ, ná kráp) is to soften a statement and make it sound less abrupt or rude. Think of these as the ‘polite’ particles in Thai.

By itself, ná (นะ) is a particle/modifier that is placed at the end of a sentence or phrase that will impact the way it is perceived by the listener. For example, someone could say rɔɔ sàk krûu ná kâ (รอสักครู่นะค่ะ), meaning ‘wait a moment’. In Thai, this sounds more pleasant than if it didn’t include the ná (นะ) particle. When combined with the kâ (ค่ะ) or kráp (ครับ), it adds another element of politeness.

In some cases, it can also be a way of seeking approval for a statement or opinion. You can say wan níi rɔ́ɔn ná? (วันนี้ร้อนนะ) which means ‘it is hot today, isn’t it?’. It serves the same function as the common phrase châi mái (ใช่ไหม), meaning ‘right?’.

Other than ná (นะ), the Thai language also has other, similar sounding particles that they use for certain reasons. We will look at a couple more of these today to highlight their different meanings.

What Are ‘Ka’ and ‘Khrap’ Used For?

As mentioned, the ka (ค่ะ, kâ) and khrap (ครับ, kráp) parts are particles that make sentences more polite when speaking Thai. In a way, all the particles mentioned can be seen as a way of expressing politeness. However, some examples are a bit more contextual and can have slight differences that have different implications.

These will likely be the particles you use and hear most often when visiting Thailand. When speaking to most people, you can use these to seem more polite. In the worst cases, using them in the wrong situations will be seen as funny and not offensive.

What Does ‘Ja’ Mean In Thai

While you may have heard someone say ‘na‘ before, you may have also heard someone say ‘ja’ (จ๊ะ, já). Just like before, it is a particle added to the end of a sentence. It does not actually have any true translation. Instead, it again changes the way the sentence is understood.

It is a more informal way to end a sentence than ‘ka’ or ‘khrap’. Most often, it is used by women to others, as it is deemed more feminine. If you hear an acquaintance use it when speaking to you, it may be a sign that they feel closer to you and that they see you as a friend!

When Should You Use Na, Ja, Or Ka?

As you can see, there are some guidelines that should be followed when choosing which of these particles to use. Two of them, já (จ๊ะ) and kâ (ค่ะ) are generally used by women, though there are cases when já (จ๊ะ) can also be used by men. Ná (นะ), on the other hand, can be used by everyone.

Ja (จ๊ะ, Já)

Já (จ๊ะ) is more informal, so it should only be used when speaking to those you are close to like friends, children, or those of lower social status. Be careful about whom you use this with, as it can be seen as rude, especially when used with those older than you.

Ka (ค่ะ, Kâ)

Kâ (ค่ะ), as the feminine polite particle, should only be used by women. Kráp (ครับ) should be used by men. These will be used when speaking to others that are of higher social status, or people like shop workers, parents, bosses, and anyone, really!

Na (นะ, Ná)

For ná (นะ), you can use it in any situation where you want to say something that may sound harsh but don’t want to come across as demanding. Similarly, it can be used when making statements that are looking for approval, showing that you are looking for some sort of response.

How Do You Say ‘Particles’ In Thai?

The word for ‘particle’ in Thai can be translated simply as kam long táai (คำลงท้าย).

Vocabulary Related To Particles In Thai

Now that you know the common particles in Thai, you should also know some related vocabulary surrounding them. The words below are related to Thai grammar, and also includes phrases which use some of the particles you’ve learned today.

For more related Thai phrases and vocabulary, check out the Ling app!

Frequently Asked Questions About Particles In Thai

1. What Is The Female Particle In Thai?

The female polite particle in Thai is kâ (ค่ะ). It’s most commonly used by speakers at the end of sentences to ‘soften’ them, appearing more polite to the listener. It can also be used by itself to mean ‘yes’.

2. What Is The Male Polite Particle In Thai?

The male polite article in Thai, kráp (ครับ), is one you’ll hear every day in Thailand, and one you’ll use a lot, too! It’s used at the end of sentences for extra politeness, and also can be used by itself to say ‘yes’.

3. What Are The Particles At The End Of A Thai Sentence?

There are four main particles in Thai that you’ll hear being spoken. These are kâ (ค่ะ), kráp (ครับ), já (จ๊ะ), and ná (นะ). All of these particles are used at the end of Thai sentences to add more politeness to them, making you appear more courteous and friendly.

Learning Important Thai Phrases And Thai Particles

So, there we go! Now you should have a good grasp of ná kâ (นะค่ะ), and a few other related particles in Thai. Since the concept of these sorts of words are a bit different from what you will find in languages like English, getting used to them will take time. It will likely then take longer before you are comfortable using them when you speak Thai.

In the end, knowing and understanding these particles will be of great help. They also reveal a lot about traditional Thai society and roles, as some of these words are used to show respect to others around you. Whenever you’re out and about with your Thai friends, or having a stroll around the cities in Thailand, make sure to use these to brighten other people’s day and seem more polite!