THAI LANGUAGE LESSONS
L14 - Tenses
This is another feature of the Thai language that is much easier than English.
Specifying tense is achieved by using simple add-on words. We do not need to change the form of the verb and therefore there are no irregular forms.
| ja | will (future tense) |
| lae-oh | already (past tense) |
| gamlung | present continuous |
Future Tense
ja - this is how to specify something is a future tense. It can be translated as 'will'. You place it before the verb:
pom ja bpai poo-get - I will go to Phuket.
Past Tense
lae-oh - this is how to specify something is past tense. It can be translated as 'already'. It is placed at the end of the sentence:
pom bpai poo-get lae-oh - I have already been to Phuket.
Present Continuous
gamlung - this is how to specify something is continuing to happen. This is the English equivalent to putting 'ing' on the end of the verb. It is placed before the verb:
pom gamIung bpai poo-get - I am going to Phuket.
You may also hear 'yoo' added to the end of this format.
pom gamIung bpai poo-get yoo - I am going to Phuket.
This has the same meaning but is adding emphasis to the fact the action is continuing to happen.
