"Chai mai" (ใช่ไหม) is a common Thai phrase that primarily translates to "right?" or "isn't it?" It functions as a tag question, added to the end of a statement to seek confirmation or agreement.
Understanding "Chai Mai" in Thai
This versatile phrase is used when a speaker wants to confirm their understanding or thinking about a situation. It's often employed when you suspect something is true and are looking for affirmation. While it can sometimes be a direct query, its core usage is to check if your assumption or belief aligns with the other person's reality or knowledge.
Key Aspects of "Chai Mai"
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Meaning | "Right?", "Isn't it?", "Is that so?" |
| Function | Confirms a speaker's existing thought or understanding |
| Usage | Appended to a statement to form a tag question |
| Nuance | Implies a seeking of agreement, as if saying, "I think this is true, is it right?" |
It's particularly useful in conversations where you're seeking to validate information or ensure mutual comprehension, much like how "correct?" or "you know?" might be used in English to prompt a response and confirm shared understanding.
Practical Usage and Examples
"Chai mai" is widely used in daily Thai conversations, indicating a desire to affirm a belief or piece of information. It's not just a simple "yes/no" question but rather a way to express, "This is what I understand, is that accurate?"
How to Use "Chai Mai" Effectively:
- Confirming a Fact or Situation:
- Thai: คุณเป็นคนไทย ใช่ไหม? (Khun bpen kon Thai, chai mai?)
- English: You are Thai, right?
- Insight: This is used when you assume the person is Thai and want to confirm.
- Seeking Agreement on an Observation:
- Thai: อากาศร้อนมากวันนี้ ใช่ไหม? (A-gàat rórn mâak wan-née, chai mai?)
- English: The weather is very hot today, isn't it?
- Insight: Here, you're stating your observation about the heat and asking for the other person's agreement.
- Verifying an Understanding:
- Thai: เราจะเจอกันพรุ่งนี้ตอนเช้า ใช่ไหม? (Rao jà jer gan prûng-née dton cháo, chai mai?)
- English: We're meeting tomorrow morning, right?
- Insight: This confirms a plan or arrangement that you believe to be true.
When "chai mai" is used, the speaker is often expressing a mild form of inquiry, where they believe their statement is correct but are open to immediate confirmation. It acts as a conversational softener, inviting the other person to affirm or correct the statement.
