Additional information
by Dhyan Manik (Author)
Learning Thai with hâi ให้
The Audio files can be downloaded free from the following website: www.thaibooks.net
hâi ให้, along with words like dâai ได,้ lɛɛ́u แล้ว and kɔ̂ɔ ก็, is one of the most important words in the Thai language.
When speaking Thai, it is important to understand the correct usage of the verb hâi ให้ in everyday speech. One simple way to use the verb hâi ให้ is "to give something to someone". It is used in a similar manner as the English verb "to give".
In addition, hâi ให้ is used as a causative verb which has several different meanings depending on the situation, and the way it is spoken. It can be translated into English as to let, to allow, to make and even to order or to force someone to do
something.
In some situations hâi ให้ is better translated into English as the preposition "for", "for you", "for me" etc. It is also often
used in idiomatic phrases where it carries no meaning itself but denotes only the sense of a command.
Thais use the verb hâi ให้ in an intuitive way in a variety of situations in order to express feelings, wishes, commands and nuances of meaning while communicating with each other every day. If you learn this word well, you will be rewarded.
