Daily Thai Confidence: Using ขาด (khàad)

Verb: ขาด (k^hàad)
Meaning: to lack / to be missing / to run out of / to be absent / to break / to snap / to tear

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ขาด (k^hàad) can mean ‘to lack’ or ‘to not have enough’. It is commonly used when talking about experience, money, resources, or necessities. In this usage, it is followed by a noun — ขาด (k^hàad) + noun.

The verb ขาด (k^hàad) can also describe not being present somewhere you are expected you are expected to be, meaning ‘to be absent’ or ‘to miss’. In this usage, it is followed by a noun that indicates activity or event — ขาด (k^hàad) + activity / event.

In some context, ขาด (k^hàad) can refer to something being physically broken or torn apart. In this case, it is placed after a noun — noun + ขาด (k^hàad)

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

k^hǎo k^hàad bprà-sòb-gāan nāi gāan-t^hām-ngāan
Literal: He lack experience in the action of working.
He lacks work experience.

In this sentence, ขาด (k^hàad) means ‘to lack’ or ‘to not have enough’ of something necessary. It indicates that the person does not yet have sufficient work experience. The word emphasises a shortage or absence of something important, rather than a complete inability. It often implies that the person may still be learning or developing their skills.

t^hēem née k^hàad p^hôo-lên t^hêe mēe bprà-sòb-gāan
Literal: Team this lack player that have experience.
This team lacks experienced players.

In this sentence, ขาด (k^hàad) means ‘to lack’ or ‘to not have enough’ of something necessary. It indicates that the team does not have enough experienced players. The word emphasises a shortage of a needed quality or resource, suggesting that the team may have players, but not enough who possess experience.

k^hǎo k^hàad rīan mêua-wāan-née
Literal: He miss learning yesterday.
He missed class yesterday.

In this sentence, ขาด (k^hàad) means ‘to miss’ or ‘to be absent from’. It is commonly used with noun that indicates activities or event to indicate that someone did not attend something they were expected to attend.

sǎai-fāi k^hàad ^hlǎng jàak mēe p^hāa-yút mêua k^hēun-née
Literal: Cable electrical snap after from have storm last night.
The electrical cable snapped after the storm last night.

In this sentence, ขาด (k^hàad) means ‘to be broken,’ ‘to be torn,’ or ‘to be snapped’. It describes a physical break or separation of something that was previously continuous or intact. Here, it indicates that the electric cable was broken due to the storm, causing a disruption in its function.

Practise putting your newly learned Thai word into a sentence by translating the following sentences below.

1. That student often misses class.
2. He lacks confidence in speaking Thai.
3. She lost contact with her old friends.
4. The company lacks skilled employees.
5. Many countries lack workers in some industries.

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Urai Khomkham

Hi, I’m Urai Khomkham, a Thai language teacher and the creator of Thai Language Tuition UK. I help learners understand how Thai really works, so they can stop guessing and start feeling confident using the language in real life. Inside the community, I share clear lessons, practical explanations, and gentle guidance to support steady, meaningful progress — without pressure or overwhelm. I also share free Thai lessons and learning tips on my YouTube channel, where I break things down step by step and help you build strong foundations at your own pace. By subscribing, you’re not only supporting your own learning — you’re also helping me continue creating free resources to support you and other learners on their Thai journey.

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