Daily Thai Confidence: Using เล่า (lâo)

Verb: เล่า (lâo)
Meaning: to tell / to narrate / to recount

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb เล่า (lâo), which means ‘to tell,’ ‘to narrate,’ or ‘to recount’ a story, event, or experience. It is used when someone shares information in a spoken, story-like way, often describing something that happened. Unlike simply giving information, the verb เล่า (lâo) often implies telling something in detail, like a story or experience.

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: subject + เล่า (lâo) + story / event / experience.

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

k^hūn yāai k^hǎwng-p^hǒm châwb lâo rêuang-rāow jàak sà-^hmǎi gàwn
Literal: Mrs grandmother belonging to me like to tell story from the old days.
My grandmother loves to tell stories from the old days.

The word คุณ (k^hūn) is often used as a polite prefix showing respect when placed before a name or a noun related to people, similarly to ‘Miss,’ ‘Mrs,’ or ‘Mr’. For example: คุณยาย (grandmother); คุณแม่ (mother); คุณพ่อ (father); คุณครู (teacher); คุณหมอ (doctor); คุณจอห์น (Mr. John); คุณอุไร (Miss Urai), etc.

k^hǎo lâo rêuang gāan-t^hâwng-t^hîew k^hǎwng-k^hǎo nāi p^hâak ^hněua k^hǎwng bprà-t^hâed Thāi hâi chǎn fāng
Literal: He tell story about the act of travelling belonging to-him in region north of country Thai for me listen.
He told me about his travels in the northern region of Thailand.

The phrase ให้…ฟัง (hâi…fāng) is a very common Thai structure that means “to tell something to someone so they can listen”. It is used when someone transfers information verbally to another person. It is like saying ‘for (someone) to listen’. It focuses on giving information to be heard — subject + verb (to tell / to speak) + ให้ (hâi) + person + ฟัง (fāng).

k^hao lâo rêuang ngāan ^hmài hâi p^hêuan fāng
Literal: He tell topic about job new for friend to listen.
He told his friends about his new job.

The word เรื่อง (rêuang) is a very common Thai word that canf unction as a noun, and it generally means ‘story,’ ‘matter,’ ‘topic,’ or ‘issue’. Its exact meaning depends on the context, but it always refers to something being talked about or happening — เรื่อง (rêuang) + noun / verb phrase (that show about something).

k^hǎo lâo rêuang née hâi chǎn fāng ^hlǎai k^hráng láew
Literal: He tell about topic this for me listen many time already.
He has told me this story many times already.

The word ครั้ง (k^hráng) can function as a noun or a classifier, meaning ‘time’ or ‘occurrence’. It is used to count how many times something happens — number + ครั้ง (k^hráng).

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

1. She tells interesting stories yesterday.
2. He told me about his trip.
3. I will tell you about this story later.
4. He likes telling funny stories.
5. She told me about her work.

About Post Author

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.

See author's posts