Daily Thai Confidence — Using อันที่จริง (ān-thêe-jīng)

Discourse Marker: อันที่จริง (ān-t^hêe-jīng)
Meaning: actually / in fact / the truth is

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the discourse marker อันที่จริง (ān-t^hêe-jīng), which is a fixed expression used to mean ‘actually,’ ‘in fact,’ or ‘the truth is.’ It is used to clarify, correct, or reveal the real situation, often when it contrasts with what was previously said, assumed, or expected.

It often implies:

• A contrast with what people think
• Clarification or correction
• A slightly more thoughtful or explanatory tone

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: อันที่จริง (ān-t^hêe-jīng) + clause (clarification / correction / real situation).

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

อันที่จริง ฉันไม่อยากไป

ān-t^hêe-jīng, chǎn mâi ^awyàak bpāi
Literal: Actually, I not want to go.
Actually, I don’t want to go.

The verb อยาก (^awyàak) means ‘’to want.’ It is used to express desire, wishes, or personal wants to do something — subject + อยาก (^awyàak) + verb.

อันที่จริง เขาไม่รู้เกี่ยวกับเรื่องนี้

ān-t^hêe-jīng, k^hǎo mâi rúu gìew-gàb rêuang née
Literal: Actually, he not know about matter this.
Actually, he doesn’t know about this.

The word เรื่อง (rêuang) is a very common Thai word that can function 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).

อันที่จริง เราควรเริ่มใหม่

ān-t^hêe-jīng, rāo k^hūan rêuhm ^hmài
Literal: He to be person quiet and not so much speak-chat with anyone.
In fact, we should start again.

The modal verb ควร (k^hūan) means ‘should’ or ‘ought to.’ It is used to give advice, suggestions, or recommendation — subject + ควร (k^hūan) + verb.

อันที่จริง เธอไม่ได้ผิด

ān-t^hêe-jīng, t^hēr mâi dâi p^hìd
Literal: Actually, she not have wrong.
Actually, she wasn’t at fault.

The phrase ไม่ได้ (mâi dâi) expresses negation, but the nuance changes depending on whether it comes before a verb or an adjective/state. In the structure — subject + ไม่ได้ (mâi dâi) + verb — it is used to negate an action, often referring to the past action, stating that it ‘did not’ or ‘didn’t’ happen. For example: เขาไม่ได้ตั้งใจ (k^hǎo mâi dâi dtâng-jāi = He didn’t mean it.). In the structure —ไม่ได้ (mâi dâi) + adjective / state — it is used to deny or correct a statement, rather than simply negate, clarifying ‘not actually,’ ‘not the case,’ or ‘not true. For example: มันไม่ได้ยาก (mān mâi dâi yàak = It’s not difficult (actually).

Homework (การบ้าน — gāan-bâan)

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

1. Actually, I have already finished the work.
2. In fact, they didn’t understand the instructions.
3. Actually, he doesn’t live here anymore.
4. In fact, we have met before.
5. In fact, the situation is more complicated than we thought.

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