Verb: ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi)
Meaning: to indulge someone / to let someone have their own way / to go along with someone’s wishes
In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi), which means ‘to indulge someone,’ ‘to let someone have their own way,’ or ‘to go along with someone’s wishes.’ It often describes a situation where one person does not refuse or restrict another person, but instead allows them to do what they want. It can be used in both positive (flexible, considerate) and negative (spoiling) ways depending on context.
This verb phrase is made up of two words:
- ตาม (dtāam) = to follow
- ใจ (jāi) = heart / mind
Together, ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi) means ‘to follow someone’s wishes or heart.’
The typical structure usually follows the pattern: subject + ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi).
For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-awyàang chên)
ฉันไม่รู้จะไปไหน ตามใจคุณเลย
chǎn mâi rúu jà bpāi hnǎi, dtāam-jāi khūn lēuy
Literal: I not know will go where, follow-heart you completely.
I don’t know where to go, I’ll leave it up to you.
In this sentence, ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi) indicates that the speaker is leaving the decision entirely to the other person and is willing to follow their wishes or preference, showing flexibility and lack of preference in the situation.
เขาตามใจเพื่อนทุกเรื่อง
khǎo dtāam-jāi phêuan thúk rêuang
Literal: He follow-heart friend every matter.
He always goes along with his friends in everything.
In this sentence, ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi) indicates that he always lets his friends have their way in everything and agrees with their wishes without resisting or setting limits.
อย่าตามใจเขามากเกินไป
awyàa dtāam-jāi khǎo mâak gēuhn-bpāi
Literal: Don’t follow-heart him much too much.
Don’t indulge him too much.
In this sentence, ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi) indicates the act of indulging or letting someone have their own way, and the sentence warns against doing this too much because it can lead to overindulgence and a lack of boundaries.
เธอชอบตามใจตัวเอง
thēr châwb dtāam-jāi dtūa-āeng
Literal: She like follow-heart oneself.
She likes to follow her own wishes.
In this sentence, ตามใจ (dtāam-jāi) indicates that she tends to follow her own wishes and preferences, doing what she wants rather considering other people’s opinions or expectations.
Homework (การบ้าน — gāan-bâan)
Practise putting your newly learned Thai word into a sentence by translating the following sentences below.
- Don’t spoil the child too much.
- He follows his girlfriend’s wishes in everything.
- They always let him do whatever he wants.
- Don’t just follow your own desires all the time.
- I’ll go along with you today.
About Post Author
