Daily Thai Confidence: Using ต้อนรับ (dtâwn-ráb)

Verb: ต้อนรับ (dtâwn-ráb)
Meaning: to welcome / to receive someone warmly

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ต้อนรับ (dtâwn-ráb), which means ‘to welcome’ or ‘to receive someone warmly’. It describes the act of meeting visitors, guests, or newcomers in a friendly and hospitable way. The word often implies showing kindness, hospitality, or readiness to receive someone, rather than simply acknowledging their presence.

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: subject + ต้อนรับ (dtâwn-ráb) + person.

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

p^hûak-rāo yīn-dēe dtâwn-ráb t^húk-k^hōn
Literal: We pleased to welcome every-person.
We are happy to welcome everyone.

The phrase ยินดี (yīn-dēe) means ‘pleased to’ or ‘happy to’. It expresses a feeling of pleasure, satisfaction, or friendliness, especially when responding positively to a situation, request, or the presence of others. It is a polite and friendly expressions to show goodwill, willingness, or happiness about something.

p^há-nák-ngāan yēun rāw dtâwn-ráb k^hàek t^hêe bprà-dtūu
Literal: Staff stand wait welcome guest at door.
Staff were standing at the door waiting to welcome guests.

The noun แขก (k^hàek) means ‘visitor’ or ‘guest’. It refers to someone who comes to a place such as a home, event, or business and is received by a host.

rōng-rāem née dtâwn-ráb nák-t^hâwng-t^hîew mâak-māai jàak t^hûa lôok t^húk bpēe
Literal: Hotel this welcome tourist many from all over world every year.
This hotel welcomes many tourists from all over the world every year.

The word มากมาย (mâak-māai) means ‘many,’ ‘numerous,’ ‘a large number of,’ or ‘a great deal of’. It is used to emphasise that there is a large quantity or a wide variety of something.

chāow-bâan mâi dtâwn-ráb k^hōn-bplàek-^hnâa
Literal: Villager not welcome people-strange-face.
The villagers don’t welcome strangers.

The noun คนแปลกหน้า (k^hōn-bplàek-^hnâa) means ‘stranger’ and refers to a person whom you do not know or have never met before.

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

1. The hotel staff welcomed the guests warmly.
2. We will welcome the new students tomorrow.
3. The teachers welcomed the parents at the entrance.
4. The staff restaurant welcomes customers with a friendly smile.
5. Our neighbours welcomed us when we moved in.

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.

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