Daily Thai Confidence — Using ดู (dūu)

Verb: ดู (dūu)
Meaning: to look / to look at / to watch / to seem / to appear

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ดู (dūu), which can be translated to ‘to look’ or ‘to watch’. It is a common and versatile verb used when talking about seeing something with your eyes, watching television or films, checking or examining something, or describing how someone appears. Depending on context, ดู (dūu) can also express the idea of ‘seeming’ (e.g., he looks tired) or gently suggesting that someone try something to see what happens.

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: subject + ดู (dūu) + noun /  pronoun / adjective.

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

(chǎn dūu k^hàow t^húk cháo)
Literal: I watch news every morning.
I watch the news every morning.

In this sentence, it is naturally to translate the verb ดู (dūu) as ‘to watch’ because it is followed by the noun ข่าว (k^hàow = news).

(t^hēr mák-jà chái wāy-lāa dūu ^hnǎng gàwn k^hâo-nāwn)
Literal: She usually use time watch film before enter-sleep.
She usually spends time watching movies before going to bed.

In this sentence, it is naturally to translate the verb ดู (dūu) as ‘to watch’ because it is followed by the noun หนัง (^hnǎng = movie / film).

(t^hēr nâng dūu rûub-p^hâab ^awyàang-ngîab-ngîab)
Literal: She sit look picture in the manner quiet-quiet.
She sat quietly looking at the picture.

In this sentence, it is naturally to translate the verb ดู (dūu) as ‘to look at’ because it is followed by the noun รูปภาพ (rûub-p^hâab = picture).

(k^hǎo dūu ^hnèuay chûang-née p^hrót k^hǎo t^hām-ngāan ^hnàk)
Literal: He look tired period-this because he do-work heavy.
He looks tired lately because he’s been working so hard.

In this sentence, it is naturally to translate the verb ดู (dūu) as ‘to look,’ ‘to seem,’ or ‘to appear,’ because it is followed by the adjective เหนื่อย (^hnèuay = is tired / is exhausted).

(^hmǎw dūu āa-gāan k^hǎwng k^hōn-k^hái láew-gâw sàng-yāa hâi bpāi gīn t^hêe bâan)
Literal: Doctor look symptom belonging to person-fever and then order-medicine for go eat at home.
The doctor examined the patient and prescribed medication for them to take at home.

In this sentence, it is naturally to translate the verb ดู (dūu) as ‘to examine’ or ‘to check,’ because it is followed by the noun อาการ (āa-gāan = symptom).

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

1. This house looks old.
2. She seems happy today.
3. I will check the ticket prices this evening.
4. May I look at the menu, please?
5. He is watching a movie with his friends in the living room.

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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