Main Translations

English: Theirs

**Thai Primary Translation:** ของเขา (khǎwng kăo) **Phonetic:** khǎwng kăo (pronounced with a rising tone on "khǎwng" and a mid tone on "kăo") **Explanation:** In Thai, "ของเขา" is the most common way to express "theirs," indicating possession by a third person or group. This phrase literally means "of them" or "belonging to them," and it's deeply embedded in Thai daily life, where relationships and ownership are often discussed with a sense of community and hierarchy. Emotionally, it carries neutral connotations but can evoke subtle cultural undertones of respect or distance—Thais might use it to politely acknowledge something without claiming it themselves, reflecting the value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others). For instance, in family settings, saying "ของเขา" might imply shared resources in a communal household, emphasizing collectivism over individualism. Unlike English, Thai doesn't always specify plural forms strictly, so "ของเขา" works for both singular and plural contexts, but for added emphasis on a group, Thais might opt for "ของพวกเขา" (khǎwng phûak kăo), meaning "of their group." Secondary Translation: ของพวกเขา (khǎwng phûak kăo) – This is used when you want to highlight a collective "theirs," such as in group discussions, and is particularly common in formal or narrative contexts to avoid ambiguity.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "theirs" equivalents like "ของเขา" pop up frequently in casual chats, business dealings, and even media, serving as a simple way to denote ownership without drawing attention. Urban areas like Bangkok often use it in fast-paced, modern conversations, such as in offices or social media, where efficiency matters. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might infuse it with more relational warmth, tying it to community stories or traditions—think of villagers discussing shared land as "ของเขา" to foster unity. Overall, it's a versatile pronoun that adapts to social contexts, helping Thais maintain harmony in interactions.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, here are a few relevant examples drawn from everyday Thai life. I've selected scenarios that best illustrate "theirs" in natural settings, focusing on conversation and business for their applicability to learners.

Everyday Conversation

**English:** That's not mine; it's theirs. **Thai:** นั่นไม่ใช่ของฉันหรอก เป็นของเขา (Nán mâi chûai khǎwng chăn lôk, bpen khǎwng kăo) **Brief Notes:** This sentence is perfect for casual disputes, like when friends are sorting through shared belongings at a market in Bangkok. Thais often soften such statements with words like "lôk" (you know) to keep things light and avoid confrontation, highlighting the cultural emphasis on politeness.

Business Context

**English:** The success of the project is theirs, as they put in the most effort. **Thai:** ความสำเร็จของโครงการเป็นของเขา เพราะเขาใช้ความพยายามมากที่สุด (Khwaam sǎm-rèt khǎwng chô-rá-kârm bpen khǎwng kăo, prór kăo chái khwaam phrá-yà-dtam mâak thîi sùt) **Usage Context:** You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting when crediting a team, perhaps during a presentation. In Thai corporate culture, acknowledging "theirs" like this builds team spirit and shows respect, but remember to pair it with praise to align with the Thai value of "face-saving."

Related Expressions

**Synonyms/Related Terms:** - ของเรา (khǎwng rao) – Use this when referring to "ours" in a group context, like in family or team discussions, as it fosters a sense of inclusion that's big in Thai social dynamics. - ของคนอื่น (khǎwng khon èun) – This means "belonging to others," and it's handy for emphasizing distance or neutrality, such as in conflicts where you want to avoid taking sides. **Common Collocations:** - ของเขาเอง (khǎwng kăo eng) – Example: "It's theirs alone," as in a story where someone claims full ownership. In Thailand, this might come up in folktales from the Isan region, stressing personal responsibility. - เรื่องของเขา (rûang khǎwng kăo) – Example: "That's their business," often used in everyday gossip or advice sessions to respect boundaries, a key aspect of Thai interpersonal etiquette.

Cultural Notes

**Thai Cultural Perspective:** In Thailand, words like "ของเขา" go beyond mere possession; they reflect the Buddhist-influenced idea of impermanence and interconnectedness. Historically, during the Ayutthaya era, communal ownership was common in royal courts, and this lingers in modern language as a way to downplay individual claims and promote harmony. Socially, it's tied to customs like "songkran" festivals, where shared items are treated as "theirs" to everyone, symbolizing unity. Interestingly, in rural areas, it might evoke a sense of "sanuk" (fun and togetherness), while in urban settings, it's more about efficiency. **Practical Advice:** For foreigners, use "ของเขา" sparingly at first to avoid sounding too direct—Thais appreciate context and tone. If you're in a social setting, follow up with a smile or question to show interest, as misusing it could unintentionally imply exclusion. In business, it's a great way to give credit without overshadowing others, but always observe how locals phrase it to match the level of formality.

Practical Tips

**Memory Aid:** To remember "ของเขา," think of it as "kong" (like a box) plus "khao" (rice, a staple in Thai culture). Imagine a box of rice belonging to someone else—it's a visual tie-in that links the word to everyday Thai life, making pronunciation stick. Practice by repeating it in simple sentences while eating Thai food. **Dialect Variations:** While "ของเขา" is standard across Thailand, in the northern dialects of Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation like "khong khao" with a more drawn-out tone, reflecting the region's melodic speech patterns. In the southern areas, it could be shortened in casual talk, so pay attention to local accents if you're traveling.