"What does that mean"

Cultural Context

This phrase is a direct and common way to ask for clarification or understanding of something previously stated or implied. It is used when one does not grasp the meaning of a statement, action, or situation, and seeks an explanation. It's a polite and standard question.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Thai

นั่น

Pronunciation

nan

Meaning

that (referring to something previously mentioned or understood)demonstrative pronoun

Thai

หมายความว่า

Pronunciation

mai khwam wa

Meaning

to mean that; it means thatverb phrase

Thai

อย่างไร

Pronunciation

yang rai

Meaning

how; what (interrogative adverb/pronoun)interrogative adverb

Grammar Notes

• 1
  Question Word Placement

  In Thai, interrogative words like 'อย่างไร' (yang rai - how/what) typically appear at the end of a sentence when forming a question.

• 2
  Verb Phrase 'หมายความว่า'

  The phrase 'หมายความว่า' (mai khwam wa) functions as a single unit meaning 'to mean that' or 'it means that'. 'ว่า' (wa) acts as a conjunction, similar to 'that' in English, introducing the explanation of the meaning.

• 3
  Demonstrative Pronoun 'นั่น'

  'นั่น' (nan) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that', referring to something that is not immediately present or has been previously mentioned in the conversation, making it suitable for asking about the meaning of a prior statement.