ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) is the word focus in Thai. Let’s explore the different meanings of ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay), with examples.
Languages are filled with words that carry more than one meaning depending on context, tone, and situation. In Thai, the word ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) is one of them.
The term is a compound of two root words: ตั้ง (tâŋ), which means ‘to set up’ or ‘to establish,’ and ใจ (cay), which means ‘heart’ or ‘mind.’ Together, these words create a literal sense of ‘setting the heart/mind.’ This definition apparently demonstrates its various meanings in English, which include ‘to intend,’ ‘to concentrate,’ and ‘to act deliberately.’
1. To Intend / To Have the Intention
One of the most common meanings of ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) is ‘to intend’ or ‘to plan to do something.’ This expression implies a deliberate decision or a specific goal. It often refers to a future action or conveys a general sense of purpose.
Examples:
เขาตั้งใจจะไปเรียนต่อที่อเมริกา
(kháw tâŋ-cay ca pay rian tɔ̀ɔ thîi America.)
= He intends to continue his studies in the United States.
ฉันตั้งใจจะไปเที่ยวญี่ปุ่นปีหน้า
(chán tâŋ-cay ca pay thîaw yîipùn pii nâa.)
= I plan to travel to Japan next year.
เราตั้งใจว่าจะโทรหาคุณ แต่ก็ลืมไป
(raw tâŋ-cay wâa ca thoo hǎa khun, tæ̀æ kɔ̂ lɨɨm pay.)
= We intended to call you, but we forgot.
ผมตั้งใจจะเรียนให้จบปริญญาโท
(phǒm tâŋ-cay ca rian hây còp parinyaa thoo.)
I am determined to finish my master’s degree.
This usage is similar to English phrases like ‘I plan to,’ ‘I aim to,’ ‘I intend to,’ or ‘I’m determined to.’ It focuses on the internal state of having a purpose.
2. To Focus / To Concentrate / To Pay Attention
The word ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) means to concentrate, pay attention, or focus. It describes putting your mental effort and energy into a specific task. This shows that you are fully engaged and not distracted.
Examples:
คุณควรตั้งใจเรียน
(khun khuan tâŋ-cay rian.)
You should concentrate on your studies.
ถ้าอยากได้โบนัส คุณต้องตั้งใจทำงาน
(thâa yàak dâay bonus, khun tɔ̂ŋ tâŋ-cay tham-ŋaan.)
If you want a bonus, you must concentrate on your work.
ผมอยากให้คุณตั้งใจฟังผม
(phǒm yàak hây khun tâŋ-cay faŋ phǒm.)
I want you to pay attention to what I’m saying.
ฉันกำลังตั้งใจอ่านหนังสืออยู่
(chán kamlaŋ tâŋ-cay ʔàan nǎŋ-sɨ̌ɨ yùu.)
I’m focusing on reading the book.
This meaning relates to phrases like “to focus on,” “to be attentive,” or “to apply oneself.” It emphasizes the process of doing something with dedication rather than simply having the intention to do it.
3. Do Something Deliberately or on Purpose
The term ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) has a third, more nuanced meaning: to do something intentionally or deliberately. This usage often arises in contexts where the action is purposeful rather than accidental. Depending on the situation, it can carry either a positive or a negative connotation.
ผมตั้งใจทำอาหารมื้อนี้เป็นพิเศษ
(phǒm tâŋ-cay tham ʔaahǎan mɨ́ɨ níi pen phísèet.)
I made this meal especially with care and attention.
ถึงจะไม่สวยมาก แต่ฉันก็ชอบ เพราะเขาตั้งใจทำให้ฉัน
(thɨ̌ŋ ca mây sǔay mâak, tæ̀æ chán kɔ̂ chɔ̂ɔp phrɔ́ kháw tâŋ-cay tham hây chán.)
Even though it’’’s not very pretty, I like it because he put effort into making it for me.
คุณตั้งใจเหยียบเท้าฉันใช่ไหม
(khun tâŋ-cay yìap tháaw chán chây máy.)
Did you step on my foot on purpose?
ขอโทษครับ ผมไม่ได้ตั้งใจ
(khɔ̌ɔ-thôot khráp phǒm mây dâay tâŋ-cay.)
Sorry, I didn’t mean to do it.
In this context, ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) serves a similar function to the English adverbs “deliberately,” “intentionally,” or the phrase “on purpose.” It clarifies the nature of the act: that it was performed with a conscious decision rather than by chance.
Conclusion
The Thai word ตั้งใจ (tâŋ-cay) has a rich and many-sided meaning. It can refer to the concepts of intending, concentrating, determining, sincerely doing something, or simply paying attention. Its usage varies depending on the context, but in all cases, it conveys a sense of mental focus and purposeful action.