จำเป็น

jam-bpen

Meanings

1AdjectiveA2

necessary; essential; required

needed or indispensable under the circumstances

Examples

3 more examples
2AdverbB1

necessarily; of necessity

in a way that cannot be avoided; as required by circumstances

Examples

3 more examples
3VerbB1

[to] have to; be obliged (because necessary)

to be compelled to do something due to necessity or lack of alternatives

Examples

3 more examples

Tones

See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.

Why is จำเป็น said จัม-เป็น?

jam-bpen

The tone rules below use the spoken syllables.

2 syllables · pick one to see its rule

How the tone is decided

  1. Consonant classMid class
  2. Tone markNo tone mark
  3. Syllable endingLive syllableThe vowel ำ hides a final -ม, so it is live.

Mid class consonants

กจฎฏดตบปอ

Result

Mid tone

jam

Level, in your normal speaking voice.

Mid class + No tone mark + Live syllable → Mid

Tone chart

Every class and spelling pattern, with this syllable outlined.

Mid classHigh classLow class
No mark + liveMidRisingMid
No mark + dead shortLowLowHigh
No mark + dead longLowLowFalling
Mai ekLowLowFalling
Mai thoFallingFallingHigh
Mai triHigh——
Mai chattawaRising——

Word Breakdown

+
จำเป็นjam-bpenจำเป็นjam-bpennecessary; essential; requirednecessary; essential; requiredWord