เป็น
bpenMeanings
to be (identity/category/state)
copular verb linking a subject with a noun, role, or category (to be/serve as). Not used directly before most descriptive adjectives.
Examples
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to become
to come to be; to turn into a certain state or role.
Examples
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[to] know how; be able to (skill)
to have the learned ability or skill to do something; can (e.g., เล่นเป็น ‘can play’).
Examples
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[to] have; suffer from; be in (a condition)
Used before names of illnesses or conditions to indicate having or experiencing them, as in เป็นไข้เป็นไข้bpen-kâi[to] have a fever; be feverish ‘have a fever’ and เป็นหนี้เป็นหนี้bpen-nîi[to] be in debt; [to] owe [sb] [sth] ‘be in debt’.
Examples
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Tones
See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.
How the tone is decided
- Consonant classMid class
- Tone markNo tone mark
- Syllable endingLive syllableEnds in -น, a sonorant, so it is live.
Mid class consonants
กจฎฏดตบปอ
Result
Mid tone
bpen
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 class | High class | Low class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No mark + live | Mid | Rising | Mid |
| No mark + dead short | Low | Low | High |
| No mark + dead long | Low | Low | Falling |
| Mai ek | Low | Low | Falling |
| Mai tho | Falling | Falling | High |
| Mai tri | High | — | — |
| Mai chattawa | Rising | — | — |