Daily Thai Confidence: Using ก่อนที่จะ (gàwn thêe-jà)

Conjunction: ก่อนที่จะ (gàwn t^hêe-jà)
Meaning: before / before doing something

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the conjunction ก่อนที่จะ (gàwn t^hêe-jà), which means “before.” It is a conjunction used to connect two actions or events, showing that one happens before the other. It is particularly useful when explaining the order of events or saying what someone needs to do before doing something else.

It is made up of two words:

• ก่อน (gàwn) = before
• ที่จะ (t^hêe-jà) = a structure used before a verb to indicate an intended or future action

Together, ก่อนที่จะ (gàwn t^hêe-jà) means “before doing something” or “before something happens”. It is like saying, one action must happen before you “intend to” do another action.

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: action A + ก่อนที่จะ (gàwn t^hêe-jà) + action B.

For example (ตัวอย่างเช่น – dtūa-^awyàang)

ฉันต้องทำงานบ้านก่อนที่จะดูโทรทัศน์

chǎn dtâwng t^hām ngāan-bâan gàwn t^hêe-jà dūu t^hō-rá-t^hád
Literal: I have to do work-house before intend to watch television.
I have to do the housework before watching television.

คุณควรคิดให้ดีก่อนที่จะตัดสินใจ

k^hūn k^hūan k^híd hâi dēe gàwn t^hêe-jà dtàd-sǐn-jāi
Literal: You should think carefully before intend to make decision.
You should think carefully before making a decision.

เราต้องซ่อมแซมบ้านก่อนที่จะย้ายเข้าไปอยู่

rāo dtâwng sâwm-sāem bâan gàwn t^hêe-jà yáai k^hâo bpāi ^awyùu
Literal: We need to repair house before intend to move enter go to be located.
We need to repair the house before moving in.

เขามักจะดื่มกาแฟก่อนที่จะเริ่มทำงาน

k^hǎo mák-jà dèum gāa-fāe gàwn t^hêe-jà rêuhm t^hām-ngāan
Literal: He usually drink coffee before intend to do-work.
He usually drinks coffee before he starts working.

Practice Exercise (แบบฝึกหัด – bàeb fèuk-hàd)

Practise putting your newly learned Thai word into a sentence by translating the following sentences below.

1. I like reading a book before going to bed.
2. They decided to renovate the house before selling it.
3. He needs to check the car before setting off.
4. We should plan carefully before starting work.
5. She takes a shower before going out.