Daily Thai Confidence: Using ตัดสินใจ (dtàd-sǐn-jāi)

Verb: ตัดสินใจ (dtàd-sǐn-jāi)
Meaning: to decide / to make a decision

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ตัดสินใจ (dtàd-sǐn-jāi), which means ‘to decide’ or ‘to make a decision’. It is used when someone chooses one option after thinking, considering, or weighing possibilities. It focuses on the idea of ‘cutting and judging with the mind’, which reflect the idea of making a firm choice.

The typical structure usually follows the pattern: subject + ตัดสินใจ (dtàd-sǐn-jāi) (+ complement — a word or phrase that gives more information about the action or situation).

For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-^awyàang chên)

เขาตัดสินใจเรียนภาษาไทย

k^hǎo dtàd-sǐn-jāi rīan p^hāa-sǎa Thāi
Literal: He decided learn language Thai.
He decided to learn Thai.

เธอตัดสินใจที่จะหางานใหม่เพราะว่าเธอไม่ชอบเจ้านายของเธอ

t^hēr dtàd-sǐn-jāi t^hêe-jà hǎa ngāan ^hmài p^hrót wâa t^hēr mâi châwb jâo-nāai k^hǎwng-t^hēr
Literal: She decided that-will look for job new because she not like boss belonging to-her.
She decided to look for a new job because she doesn’t like her boss.

ฉันต้องตัดสินใจเกี่ยวกับเรื่องไปทำงานที่ต่างจังหวัด

chǎn dtâwng dtàd-sǐn-jāi gìew-gàb rêuang bpāi t^hām-ngāan t^hêe dtàang jāng-^hwàd
Literal: I have to decide about matter go do-work in different province.
I need to make a decision about going to work in another province.

เขาตัดสินใจที่จะไม่ตอบคำถาม

k^hǎo dtàd-sǐn-jāi lêuak t^hêe-jà mâi dtàwb k^hām-t^hǎam
Literal: He decide that-will not answer word-ask.
He decided not to answer the question.