Adjective + ขึ้น
Getting More
Adjective + ขึ้น (khuen) = Getting [adjective]-er / More [adjective] than before.
How It Works
In Thai, when you want to say something is 'getting better,' 'getting hotter,' or 'getting bigger,' you place the word ขึ้น (falling tone) directly after the adjective.
Key Features:
- Internal Comparison: Unlike กว่า (gwàa), which compares A to B, ขึ้น compares the subject's current state to its own past state.
- Directionality: It is used for qualities that are perceived as increasing on a scale (e.g., volume, size, skill, heat).
- Register: It is used in all levels of speech, from casual compliments to formal reports.
Important Distinction:
Thai distinguishes between 'up' and 'down' for changes. For common changes such as getting thinner or cheaper, the usual choice is Adjective + ลง. This is a common phrasing choice, not a rule that every numerical decrease requires a downward marker. A change in an adjective's quality and a change in a price number are different ways of describing the same situation.
Examples (5)
- ภาษาไทยของเขาดีขึ้นมาก
His Thai has gotten much better.
Word by Word: Language Thai of him good up much
Here, 'ดี' (good) is followed by 'ขึ้น' to show improvement over time.
- ช่วงนี้อากาศร้อนขึ้นทุกวัน
Lately, the weather is getting hotter every day.
Word by Word: Period this weather hot up every day
The weather is compared to previous days, showing an increase in heat.
- คุณสวยขึ้นนะ
You’ve gotten more beautiful!
Word by Word: You beautiful up [softener]
A very common compliment used when you haven't seen someone for a while.
- เขาสูงขึ้นเร็วมาก
He is growing taller very fast.
Word by Word: He tall up fast very
Used to describe physical growth in height.
- ราคาแพงขึ้น
The price is getting more expensive.
Word by Word: Price expensive up
Indicates an increase in the cost of an item.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'khuen' with 'gwàa' for general comparisons.
เขาสูงขึ้นฉันเขาสูงกว่าฉันIf you are comparing two different people, use 'กว่า'. Use 'ขึ้น' only to say someone is taller than they used to be.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'Adjective + ขึ้น', you first need to know that Thai adjectives act like verbs and don't require a separate 'to be'. You also need to understand the concept of directional modifiers, as 'ขึ้น' (meaning 'up') is used here metaphorically to show an increase or improvement in a quality.
- Adjectives Work As Verbs
In Thai, adjectives function like verbs and can be modified directly by particles without needing a 'to be' verb.
Level 1 - Verb + ไป / มาDirection After the Verb
Understanding how directional verbs (like 'up', 'down', 'go', 'come') function as post-verbal modifiers is essential for grasping how 'ขึ้น' (up) indicates a change in state.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Adjective + ลงGetting Less
The direct opposite pattern, used for qualities that are decreasing or 'getting less'.
Level 2 - กว่าMore than
Used to compare two different entities (A is more than B) rather than a change over time.
Level 2 - มากVery
Often added after 'ขึ้น' (as 'ขึ้นมาก') to emphasize that the change is significant.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Adjective + ขึ้น in Bubblegum
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