ได้แก่
Namely
ได้แก่ introduces named items, with translations such as “namely.” The complete statement tells us which set is intended and whether all of it is being listed.
How It Works
1. Name The Items
ได้แก่ connects a preceding category or description with the items being named. The Four Noble Truths sentence names four members. The necessities sentence names food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.
2. Read The Scope Of The List
If a statement promises four items, a clear list supplies those four. That expectation comes from the whole statement. Do not treat ได้แก่ alone as proof that every member of a category has been named. Compare เช่น introducing examples.
3. One Named Person
ผู้ชนะเลิศได้แก่ นายสมชาย รักดี identifies a person as the winner in this illustrative sentence. It practises naming one referent, rather than a rule that the connector needs several items.
4. Writing The List
The Royal Society spacing guidance places spaces around ได้แก่ in a sentence introducing a list. Its examples also separate listed items for reading clarity. Follow the full writing pattern rather than joining every boundary together.
5. Compare A Definition
คือ can identify or define something. Read its complete examples beside these naming lists; the English translations do not establish unrestricted interchangeability.
Examples (3)
- อริยสัจ ๔ ได้แก่ ทุกข์ สมุทัย นิโรธ มรรค
The Four Noble Truths consist of Suffering, the Cause, Cessation, and the Path.
Word by Word: Noble Truth 4 namely Suffering Cause Cessation Path
The sentence names the four members of the Four Noble Truths after ได้แก่. It is an example of a numbered set.
- ผู้ชนะเลิศได้แก่ นายสมชาย รักดี
The winner is Mr. Somchai Rakdee.
Word by Word: Person win first namely Mr. Somchai Rakdee
ได้แก่ identifies the announced winner. It can introduce one named person, rather than requiring a multi-item list.
- ปัจจัยสี่ได้แก่ อาหาร ที่อยู่อาศัย เครื่องนุ่งห่ม และยารักษาโรค
The four necessities consist of food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.
Word by Word: Factor four namely food place live clothing and medicine
The four necessities are named after ได้แก่. This teaches the list construction; the spacing helps distinguish the named items.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand ได้แก่, you should first be comfortable with the basic 'to be' verb คือ (equals) and the formal conjunction และ (and). ได้แก่ acts like a formal 'namely' or 'consisting of' to list all members of a specific group.
- คือTo Be — Equals
ได้แก่ functions as a formal version of the equative verb คือ, used specifically for exhaustive listing.
Level 1 - และAnd — Formal Link
ได้แก่ is used to introduce a list of items, which are typically joined by the formal conjunction และ (and).
Level 1 - Basic Word Order
Understanding basic sentence structure is necessary to place ได้แก่ correctly between the category (subject) and its components (objects).
Level 1
Related Patterns
- เช่นSuch as
Compare เช่น introducing examples with ได้แก่ introducing the items being named; read list completeness from the whole statement.
Level 3 - อาทิSuch as — Formal
A formal version of 'such as' used for non-exhaustive lists in high-register writing.
Level 5 - เป็นต้นAnd So on
เป็นต้น indicates continuation. Omit an open-ended closer when the intended statement gives one complete specified list.
Level 3 - กล่าวคือThat Is to Say
A formal connector meaning 'that is to say,' used to expand on or clarify a previous statement.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice ได้แก่ in Bubblegum
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