Example 2
Let’s go with another example,
“Do you want to go to university today?”
The ‘perfect’ book translation would be,
คุณอยากไปเรียนที่มหาวิทยาลัยไหมครับ?
There are many issues with this sentence: it’s too long, too many syllables, way overly redundant, too polite, no slang, etc.
First, we all know who the speaker is talking to because the speaker is looking at the listener (because if the speaker was looking at the wall, we’d question his/her sanity). So let’s get rid of ‘you’ from the sentence:
อยากไปเรียนที่มหาวิทยาลัยไหมครับ?
Next, there is that really annoying word for ‘university’ – waayyyy too many syllables. Let’s shorten it to get:
อยากไปเรียนที่มหาลัยไหมครับ?
(note that มหาลัย is slang for มหาวิทยาลัย)
Beyond learning, there isn’t much else to do at the university. If it’s obvious why you are going, why say it? We also know that a university is a place, so no need to say ที่.
อยากไปมหาลัยไหมครับ?
The ending of this sentence is way too polite. You’re just asking your friend this question, so make it easier and say:
อยากไปมหาลัยป่าว?
(note that ป่าว is shortened slang for หรือเปล่า, which is a less polite way of saying ไหมครับ)
Given that I’m presenting a question, do you want to go to the university, the ‘want’ part is obvious. Why else would I be asking you about going? Get rid of อยาก; it’s redundant.
ไปมหาลัยป่าว?
Let’s say it’s obvious, through context, that we are referring to the university. Perhaps the last sentence or two already brought it up. Why repeat it? Just ask,
ไปป่าว?
Example 3
In this example, you’ll be tested on why each sentence is shortened. In each line I’ll modify the sentence, and you must explain why. Check the bottom of this page for answers.
What are you doing right now?
ตอนนี้คุณทำอะไรอยู่นะคะ?
1. คุณทำอะไรอยู่นะคะ?
2. ทำอะไรอยู่นะคะ?
3. ทำอะไรอยู่?
4. ทำอะไร?
5. ทำไร?
1. It’s clear she means ‘right now’, and not at any other time.
2. She is speaking to you, so it’s obvious she means ‘you’.
3. As a friend, she doesn’t need to be super polite.
4. อยู่ is superfluous, removed for the same reason as #1
5. ไร is shortened slang for อะไร
