Each Thai term is followed by its RTGS romanization. Where a recording is available, select its speaker button to listen.
Two titles you will hear at school
ครู (Khru) is the everyday Thai word for a schoolteacher. อาจารย์ (Achan) is commonly used for university teaching staff, and you will hear it in some schools too. Which title to use depends on the school and the person, so listen to how colleagues introduce themselves.
What does ครู (Khru) mean?
ครู (Khru) uses the RTGS spelling shown in parentheses. The learner spelling kruu also shows its long vowel. The initial consonant has a puff of air, called aspiration, and the vowel is long. The romanization guide explains why these two spellings use different letters for the same sound. In primary and secondary schools, students commonly address a teacher as ครู (Khru) followed by the teacher’s first name or nickname:
ครูแอน (Khru Aen)
A natural way for students to address a teacher named Ann.
You may also hear คุณครู (Khun Khru) , a polite form meaning “teacher.” When a student addresses a teacher, this is more usual than คุณ (Khun) alone, which can mean “you.” Between adults, the appropriate title depends on the relationship.
What does อาจารย์ (Achan) mean?
อาจารย์ (Achan) is also commonly written Ajarn. Listen to the recording for its pronunciation. You will hear it used for university lecturers and professors. Outside universities, it may show respect for a senior educator, specialist instructor, religious teacher, or acknowledged expert.
อาจารย์ (Achan) is a form of address, not proof that someone holds the academic rank of professor. It does not by itself indicate a doctorate or a particular number of years of experience.
Which title should a foreign teacher use?
- With schoolteachers: begin with ครู (Khru) if that is how staff and students address them.
- At a university: อาจารย์ (Achan) is usually the safer starting point for teaching staff.
- When introducing yourself: use the title your school assigns to you, often ครู (Khru) plus your first name or nickname.
- When unsure: ask ให้เรียกว่าอะไรดีคะ (Hai riak wa arai di kha) (“What should I call you?”), or follow your colleagues' example. The polite-particle guide explains the question ending used here.
Use the title people use for themselves
If a colleague introduces herself as ครู (Khru) plus her name, use that form. If the school uses อาจารย์ (Achan) for its teachers, follow that convention regardless of their age. First names without titles may be normal in some teams and too casual in others.
A staff directory or email signature can help you check a name after an introduction. For formal documents, use the person’s stated title and official name.