In Thai, we say “ถ้าไม่อย่างนั้น” [tâa mâi yàang nán] for “Otherwise,..” which literally means “If not so.” However, you are probably more likely to hear the shorter versions of the expression, which are “ถ้าไม่งั้น” [tâa mâi ngán] and the most commonly used term, “ไม่งั้น” [mâi ngán].

Examples:::

กินข้าวให้หมดก่อน ถ้าไม่อย่างนั้นแม่จะไม่ให้กินขนม
[gin kâao hâi mòt gàwn, tâa mâi yàang nán mâe jà mâi hâi gin kanǒm]
Finish your dish first. Otherwise, I won’t let you eat snack.

ฉันใส่คอนแทกเลนส์แม้กระทั่งเวลาอาบน้ำ ไม่งั้นมองไม่เห็นอะไรเลย
[chán sài contact lens máe gratâng welaa àabnáam, mâi ngán mawng mâi hěn arai loei]
I wear contact lens even when I’m taking a shower. Otherwise, I won’t be able to see anything.

พ่อ ซื้อการ์ตูนให้หน่อย ถ้าไม่งั้นผมจะไม่ไปโรงเรียน
[pâw séu cartoon hâi nòi, tâa mâi ngán phǒm jà mâi pai rong rian]
Dad, can buy me a comic book? If you don’t, I won’t go to school.

ขอนอนก่อนแป๊บนึงได้ไหม ไม่งั้นทำงานไปสักพักต้องหลับคาคอมแน่ๆ
[kǎw nawn gàwn páep neung dâi mái, mâi ngán tam ngaan pai sák pák tâwng làp kaa kom nàe nàe]
Can I take a nap first? Otherwise, I’ll definitely fall asleep at my desk after working for just a few minutes.

Find PickupThai's lessons helpful? Feel free to check out our self-developed Thai learning materials "PickupThai Podcast," humor-filled audio lessons based on fun stories that teach you to speak natural-sounding Thai the super fun way unlike any textbook. Learn REAL Thai with us and never sound like a foreigner again. Available for all levels. Try free samples now!