One area of confusion when learning Thai is knowing which type of the verb “to know” to use. There are two distinct “know” words in Thai that have a similar meaning but are used differently.
Let’s start with the difference between the words rúu (รู้) and rúu-jàk (รู้จัก). Simply put, the word rúu (รู้) is used when referring to something that is knowledge. For instance, you know how to speak Thai. The word rúu-jàk (รู้จัก), however, refers to knowing the existence of something. For instance, knowing of the existence of the Thai language. So basically you could say you rúu-jàk (รู้จัก) the Thai language but you don’t (yet!) rúu (รู้) the Thai language. English doesn’t have this distinction as English only uses the word “know” and infers its meaning from the context of the sentence. Here are some examples:
How to use the word: รู้ rúu + information/clause
Sentence structure: รู้ rúu + ว่า wâa (that) + information (a sentence)
Example sentence 1:
chǎn rúu wâa khǎw mâi chɔ̂ɔp tham gaan-bâan
ฉันรู้ว่าเขาไม่ชอบทำการบ้าน
I know that he doesn’t like to do homework.
Example sentence 2:
phǒm rúu wâa thəə chɔ̂ɔp gin aa-hǎan thá-lee
ผมรู้ว่าเธอชอบกินอาหารทะเล
I know that she likes to eat seafood.
How to use the word: รู้จัก rúu-jàk + people/place/things
Sentence structure: รู้จัก rúu-jàk + noun
Example sentence 1:
phǒm rúu-jàk khruu Tangkwa
ผมรู้จักครูแตงกวา
I know teacher Tangkwa.
Example sentence 2:
khun rúu-jàk khâaw-nǐaw-má-mûaŋ mái?
คุณรู้จักข้าวเหนียวมะม่วงไหม
Do you know the Thai sweet sticky rice with mango? (Thai dessert)
SO, these words of mine are something you should try to remember.