Language/Thai/Vocabulary/Time-Expressions

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Thai → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Daily Activities → Time Expressions

Introduction: Welcome to the lesson on Time Expressions in Thai! In this lesson, we will learn how to tell time and talk about schedules in Thai. Understanding time expressions is crucial for effective communication, as it allows us to plan our activities and coordinate with others. We will explore various vocabulary related to time expressions, practice using them in sentences, and delve into the cultural significance of time in Thai society.

Thai Time System

Before we dive into time expressions, let's understand the Thai time system. Like many other countries, Thailand uses a 24-hour clock system. However, it is common for Thais to use both the 24-hour system and the 12-hour system, especially in informal situations. The 24-hour system is more commonly used in written form and official settings, while the 12-hour system is often used in spoken language and casual conversations. It's important to be familiar with both systems to effectively communicate in Thai.

Telling Time in Thai

To tell time in Thai, we use the word "โมง" (mohng) to indicate o'clock. For example, "2 o'clock" is "๒ โมง" (song mohng). To indicate minutes, we use the word "นาที" (naa thee). For example, "10 minutes past 2" is "๒ โมง สิบ นาที" (song mohng sip naa thee). In addition to these basic phrases, there are other time expressions that we will explore in the following sections.

Basic Time Expressions

Let's start with some basic time expressions that you can use in everyday conversations.

Morning

In Thai, the morning is referred to as "เช้า" (cháo). Here are some examples of how to express time in the morning:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เจ็ดโมง	jèt mohng	7 o'clock
แปดโมงครึ่ง	bpàet mohng khrêung	8:30
สิบโมงเช้า	sìp mohng cháo	10 o'clock in the morning

Afternoon

The afternoon is referred to as "บ่าย" (bàai) in Thai. Here are some examples of how to express time in the afternoon:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
หนึ่งโมงบ่าย	nèung mohng bàai	1 o'clock in the afternoon
สามโมงครึ่ง	săam mohng khrêung	3:30
ห้าโมงเย็น	hâa mohng yen	5 o'clock in the evening

Evening and Night

The evening and night are referred to as "เย็น" (yen) and "ค่ำ" (kâm) respectively in Thai. Here are some examples of how to express time in the evening and night:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
หกโมงเย็น	hòk mohng yen	6 o'clock in the evening
เก้าโมง	gâo mohng	9 o'clock
สิบสองโมงครึ่งค่ำ	sìp sŏng mohng khrêung kâm	12:30 at night

More Time Expressions

Now that we have covered the basic time expressions, let's explore some more specific time-related vocabulary.

Minutes

To express minutes in Thai, we use the word "นาที" (naa thee). Here are some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
สิบนาที	sìp naa thee	10 minutes
ยี่สิบนาที	yîi sìp naa thee	20 minutes
สามสิบนาที	săam sìp naa thee	30 minutes

Hours and Minutes

To express time with both hours and minutes, we use the word "นาฬิกา" (naa lí gaa). Here are some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
สองนาฬิกา	sŏng naa lí gaa	2 hours
สามนาฬิกาครึ่ง	săam naa lí gaa khrêung	3 and a half hours
ห้านาฬิกาสิบ	hâa naa lí gaa sìp	5 hours and 10 minutes

Asking for Time

To ask for the time in Thai, you can use the following phrases:

• "กี่โมงแล้ว" (gìi mohng láew) - What time is it?
• "ถามเวลาหน่อยได้ไหม" (thaam wêe laa nòi dâi măi) - Can I ask for the time?

Cultural Significance of Time in Thai Society

In Thai culture, time is viewed differently compared to some Western cultures. Punctuality is highly valued in Thai society, especially in formal and business settings. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or meetings. Arriving a few minutes early is seen as a sign of respect and professionalism.

In addition to punctuality, there are specific time-related customs that are unique to Thai culture. For example, Thais have a concept called "สองเวลา" (sŏng wêe laa), which translates to "two times." This refers to the Thai practice of dividing the day into morning and afternoon/evening sessions. It is common for businesses, schools, and government offices to close for a few hours during the afternoon for a break or nap time. This custom reflects the Thai value of work-life balance and relaxation.

Practice Exercise:

Now it's time to practice what you have learned! Translate the following sentences from English to Thai:

1. It's 8:45 in the morning. 2. What time is it? 3. I have a meeting at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 4. Can I ask for the time? 5. My flight is at 7:30 in the evening.

Solutions: 1. เป็นเวลา แปดโมงสี่สิบห้านาทีเช้า 2. กี่โมงแล้ว 3. ผมมีการประชุมเวลาสองโมงบ่าย 4. ถามเวลาหน่อยได้ไหม 5. เที่ยวบินของฉันเวลาเจ็ดโมงครึ่งเย็น

Congratulations! You've completed the lesson on Time Expressions in Thai. You can now confidently tell time and talk about schedules in Thai. Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary to become even more fluent in Thai!

Table of Contents - Thai Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Basic Greetings & Introductions

• Saying Hello
• Asking for Name and Nationality
• Introducing Family Members

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject and Verb
• Negative Sentences
• Questions
• Adjectives

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Numbers 1-10
• Numbers 11-100
• Ordinal Numbers
• Telephone Numbers

  ---

Present Tense Verbs

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Verb 'To Be'

  ---

Thai Culture and Customs

• Thai Greetings
• Thai Food and Dining Etiquette
• Thai Festivals

  ---

Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Time Expressions
• Days of the Week and Months

  ---

Adverbs

• Adverbs of Time
• Adverbs of Frequency
• Adverbs of Manner
• Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

  ---

Colors

• Basic Colors
• Describing Colors
• Fruit and Vegetables

  ---

Pronouns

• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Thai Geography and Places

• Thai Provinces and Capitals
• Tourist Attractions in Thailand

  ---

Animals

• Common Animals
• Pet Animals
• Wild Animals

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Prepositions

• Basic Prepositions
• Prepositions of Movement

Sources

• Thai lessons: Time expressions
• Thai Language Lessons and Examples - speak like a local
• Time Concepts in Thai Language | Learn Thai Style

Other Lessons

• Basic Colors
• How to say I
• Fruits
• Thai Proverbs
• Common Animals
• How to say “to know” in Thai
• List of nouns
• Typing Thai
• Numbers 1 10
• Count from 1 to 10

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