In Thai language, it is essential to be familiar with various words and phrases to effectively communicate. One of the most commonly used words is “before.” In this guide, we will explore different ways of saying “before” in Thai, including both formal and informal variations. While there are regional differences in the Thai language, we will focus on standard Thai in this guide.
Formal Ways of Saying “Before” in Thai
1. ก่อน (gàawn): This is the most common and versatile word used to express “before” in formal Thai. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as indicating a time or event that precedes another. For example:
เขามาก่อนฉัน (khǎo maa gàawn chǎn) – He came before me.
ของก่อน (kǎawng gàawn) – First.
ก่อนเดินทาง (gàawn dern thāang) – Before the trip.
2. ก่อนที่ (gàawn thîi): This phrase is used when referring to a point in time “before” another specific event. For instance:
ก่อนที่เราจะไปทะเล (gàawn thîi rao jà bpai talay) – Before we go to the beach.
ก่อนที่ฤดูกาลจะสิ้นสุด (gàawn thîi rídūukaan jà sǐn sùt) – Before the season ends.
Informal Ways of Saying “Before” in Thai
1. ก่อนหน้า (gàawn nâa): This informal expression is often used to convey “before” as a modifier of time. It is commonly used in daily conversations and can be easily incorporated. Examples include:
ไปโรงเรียนก่อนหน้านี้ (bpai rongriian gàawn nâa níi) – Go to school before this.
ก่อนหน้าอาหาร (gàawn nâa aa-hǎan) – Before a meal.
2. เมื่อก่อน (mêua gàawn): This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations, often referring to a point in time that occurred earlier. Some examples are:
เขาทำมันเมื่อก่อน (khǎo tham man mêua gàawn) – He did it before (in the past).
เมื่อก่อนตอนเดียวกัน (mêua gàawn dtaawn diao kan) – Before at the same time.
Other Ways to Express “Before” in Thai
1. ก่อนหน้านี้ (gàawn nâa níi): This is another phrase commonly used to indicate “before.” It is usually used in the context of events or situations in daily life. For example:
ไปตลาดก่อนหน้านี้ (bpai talàat gàawn nâa níi) – Go to the market before this.
ก่อนหน้าที่เราไปเที่ยวทะเล (gàawn nâa thîi rao bpai thīao talay) – Before we go to the seaside.
2. มาก่อน (maa gàawn): This expression is often used to represent the idea of “coming before” or arriving ahead of someone or something. Examples include:
มาก่อนฉัน (maa gàawn chǎn) – Come before me.
มาก่อนเวลา (maa gàawn waeh-laa) – Come before the time.
Tips for Using “Before” in Thai
1. Pay attention to the tone: Thai is a tonal language, so be mindful of the correct tone while pronouncing the word “before.”
2. Practice pronunciation: Before using these phrases in conversations, practice their pronunciation to ensure clarity and understanding.
3. Context matters: Consider the situation and context in which you want to use the word “before” and choose the appropriate phrase accordingly.
4. Listen and learn from natives: The best way to improve your understanding and usage of Thai phrases is by engaging with native speakers.
In Conclusion
The word “before” can be expressed in various ways in Thai, depending on the formality and context. Whether you opt for the formal “ก่อน (gàawn)” or the informal “ก่อนหน้า (gàawn nâa),” mastering these variations will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Thai. Remember to practice the pronunciation, be mindful of the correct tone, and continue expanding your knowledge by interacting with Thai speakers. Enjoy your Thai language journey!
