หลงทาง
long thang
The English word "lost" (meaning unable to find one's way) is translated into Thai as หลงทาง (long thang).
หลงทาง is used to describe the state of being unable to find your way or losing your direction. It is specifically used for people who have lost their way, rather than for missing objects.
Meaning: unable to find one's way (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb หลง (long), meaning to be lost or to stray and the noun ทาง (thang), meaning way or path.
Which one should you use?
Use หลงทาง when referring to losing one's way or direction. Do not use it for missing objects or people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word หลง (long) can be used on its own to mean being lost or straying from a path, but adding ทาง (thang) makes the meaning specifically about losing one's way or direction.
How do you pronounce it?
long thang
Did you know?
- If you say you are 'lost in love', you might use a form of หลง (long) to describe being infatuated or 'distracted' by someone. This shows the word can transition from a literal mistake to a romantic sentiment.
- Because หลง (long) carries the sense of 'straying', using it for people can sometimes suggest they have wandered away from proper conduct or social norms, not just a physical location.
- If a pet goes missing, you cannot say the animal is หลงทาง (long thang). You must use หาย (haai) to describe the animal as having disappeared.
Examples in context
- คุณจะหลงทางYou'll get lost.Tatoeba #8720191 by pastelite, translation #323487 by CK
- พวกเราหลงทางWe're lost.Tatoeba #8703150 by pastelite, translation #2107354 by CK
- เขาหลงทางในเมืองHe got lost in the city.Tatoeba #8720094 by pastelite, translation #290637 by CK
- ขอโทษครับ ผมหลงทางI'm sorry, I am lost.
Example conversation
Witthawat and Sirin are walking in a large park.
- วิทวัส Witthawatสิรินทร์ ผมว่าเราหลงทางแล้วSirin, phom wa rao long thang laewSirin, I think we are lost.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinจริงด้วย ดูแผนที่สิคะching duai, du phaen thi si khaYou're right, look at the map.
- วิทวัส Witthawatผมหาทางออกไม่เจอphom ha thang ok mai choeI can't find the exit.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinลองถามเจ้าหน้าที่ดูค่ะlong tham chao na thi du khaLet's try asking an officer.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
