Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| บัดนี้ | bàt-níi | /bat̚˨˩.niː˦˥/ |
| เดี๋ยวนี้ | dǐao-níi | /dia̯w˩˩˦.niː˦˥/ |
Both terms express the concept of the present time, but they are used in very different contexts. เดี๋ยวนี้ is the standard way to express that something is happening at this present time in everyday speech, while บัดนี้ and the related term ขณะนี้ are used to denote the present moment in more structured or serious settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word เดี๋ยวนี้ is a combination of เดี๋ยว, meaning a moment or briefly and นี้, meaning this. Literally, it means "this moment."
Which one should you use?
เดี๋ยวนี้ is the common, standard way to say "now" in everyday conversation. In contrast, บัดนี้ is reserved for formal or literary contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
บัดนี้ is a highly formal term found in official announcements, legal documents or literature. Using it in a casual chat would sound unnatural. เดี๋ยวนี้ is the appropriate choice for informal and standard daily communication.
How do you pronounce it?
The two-syllable word บัดนี้ is pronounced as bàt-níi.
Did you know?
- While เดี๋ยวนี้ means 'now', it can also function as an impatient command meaning 'Right now!' if spoken with a sharp tone.
- While บัดนี้ is used for formal announcements, it often appears in the royal vocabulary used when speaking about the Thai monarchy.
- The word บัด in บัดนี้ shares its linguistic roots with the Lao word ບັດ, meaning an 'occasion' or 'time'.
Examples in context
- คุณต้องไปเดี๋ยวนี้You need to go now.This sentence shows how to use เดี๋ยวนี้ to express urgency or an immediate requirement.Tatoeba #10335896 by Somsak, translation #2954636 by CK
- ของเราอยู่ที่โต๊ะตอนนี้Our belongings are on the table now.
- ขณะนี้เรามีทรัพยากรจำนวนมากWe have a large amount of resources at the moment.
- ต้องไปทำงานตอนนี้แล้วHave to go to work now.
- ฉันพร้อมที่จะสนุกตอนนี้แล้วI am ready to have fun now.
Example conversation
A formal meeting regarding a national policy.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritบัดนี้ถึงเวลาเริ่มการประชุมแล้วbatni thueng wela roem kan prachum laeoNow it is time to begin the meeting.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinดิฉันพร้อมสำหรับการประชุมค่ะdichan phrom samrap kan prachum khaI am ready for the meeting.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritขอบคุณที่คุณเตรียมตัวมาอย่างดีkhop khun thi khun triam tua ma yang diThank you for preparing yourself well.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinยินดีค่ะท่านประธานyindi kha than prathanIt is my pleasure, Mr. Chairman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries บัดนี้, เดี๋ยวนี้, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries บัดนี้, เดี๋ยวนี้, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
