เร็ว
reo/rew˧/
The English word 'quick' can be translated into Thai as เร็ว (reo) or ไว.
Meaning: moving with speed (adj)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| เร็ว | reo | /rew˧/ |
| ไว | wai | /waj˧/ |
These words are used to describe moving with speed.
Which one should you use?
เร็ว is the most common way to describe speed and covers both 'fast' and 'quick'. In contrast, ไว often implies quickness in reaction, dexterity or a sense of being 'swift' rather than just high velocity.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'very quick', you can add the word มาก after the adjective, forming เร็วมาก. Additionally, repeating the word as เร็วๆ can turn the adjective into an adverb or an imperative meaning 'quickly' or 'hurry up'.
How do you pronounce it?
เร็ว is pronounced as reo (/rew˧/).
Did you know?
- The Thai word ไว is a cognate of the Middle Chinese word 快, which is also the ancestor of the Chinese word for 'fast' or 'happy'.
- The adjective ไว is frequently used in Thai to describe 'sensitive' skin or a 'quick' reaction to allergens.
- In some contexts, ไว can refer to something that happens 'too soon', such as a flower blooming prematurely.
Examples in context
- เราต้องการให้คุณทำงานรวดเร็วWe want you to work quickly.
- ขอให้คุณตอบกลับเร่งด่วนPlease respond quickly.
- มาเดินเร็วๆLet's walk quickly.
- เร็วมากนะ!Very quick!
- เขาขับรถเร็วมากkhao khap rot reo makHe drives very fast.
- วันนี้คุณทำงานเร็วดีwan ni khun tham ngan reo diYou worked quickly today.
- เดินเร็วๆ หน่อยdoen reo reo noiPlease walk faster.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a deadline at the office.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatงานนี้ต้องส่งเร็วที่สุดngan ni tong song rew thi sutThis work must be submitted as quickly as possible.
- พิมล Pimonฉันจะรีบทำตอนนี้เลยchan cha rip tham ton ni loeiI will hurry and do it right now.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatขอบคุณมากนะพิมลkhop khun mak na PhimonThank you very much, Phimon.
- พิมล Pimonไม่เป็นไรค่ะธีรภัทรmai pen rai kha ThiraphatYou're welcome, Thiraphat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quick” translations and entries เร็ว, ไว, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ไว, CC BY-SA 4.0.
