พักผ่อน
pák-pɔ̀n/pʰak̚˦˥.pʰɔn˨˩/
The Thai word for rest, meaning relief from exertion or a state of quiet and relaxation, is พักผ่อน (pák-pɔ̀n).
พักผ่อน describes general relaxation or recuperation, such as resting after work, taking it easy on a day off or getting enough sleep.
Meaning: relief from exertion, state of quiet and recreation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word joins พัก (pák), to pause or stay and ผ่อน (pɔ̀n), to relax or ease up.
Which one should you use?
พักผ่อน is rest in the general, longer sense. The short form พัก on its own is used for a temporary break, such as a pause during a game or a short rest during an activity.
How does it change in a sentence?
พักผ่อน does not change form for past or future. Thai shows the time with separate time words added to the sentence instead.
How do you pronounce it?
พักผ่อน is said pák-pɔ̀n, /pʰak̚˦˥.pʰɔn˨˩/, in two syllables. The first has a high tone and the second a low tone.
When do people say it?
Women often add the polite word ค่ะ at the end of a sentence, for example when telling someone to get some rest, to sound polite.
Did you know?
- The word ผ่อน is used both for relaxing your mind and for paying off a loan in installments. Both meanings stem from the idea of 'easing' or 'slackening' a heavy burden.
- Thai uses a four-word phrase พักผ่อนหย่อนใจ to describe leisure that specifically refreshes the spirit. This literally adds the concept of 'loosening' the mind to the act of resting.
- The word พัก is used both as a verb meaning 'to pause' and as a noun meaning 'lodging' in the phrase ที่พัก. This creates a direct linguistic link between the action of resting and the physical place of stay.
Examples in context
- ผมต้องการพักเพราะผมเหนื่อยมากI need to rest because I am very tired.
- เราจะทำการประชุมนาน 12 ชั่วโมง แล้วหยุดสักครู่We will have a meeting for 12 hours and then take a short rest.
- พักหน่อยค่ะPlease rest
- เราควรพักผ่อนบ้างนะrao khuan phak-phon bang naWe should get some rest.
- วันหยุดนี้ฉันจะพักผ่อนที่บ้านwan yut ni chan cha phak-phon thi banI will rest at home this holiday.
- การพักผ่อนเป็นเรื่องสำคัญมากkan phak-phon pen rueang sam-khan makResting is very important.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a tiring work week.
- วิทวัส Witthawatอาทิตย์นี้คุณดูเหนื่อยมากเลยนะatit ni khun du nueai mak loei naYou look very tired this week.
- พิมล Pimonใช่ค่ะ ฉันอยากพักผ่อนจริงๆchai kha chan yak phak-phon ching chingYes, I really want to rest.
- วิทวัส Witthawatงั้นคุณควรหาเวลาพักผ่อนบ้างngan khun khuan ha wela phak-phon bangThen you should find some time to rest.
- พิมล Pimonขอบคุณที่เป็นห่วงนะคะkhop khun thi pen huang na khaThank you for your concern.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry พักผ่อน, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
