ช้า ๆ
cha cha
The Thai phrase for "slowly" is ช้า ๆ (cha cha).
ช้า ๆ is used to describe doing something at a slow pace. It is often used to suggest taking it easy or slowing down in a laid-back manner.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
The repetition of the word using the symbol ๆ (the Thai reduplication symbol) is used to emphasize the manner of the action or to indicate a continuous state of being slow.
How do you pronounce it?
cha cha
Did you know?
- The word ช้า can also be used to mean 'late' in certain contexts, meaning someone has arrived 'slowly' or behind schedule.
- In Thai culture, the concept of 'slow' expressed by ช้า is closely linked to สบาย สบาย, a philosophy of living with ease and without stress.
- In many Thai contexts, adding the reduplication symbol doesn't just mean 'slow', it can soften the command to make it sound more polite or gentle.
Examples in context
- เดินช้า ๆWalk slowly.This sentence is useful for practicing how to tell someone to walk slowly using ช้า ๆ.Tatoeba #8709474 by pastelite, translation #30117 by CK
- พูด ช้า ๆ หน่อยครับphut cha cha noi khrapPlease speak slowly.
- กิน ช้า ๆ ก็ได้kin cha cha ko daiYou can eat slowly.
Example conversation
A man is eating very quickly during a lunch break.
- ณิชา Nichaกิน ช้า ๆ หน่อยสิkin cha cha noi siEat slowly.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatผมรีบครับphom rip khrapI am in a hurry.
- ณิชา Nichaระวังสำลักนะrawang samlak naBe careful not to choke.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatขอบคุณครับkhop khun khrapThank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
