วัด
wát/wat̚˦˥/
The English word "temple" is translated into Thai as วัด (wát).
The term วัด refers specifically to a Buddhist temple.
Meaning: place holding a religious presence (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is wát. The IPA pronunciation is /wat̚˦˥/.
When do people say it?
In Thailand, a วัด is more than just a place of worship. It also serves as a center for education and community activities.
Did you know?
- Because วัด means 'to measure', you will see this exact same spelling used in contexts like measuring height or weight.
- Historically, the word วัด is linked to the Sanskrit word vāṭa, which simply means 'enclosure'.
- The Thai term วัด is a cognate with the Lao word ວັດ (wat), reflecting the shared linguistic and religious heritage of the two nations.
Examples in context
- วัดนี้สวยมากwat ni suai makThis temple is very beautiful.
- ฉันไปวัดทุกวันพระchan pai wat thuk wan phraI go to the temple every Buddhist holy day.
- เราจะไปทำบุญที่วัดกันrao cha pai tham bun thi wat kanWe are going to make merit at the temple.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning their weekend activities.
- พิมล Pimonวันอาทิตย์นี้คุณอยากไปไหนไหมwan athit ni khun yak pai nai maiDo you want to go anywhere this Sunday?
- วิทวัส Witthawatผมอยากไปวัดครับphom yak pai wat khrapI want to go to the temple.
- พิมล Pimonดีค่ะ ไปวัดไหนกันดีdi kha pai wat nai kan diThat's good, which temple should we go to?
- วิทวัส Witthawatไปวัดแถวนี้ก็ได้ครับpai wat thaeo ni ko dai khrapWe can go to a temple around here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry วัด, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries วัด, CC BY-SA 4.0.
