Gaining familiarity with how to express time in a foreign language is a useful skill, especially when traveling or communicating with Thai friends. In Thailand, as in many other countries, there are formal and informal ways of telling time. Understanding the Thai time system will enable you to arrange meetings, catch appointments, and generally stay organized during your stay. This guide aims to provide you with extensive knowledge on how to say Thai time, including both formal and informal expressions. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
1. กี่โมง (gi mohng) – What time?
When you want to ask someone about the time in a formal setting, this is the most common phrase to use. It is similar to saying “What time is it?” in English. You can follow it up with the specific time you are trying to ask about.
Example: กี่โมงแล้วครับ (gi mohng laew khrap) – What time is it now, sir?
2. เวลา (wela) – Time
This is a general term for time in Thai, often used in formal discussions or statements about time. When combined with numbers, it becomes a way to express specific hours and minutes.
Example: เวลาห้าโมงเช้า (wela hâa mohng cháao) – Five o’clock in the morning.
3. โมง (mohng) – O’clock
When mentioning an exact hour, โมง is commonly added at the end of the number. This is the formal expression used in conversations and appointments.
Example: เจอกันเวลาหกโมงเย็น (jer gan wela hòk mohng yen) – Let’s meet at six o’clock in the evening.
4. นาฬิกา (naa-li-gaa) – Clock
When discussing time in a more detailed manner, especially when referring to specific minutes, the term นาฬิกา is used. It is formal and can be used to mention specific times during conversations.
Example: ไล่งานครูใจรุ่นแรกออกเวลาเจ็ดโมงสิบนาทีเช้า (lài ngan khruu jai rûn raek òk wela jèt mohng sìp naa-tee cháao) – The first-class teacher finishes work at seven ten in the morning.
Informal Expressions:
1. กี่โมงแล้ว (gi mohng laew) – What time is it now?
In casual situations, you can drop the formal particles and simply ask “กี่โมงแล้ว?” This expression is widely used among friends and acquaintances.
Example: กี่โมงแล้ว? โปรดทราบหน่อย (gi mohng laew? problá sàap nòi) – What time is it now? Can you please let me know?
2. ตอนนี้ (dtawn née) – Now
To swiftly refer to the current time in an informal way, use the word ตอนนี้, which means “now” in Thai.
Example: ร้านอาหารเปิดตอนนี้ (ráan aa-hăan bpèrt dtawn née) – The restaurant is open now.
3. สองครึ่ง (sŏng khrêung) – Half past
Informally, Thais often use “half past” to indicate thirty minutes past the hour. Simply say the number followed by ครึ่ง (khrêung).
Example: สองครึ่งบ่าย (sŏng khrêung bài) – Half past two in the afternoon.
Using Time Markers:
Thai language offers different time markers to specify time ranges. These markers add context to your conversations. Here are some common time markers:
- เช้า (cháao) – Morning: Typically from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- บ่าย (bài) – Afternoon: Typically from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- เย็น (yen) – Evening: Typically from 6 p.m. to midnight.
- ดึก (dèuk) – Night: Typically from midnight to 6 a.m.
By combining these markers with the numbers, you can convey the time more accurately.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed this comprehensive guide on how to say Thai time. Now you understand both the formal and informal expressions for indicating time in Thai, as well as the usage of time markers to add context. With this knowledge, you can confidently plan your activities, schedule appointments, and engage in conversations regarding time in Thailand. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases in real-life situations to become even more proficient. Enjoy your Thai learning journey, and have a wonderful time exploring the vibrant culture of Thailand!
