Learning how to say the time in Thailand is essential for effective communication, whether you are traveling, conducting business, or simply interacting with locals. Thai language has specific phrases and expressions for telling time, and it’s important to understand both formal and informal variations to adapt your speech to different situations. This guide will take you through various ways of expressing time, including tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways:
1. Standard Time Format:
The formal way to communicate time in Thailand follows a similar format to English. For example, to say 9:30 AM, you would say “9:30 bai” (บ่าย). The word “bai” translates to “in the morning” in English. Similarly, for 3:45 PM, you would say “3:45 yam” (ย่าม). “Yam” translates to “in the afternoon” in English.
2. Specific Hour Phrases:
Thai language also offers specific hour phrases for telling time. Here are a few common examples:
- Rong mueang bai: 6 AM (literally “start of the morning”)
- Kae bai: Noon (literally “half-day”)
- Rong pohm bai: 6 PM (literally “start of the evening”)
- Mueang dtem yam: Midnight (literally “change to the next day”)
3. Using “Kee” for Exact Minutes:
When expressing the exact minutes within an hour, Thais use the word “kee.” For instance, to say 8:05 AM, you would say “8:05 bai kee haa” (บ่ายแปดโมงห้านาที). The phrase “kee haa” means “five minutes” in English.
4. Phrases for Quarter Hours:
Thais also have specific phrases for the quarter-hour intervals. Here are a couple of examples:
- Bai maay: :15 (literally “one-quarter”)
- Bai sip: :30 (literally “half-hour”)
Informal Ways:
In informal settings, Thais often use simpler phrases to communicate the time. Here are some examples:
1. Hour + Bai:
Thais commonly express time by stating the hour followed by “bai.” For example, to say 2:00 PM, you would simply say “song bai” (สองบ่าย). To say 10:00 AM, you would say “sip bai” (สิบบ่าย). This method is straightforward and widely understood by locals.
2. Half Past and Quarter Past:
In informal contexts, Thais typically say the time in an approximate manner using half past and quarter past expressions. Here are a few examples:
- Bai nueng leow: 1:30 PM (literally “half past one”)
- Bai sip moey: 11:15 AM (literally “quarter past eleven”)
Regional Variations:
While the above expressions are commonly used throughout Thailand, it’s important to note that some regional variations exist. For instance, in the Southern region, Thais often use the word “ohn” (อ่อน) instead of “bai” to refer to the 6 AM time period. Similarly, in the Northeastern region, locals use the term “han” (ห่าน) instead of “bai” to refer to the 6 AM time period.
Note: The above variations may not be widely recognized outside of their respective regions, so it is generally advisable to stick to the standard time format or the informal expressions when communicating across different areas of Thailand.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say the time in Thailand is a valuable skill for anyone visiting or living in the country. Whether using the formal standard time format or the informal hour-based expressions, incorporating these phrases into your language repertoire will greatly enhance your communication abilities. Remember to consider the regional variations mentioned if you find yourself in specific parts of Thailand. With practice and familiarity, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable when discussing time-related matters in Thai.
