อะไรวะ
a-rai wa
The English phrase "wtf" can be translated into Thai as อะไรวะ (a-rai wa).
อะไรวะ is used to express shock, confusion or annoyance, functioning as an exclamatory question.
Meaning: What the fuck (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of อะไร (a-rai), meaning "what" and the particle วะ (wa), which adds an aggressive or informal tone.
Which one should you use?
While อะไรวะ expresses shock or annoyance, the phrase อะไรนะ (a-rai na) is a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The particle วะ makes this expression highly informal and it can be perceived as rude or aggressive depending on the tone used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Thai, this phrase functions as an exclamatory question and does not require a question mark in written Thai script.
How do you pronounce it?
a-rai wa
Did you know?
- While วะ is often seen as rude, it is actually a standard particle used among close male friends to signal intimacy and a lack of formality.
- If you use อะไรวะ with an elder or a superior, it is not just considered 'informal' but is viewed as a direct challenge to their authority or a sign of deep disrespect.
- In certain Thai dialects, the phonetic sound of วะ can be much more elongated, which can actually turn an expression of anger into an expression of pure disbelief.
Examples in context
- นี่มันอะไรวะni man arai waWhat the fuck is this?
- พูดอะไรวะนั่นphut arai wa nanWhat the fuck are you saying?
Example conversation
Witthawat and Sirin are looking at a broken computer screen.
- วิทวัส Witthawatหน้าจอมันเป็นอะไรวะna cho man pen arai waWhat the fuck is wrong with the screen?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinไม่รู้เหมือนกันค่ะmai ru muean kan khaI don't know either.
- วิทวัส Witthawatทำไมมันพังง่ายจังtham mai man phang ngai changWhy did it break so easily?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinน่าจะเพราะเราใช้งานหนักเกินไปค่ะna cha phro rao chai ngan nak koen pai khaIt's probably because we used it too much.
