Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “yesterday” in Thai! Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about Thai culture, learning how to express the concept of “yesterday” in different social contexts is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to say “yesterday” in Thai, with various tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Formal Way to Say “Yesterday” in Thai
When engaging in formal conversations or addressing people you are not familiar with, it’s important to use polite language in Thai. To say “yesterday” formally, you would use the term “เมื่อวาน” (mʉ̂a-waan). This is the most widely accepted and respectful term for “yesterday” in Thai. Let’s look at an example:
เมื่อวานผมไปเยี่ยมเพื่อนในโรงพยาบาล
(Mʉ̂a-waan phǒm bpai yiiam pheuuan nai rong-pha-yaa-baan)
Yesterday, I visited a friend at the hospital.
Remember to use this term when conversing with superiors, elders, or during formal events to show proper respect.
The Informal Way to Say “Yesterday” in Thai
In informal settings, such as conversations with friends, family, or peers, Thai speakers often use the term “เมื่อวานนี้” (mʉ̂a-waan-níi) to refer to “yesterday”. This term is less formal and more commonly used in everyday situations. Take a look at the following example:
เมื่อวานนี้ฉันไปเที่ยวที่ชายหาด
(Mʉ̂a-waan-níi chǎn bpai thīao thîi chaai-hàat)
Yesterday, I went to the beach.
Using “เมื่อวานนี้” displays a friendly and relaxed tone, suitable for casual conversations among friends or acquaintances.
Key Tips and Regional Variations
While the above terms are generally well understood in Thailand, it’s worth noting that there might be slight regional variations in the way “yesterday” is expressed. Here are some helpful tips and additional terms you may come across:
1. Regional Variations
In some parts of Thailand, particularly in Northern Thailand, you might hear the term “เมื่อวานวัน” (mʉ̂a-waan-wan) used instead of the more common “เมื่อวาน”. This variation simply adds the word “day” (วัน, wan) at the end for emphasis:
เมื่อวานวันผมไปดูภาพยนตร์
(Mʉ̂a-waan-wan phǒm bpai duu phaap-ya-naa)
Yesterday, I went to watch a movie.
While this variation is not as prevalent, it’s good to be aware of it, especially if you find yourself in Northern Thailand.
2. Additional Terms
Here are a few more phrases related to “yesterday” that you might find useful:
- “เมื่อวานคืน” (mʉ̂a-waan kʉ̂ean) – This term specifically means “yesterday evening” and is commonly used when referring to events occurring during the previous night.
- “เมื่อวานซืน” (mʉ̂a-waan-sʉ̂en) – Similar to the previous term, this phrase specifically refers to “yesterday night” or the night that just passed.
In Conclusion
Learning how to say “yesterday” in Thai is an important step in your Thai language journey. By using formal and informal terms appropriately, you can navigate various social contexts with ease. Remember the formal term “เมื่อวาน” (mʉ̂a-waan) for respectful conversations, while the informal term “เมื่อวานนี้” (mʉ̂a-waan-níi) is suitable for casual interactions. Be aware of regional variations like “เมื่อวานวัน” (mʉ̂a-waan-wan) in Northern Thailand, and consider using more specific terms like “เมื่อวานคืน” (mʉ̂a-waan kʉ̂ean) for events occurring yesterday evening. Practice using these terms in different situations to enhance your language skills and connect meaningfully with Thai speakers. Happy learning!
