I'm learning
ไทย
ข้าม — meaning in English: cross
khām · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
cross
พ่อแม่
phɔ̂ɔ mɛ̂ɛ
อดทน
otthon
บอก
bòk
ข้าม
khām
สะดวก
saduak
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Thai for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use 'ข้าม' (khām) when giving directions, such as instructing someone to cross the street or a river. It's also common in everyday conversations when discussing overcoming obstacles or transitioning from one phase of life to another, such as moving to a new city.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'ข้ามผ่าน' (khām phāan), which also means to cross but carries a connotation of passing through something more substantial, like an experience or a challenge. 'ข้าม' is more commonly used in physical contexts, while 'ข้ามผ่าน' is often reserved for more abstract transitions.
Culture
'ข้าม' has its roots in the ancient Thai language, where it originally denoted the action of physically crossing a boundary, like a river or a border. This word reflects the Thai people's historical relationship with waterways, which were crucial for trade and transportation, making crossing them a significant part of daily life.
FAQ
