I'm learning ไทย

เวลา — meaning in English: time

wela · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for time
เส้นทางแห่งชีวิต
sen thaang haeng chiwit
เวลา
wela
ส้ม
som
ตอนนี้
ton ni
ค้นหา
khon ha
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Thai for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word เวลา (wela) in daily conversations, such as when making plans with friends or discussing schedules at work. For example, someone might ask 'คุณจะมาที่นี่เวลาไหน?' which means 'What time will you come here?' during a casual meet-up.
Synonyms & nuances
While เวลา (wela) is the standard term for 'time', another word, ช่วงเวลา (chuang wela), specifically refers to a period or duration of time. Use เวลา when referring to specific points in time or schedules, and ช่วงเวลา when discussing spans of time.
Culture
The word เวลา (wela) has deep cultural significance in Thailand, where timekeeping reflects the nation’s blend of tradition and modernity. Interestingly, the concept of time is approached more fluidly in Thai culture, often prioritizing relationships over strict punctuality, which is a reflection of the country's communal values.
FAQ
Q.What is the pronunciation of เวลา in Thai?
The pronunciation of เวลา is 'wela', with a soft 'w' sound at the beginning. It's important to stress the second syllable, as this emphasizes the meaning correctly.
Q.How do I ask for the time in Thai?
To ask for the time in Thai, you can say 'ตอนนี้กี่โมง?' which translates to 'What time is it now?' This is a common and practical phrase to know when you’re in Thailand.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word เวลา?
A common mistake is to use เวลา in contexts that require duration instead of a specific time. Be sure to use ช่วงเวลา when referring to a longer period to avoid confusion.
Learn thai with Maspeak →
Thai Vocabulary