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เก่า — meaning in English: old

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

Guess the translation for old
ความมั่นใจ
khwām man chai
อิสรภาพ
ìt-sà-rá-phâap
ใหญ่
yai
เก่า
kāo
ในที่สุด
nai thi sut
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word เก่า (kāo) when describing items that have historical significance, such as antiques or traditional clothing. It can also be used in everyday conversation to refer to an old building or a long-time friend, highlighting both physical age and familiarity.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'โบราณ' (borān), which means 'ancient' and often refers to something significantly older or of cultural heritage. You would choose เก่า (kāo) for everyday use when describing things that are simply old, whileโบราณ (borān) is more reserved for items that hold historical importance.
Culture
The word เก่า (kāo) is deeply embedded in Thai culture, often reflecting respect for the past. In Thai society, old things are sometimes viewed as valuable due to their historical context, which can evoke nostalgia and appreciation for traditions that have been passed down through generations. Interestingly, the concept of 'old' in Thai can also relate to wisdom and experience, making it a term that carries both weight and affection.
FAQ
Q.What does เก่า mean in English?
เก่า (kāo) translates to 'old' in English, referring to something that has existed for a long time or is not new.
Q.How do you use เก่า in a sentence?
You can use เก่า (kāo) in sentences like 'บ้านนี้เก่ามาก' (This house is very old) or 'เพื่อนเก่าของฉัน' (My old friend) to describe age or familiarity.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with using เก่า?
A common mistake is using เก่า (kāo) to imply disrepair; however, it simply denotes age. Ensure context clarifies whether you're discussing age or condition.
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Thai Vocabulary