คำบอกกาลและลักษณะอาการ
Master how to indicate past, present, continuous, and future actions using helper words instead of verb conjugations.
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already / past marker
Placed at the end of a clause or immediately after a verb to indicate that an action is completed, a state has been reached, or a change has occurred. It functions similarly to 'already' or marks the perfective aspect in English.
กินข้าวเสร็จแล้วก็ออกไปทำงานได้เลยนะ
Once you've finished eating your meal, you can head out to work right away.
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in the process of / -ing
Placed directly before a verb to mark the progressive aspect, showing that an action is currently in progress. It is often paired with 'อยู่' at the end of the clause to reinforce the continuous nature of the action.
อย่าเพิ่งโทรมานะ ตอนนี้ฉันกำลังขับรถเข้ากรุงเทพฯ
Don't call me just yet; I'm currently driving into Bangkok.
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will / shall / going to
Placed immediately before a verb or another auxiliary verb to indicate future tense, intention, or a hypothetical action. It marks an event that has not yet occurred at the time of speaking.
พรุ่งนี้เย็นว่าจะไปลองร้านชาบูเปิดใหม่แถวสยาม
Tomorrow evening, I think I will go try that newly opened shabu place around Siam.
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did / had the chance to
When placed before a verb, it acts as a past time marker indicating that the subject had the opportunity to perform or successfully completed an action. It should not be confused with the post-verbal 'ได้', which indicates ability or permission.
ดีใจจังที่เมื่อวานได้เจอเธอที่งานคอนเสิร์ตโดยบังเอิญ
I'm so glad I got the chance to bump into you at the concert yesterday by chance.
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used to / have ever
Placed before a verb to express an action that the subject has experienced in the past or used to do habitually. In negative sentences with 'ไม่', it translates to 'never'.
ผมเคยไปเรียนต่อที่ญี่ปุ่นอยู่สองปี บรรยากาศดีมาก
I used to study abroad in Japan for two years; the atmosphere there was great.
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currently doing / -ing
Placed at the very end of a clause to indicate that an action is continuous or ongoing at a specific point in time. While its primary meaning is 'to stay/live', its grammatical role here serves as a continuous aspect marker.
รอแป๊บนึงนะ กำลังเคลียร์งานส่วนที่เหลืออยู่อีกนิดเดียว
Hold on a second, I'm just clearing up the last little bit of the remaining work.
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still / yet
Placed before a verb or adjective to show that a previous state or action is still continuing into the present time. In negative constructions like 'ยังไม่', it means 'not yet'.
สี่ทุ่มแล้วทำไมเธอยังไม่ยอมนอนอีก พรุ่งนี้ต้องตื่นเช้านะ
It's already 10 PM, why haven't you gone to sleep yet? You have to wake up early tomorrow.
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still continues to / remains
A more formal or emphatic combination of 'ยัง' and 'คง', placed before a verb to emphasize that a situation stubbornly remains unchanged despite expectations or the passage of time.
แม้ว่าเศรษฐกิจจะไม่ค่อยดี แต่ร้านนี้ก็ยังคงขายดีเหมือนเดิม
Even though the economy isn't doing very well, this shop still continues to sell well just like before.
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just / just recently
Placed right before a verb to indicate that an action was completed a very short time ago in the recent past. It focuses heavily on the immediate proximity of the completed action to the present moment.
ฉันเพิ่งสระผมเสร็จเมื่อกี้เอง ผมยังเปียกอยู่เลยเนี่ย
I just finished washing my hair a moment ago; my hair is actually still wet.
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have only just / just now
An emphatic variation of 'เพิ่ง' that combines it with the future/prospective marker 'จะ'. It emphasizes that an action has only *just* reached completion or started at the absolute last micro-moment.
รถไฟเพิ่งจะเคลื่อนตัวออกจากชานชาลาไปเมื่อกี้ วิ่งตามไม่ทันแล้ว
The train has only just pulled away from the platform a second ago; you won't catch it by running now.
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on the verge of / almost
Placed directly before a verb to indicate that an event or state change is imminent and about to happen immediately. It conveys a strong sense of urgency, meaning 'just about to' or 'on the brink of.'
รีบหน่อยนะ หนังจวนจะฉายแล้ว เดี๋ยวพลาดช่วงต้นเรื่อง
Hurry up! The movie is on the verge of starting, otherwise we'll miss the beginning.
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about to / close to
Precedes a verb or time expression to indicate that an action or event will happen very soon in the near future. It is similar to 'จวนจะ' but covers a slightly broader time window, expressing proximity in time or space.
แบตมือถือฉันใกล้จะหมดแล้ว เดี๋ยวถ้าดับไปไม่ต้องตกใจนะ
My phone battery is about to die; if it shuts off, don't be alarmed.
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tend to / usually
Placed before a verb to express an action that happens habitually, frequently, or is a natural tendency under certain conditions. It functions like 'apt to' or 'typically' in English.
ช่วงหน้าฝน รถก้มักจะติดหนึบแถวนี้เป็นปกติอยู่แล้ว
During the rainy season, traffic tends to get completely gridlocked around here as a norm.
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naturally / inevitably
A formal auxiliary particle placed before a verb to indicate an outcome or state that occurs as a natural consequence, rule, or universal truth. It conveys that the following action is logically undeniable.
คนเราถ้าไม่เคยทำผิดพลาดเลย ย่อมจะไม่มีวันเติบโตได้
If a person has never made a mistake, they naturally will never be able to grow.
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just / recently
A widely used colloquial spelling variant of 'เพิ่ง.' When placed before a verb, it indicates that an action was completed in the immediate past, just moments prior to the statement.
พี่พึ่งเดินออกไปซื้อมื้อเที่ยงเมื่อกี้เอง สวนกันนิดเดียว
He just walked out to buy lunch a moment ago; you missed each other by a hair.
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have only just managed to
Combines the immediate past marker 'เพิ่ง' with the opportunity/success marker 'ได้.' It is placed before a verb to indicate that the subject has *only just* achieved or gotten the chance to do something after a period of waiting.
หลังจากรอคิวมาสามชั่วโมง ฉันเพิ่งได้กินข้าวเที่ยงตอนบ่ายสามเนี่ย
After waiting in line for three hours, I only just managed to eat lunch at 3 PM.
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likely / probably
Placed before a verb to indicate a high degree of probability or a strong assumption about a present, past, or future state based on current evidence. It translates closely to 'it is likely that.'
ป่านนี้เขากงจะถึงบ้านเรียบร้อยแล้วแหละ ฝนไม่ตกเลยทางโน้น
By now, he has probably arrived home safely; it didn't rain at all over there.
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should / ought to
Used before a verb to express an expectation, recommendation, or a logical assumption that something is highly reasonable or likely to happen. It indicates a subjective evaluation of probability.
เอกสารฉบับนี้เจ้านายน่าจะเซ็นอนุมัติให้ภายในวันพรุ่งนี้
The boss should sign and approve this document by tomorrow.
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might / maybe
Placed before a verb to express a possibility or uncertainty regarding an event. It indicates that an action *might* happen, but the speaker is not entirely sure, functioning exactly like 'may' or 'possibly.'
เย็นนี้ฉันอาจจะเข้าประชุมสายหน่อยนะ พอดีติดคุยกับลูกค้าอีกเจ้า
I might be a bit late to the meeting this evening because I'm tied up talking with another client.
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must / have to
An auxiliary verb placed before the main verb to indicate absolute necessity, obligation, or compulsion. It dictates that the action is mandatory or bound to happen under the circumstances.
ก่อนขึ้นเครื่องบิน ทุกคนต้องแสดงพาสปอร์ตตัวจริงตรงประตูทางออก
Before boarding the airplane, everyone must present their original passport at the gate.
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should / ought to
An auxiliary verb pattern used to express a strong recommendation, moral obligation, or what is expected to happen under normal circumstances. It advises that the action following it is the most appropriate course of action.
คุณทำงานหนักมาทั้งอาทิตย์แล้ว วันหยุดนี้ควรจะนอนพักผ่อนอยู่บ้านยาวๆ นะ
You've worked hard all week; this weekend you really should just sleep and rest at home for a long stretch.
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finished / done
A high-frequency aspectual phrase placed after a verb or clause to explicitly mark that an action has been completely finished or wrapped up. It transitions the sentence into a completed past state.
ล้างจานเสร็จแล้วมาช่วยเลือกเสื้อผ้าหน่อยสิ คืนนี้มีนัดเดท
Once you're finished washing the dishes, come help me pick out some clothes—I have a date tonight.
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successfully completed / settled
An aspectual completion phrase that emphasizes not just that an action is done, but that it has been executed properly, orderly, or successfully settled. It provides a highly reassuring tone of absolute finality.
โอนเงินค่ามัดจำห้องให้เรียบร้อยแล้วนะคะ เช็คยอดดูได้เลย
I have successfully transferred the room deposit money; you can check the balance right away.
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all gone / completely exhausted
A state-marking phrase used to indicate that a resource, item, or quantity has been entirely depleted or run out. It modifies nouns or verbs to emphasize absolute zero remaining.
น้ำแข็งในกระติกหมดแล้วอ่ะ เดี๋ยวออกไปซื้อที่เซเว่นปากซอยให้แป๊บนึง
The ice in the cooler is all gone. I'll pop out to the 7-Eleven at the alley entrance to buy some in a sec.
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now / at the moment
A time adverbial used to anchor an action specifically to the immediate present moment. It is heavily used alongside the continuous aspect marker 'กำลัง' to clarify that an action is happening right now.
ตอนนี้รถติดอยู่แถวอโศก ขยับไม่ได้เลย น่าจะไปเลทสักครึ่งชั่วโมงนะ
Right now the traffic is stuck around Asoke and can't move at all; I'll likely be about half an hour late.
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today
A time noun/adverbial that establishes the entire current day as the timeframe for a state or action. It can be placed at the very beginning or the end of a sentence to set the time context.
วันนี้อากาศดีลมเย็นสบายมาก เหมาะกับการไปเดินเล่นในสวนสาธารณะสุดๆ
Today the weather is great with a nice cool breeze; it's absolutely perfect for taking a walk in the park.
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yesterday
A time noun/adverbial used to anchor sentences in the past, denoting the day preceding today. It functions as a temporal pointer that eliminates the need for complex past-tense verb conjugations.
เมื่อวานลืมเอาร่มไปโรงเรียน โดนฝนสาดจนเปียกโชกเป็นลูกหมาตกน้ำเลย
Yesterday I forgot to bring an umbrella to school and got splashed by the rain until I was dripping wet like a drowned rat.
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tomorrow
A time noun/adverbial that sets the temporal frame to the day following today. It is inherently future-oriented and frequently pairs with the prospective particle 'จะ' (will).
พรุ่งนี้ตื่นเช้าหน่อยนะ มีนัดประชุมสำคัญกับบอสตอนแปดโมงตรง
Wake up a bit early tomorrow; we have an important meeting scheduled with the boss at 8:00 AM sharp.
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the past / historical time
A noun denoting the abstract concept of past time, history, or bygone days. It is often used in conversations to contrast past behaviors or events with current realities.
เรื่องมันผ่านไปแล้วก็ปล่อยให้เป็นเรื่องของอดีตเถอะ อย่าเอามาคิดมากเลย
It's already over, so just let it belong to the past; don't overthink it anymore.
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the future
A noun referencing abstract future time, upcoming prospects, or subsequent destiny. It acts as a conceptual time anchor for long-term goals, plans, and visionary statements.
วางแผนเก็บเงินแต่งงานตั้งแต่ตอนนี้ เพื่อสร้างอนาคตร่วมกันในวันข้างหน้า
We are planning and saving money for the wedding starting right now to build a future together in the days ahead.
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present day / currently
A formal time noun or adverb used to denote the present era, current times, or the immediate contemporary state of affairs. It establishes a factual macro-context for current trends or situations.
ปัจจุบันคนหันมาสั่งของออนไลน์กันหมด แทบไม่มีใครเดินห้างแล้ว
Nowadays, people have completely switched to ordering things online; hardly anyone walks around shopping malls anymore.
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in the old days / formally
A temporal phrase used to reference a broad, distant era or generation in the past. It sets up a contrast between historical customs, lifestyles, or environments and those of the modern world.
สมัยก่อนแถวนี้เป็นทุ่งนาโล่งๆ ไม่คิดเลยว่าตอนนี้ตึกสูงจะขึ้นเต็มไปหมด
In the old days, this area was just open rice fields; I never imagined it would be completely filled with skyscrapers now.
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previously / in the past
An adverbial phrase used to indicate a prior state of affairs or habitual action that has since changed. It focuses heavily on comparing an individual's past behavior or a specific situation to the present.
แต่ก่อนฉันกินเผ็ดไม่ได้เลยนะ แต่พอคบกับแฟนก็เริ่มกินส้มตำพริกสิบเม็ดได้สบาย
I previously couldn't eat spicy food at all, but since dating my partner, I've started eating Som Tum with ten chillies easily.
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before / used to
A conversational time marker used interchangeably with 'แต่ก่อน' to describe a past condition, habit, or reality that is no longer true today. It functions as a flexible trigger for nostalgic or comparative statements.
เมื่อก่อนก๊วนเรานัดเจอกันทุกวันศุกร์ พอโตขึ้นแยกย้ายกันไปทำงานก็แทบไม่ได้เจอเลย
Our squad used to meet up every Friday; as we grew up and split up for work, we hardly see each other at all.
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afterward / later on
A formal or literary time connective used to indicate that an event occurred subsequent to a specific timeframe or incident mentioned previously. It acts similarly to 'later on' or 'subsequently' in English narrative structures.
เขามีปากเสียงกับผู้จัดการอย่างรุนแรง และได้ยื่นใบลาออกในภายหลัง
He had a severe argument with the manager and subsequently handed in his resignation letter later on.
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next time / later
A highly colloquial adverbial phrase used in spoken Thai to denote actions done afterward, subsequently, or as a future adjustment. It is frequently deployed in warnings or requests to alter behavior 'next time.'
ทีหลังถ้าจะเข้ามาห้องฉันรบกวนเคาะประตูด้วยนะ เมื่อกี้ตกใจหมดเลย
Next time, please knock on the door before entering my room; you totally startled me just now.
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after / following
A prepositional time connective used to introduce a clause or noun phrase that sets a temporal boundary, showing that the main action occurs following the completion of the introduced event.
หลังจากกินยาแก้แพ้เข้าไป ฉันก็ง่วงจนเผลอหลับคาสายกับเพื่อนเลย
After taking the allergy medication, I got so drowsy that I accidentally fell asleep right while on the phone with my friend.
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before (doing something)
A sequential connective placed right before a subordinate clause to indicate that the action in the main clause must happen prior to the action detailed in the subordinate clause.
เคลียร์งานบนโต๊ะให้เสร็จก่อนที่เจ้านายจะเรียกประชุมบ่ายนี้นะ
Finish clearing up the work on your desk before the boss calls for the meeting this afternoon.
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while / meanwhile
A time connective used to join two simultaneous actions happening at the exact same point in time. It can also be utilized to create a strong juxtaposition or contrast between two concurrent situations.
ในขณะที่พี่สาวกำลังตั้งใจอ่านหนังสือสอบ น้องชายกลับเปิดเพลงเต้นเสียงดังลั่นบ้าน
While the older sister was focusing hard on studying for her exam, the younger brother was blasting music and dancing loud all over the house.
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during / while
A prepositional conjunction used to frame an ongoing background action or time duration, during which another specific event or interruption suddenly takes place.
ระหว่างที่ฉันนั่งรอแฟนทำผม ไฟดับทั้งห้างมืดตึ๊ดตื๋อเลย
While I was sitting and waiting for my partner to get her hair done, the power went out across the entire mall, leaving it pitch black.
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since / from
A temporal preposition used to mark the starting point of an action, state, or duration in time. It establishes when a specific condition began, extending up to the point of reference.
ฉันนั่งเคลียร์งานหน้าคอมพิวเตอร์ตั้งแต่อาหารเช้ายังไม่ได้ลุกไปไหนเลย
I've been sitting and clearing work in front of the computer since breakfast without getting up at all.
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until / up to the point
A conjunction used to indicate the terminal point or boundary of an action or time period. It emphasizes the continuous progression of an event up until a specific outcome or moment occurs.
เมื่อคืนติดลมคุยกับเพื่อนเก่าจนกระทั่งตีสี่ สว่างคาตาเลย
Last night I got carried away talking with an old friend until 4 AM; the sun literally came up before my eyes.
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up until / through to
A versatile time connector used to define the endpoint of a specific range, often paired with 'ตั้งแต่' (from... to...). It establishes a clear temporal span during which an action takes place.
ห้างนี้มีโปรโมชั่นลดราคากระหน่ำตั้งแต่วันนี้จนถึงสิ้นเดือนเท่านั้นนะ
This mall has a massive clearance sale promotion from today through to the end of the month only.
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often / frequently
An adverb of frequency used to indicate that an action occurs repeatedly with short intervals in between. Duplicating the word 'บ่อย' with the 'ๆ' (mai-yamok) symbol intensifies the frequency in spoken Thai.
ช่วงนี้เห็นเธอแวะมาคาเฟ่นี้บ่อยๆ ติดใจบาริสต้าหรือเปล่านะ
I've seen you stopping by this cafe often lately; did the barista catch your eye?
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always / constantly
An adverb used to describe an action that occurs consistently, invariably, or without exception under specific circumstances. It functions exactly like 'always' to denote an absolute habit or trait.
ไม่ว่าจะยุ่งแค่ไหน เขาก็โทรหาแม่เพื่อถามสารทุกข์สุกดิบเสมอ
No matter how busy he is, he always calls his mom to check in on how she's doing.
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regularly / routinely
A frequency phrase placed after an action to indicate that it is performed as a routine, regular habit, or fixed schedule. It implies a structured pattern of behavior over time.
ฉันวิ่งออกกำลังกายที่สวนลุมพินีเป็นประจำทุกวันเสาร์อาทิตย์
I go jogging at Lumphini Park regularly every weekend.
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normally / usually
An adverbial marker used to describe actions that represent the standard baseline, general custom, or typical behavior of a subject under ordinary conditions.
ปกติฉันไม่ดื่มกาแฟตอนบ่ายนะ แต่วันนี้ง่วงจนตาจะปิดแล้วจริงๆ
Normally I don't drink coffee in the afternoon, but today I'm so drowsy my eyes are literally closing.
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rarely / once in a while
A temporal phrase used to indicate a very low frequency of action, where events happen only after long intervals of time. It acts as the functional equivalent of 'seldom' or 'once in a blue moon.'
นานๆ ครั้งพวกเราถึงจะรวมตัวกันครบแก๊ง กินเลี้ยงกันยาวๆ
Once in a while our whole squad manages to gather completely for a long celebratory dinner.
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sometimes / occasionally
A common frequency adverb used to indicate that an action or event occurs intermittently, but not regularly or consistently. It can be placed at the beginning or end of a clause.
บางครั้งฉันก็อยากทิ้งตั๋วเครื่องบินแล้วนอนโง่ๆ อยู่บ้านเฉยๆ
Sometimes I just want to ditch the flight tickets and just space out at home doing absolutely nothing.
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on occasion / from time to time
A slightly more literary or formal variant of 'บางครั้ง' used to describe actions that take place sporadically depending on the circumstances or seasonal moments.
เขามักจะเงียบหายไปตัวคนเดียวในป่าลึกบางคราวเพื่อหาแรงบันดาลใจ
He often disappears into the deep forest by himself from time to time to look for inspiration.
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every day
A high-frequency adverb of frequency used to denote an action that happens on a daily basis. It indicates habitual behavior, routines, or recurring patterns of everyday life.
ฉันต้องดื่มอเมริกาโน่เย็นทุกวัน ไม่งั้นง่วงจนทำงานไม่รู้เรื่องแน่
I have to drink an iced americano every day, otherwise I'll be too drowsy to get any work done properly.
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every year / annually
An adverbial frequency marker used to describe events, actions, or cycles that recur once per calendar year. It establishes a broad, predictable temporal rhythm for annual traditions or milestones.
แก๊งเพื่อนมัธยมของเรานัดไปเที่ยวทะเลด้วยกันทุกปี ไม่เคยล่มเลย
Our high school squad plans a beach trip together every year, and it has never once fallen through.
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every month / monthly
Used to describe recurring actions, cycles, or financial commitments that happen on a monthly schedule. It frames routine occurrences that track with the monthly calendar.
พอเงินเดือนออกปุ๊บ ค่าน้ำค่าไฟก็ตามมาเก็บเงินทุกเดือนเลย เซ็งมาก
As soon as my salary hits, the water and electricity bills immediately come to take my money every month; it's so annoying.
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since childhood / from youth
A conversational phrase used to anchor an action or personality trait as having begun during early childhood. It indicates a long-standing state of being or habit that has persisted into maturity.
เขากลัวเสียงฟ้าร้องมาแต่เล็ก เพราะเคยเจอพายุถล่มบ้านตอนห้าขวบ
He has been afraid of thunder since childhood because he went through a storm that hit his house when he was five.
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just now / a moment ago
A highly common spoken time marker that points to the immediate past, usually within the last few minutes. It eliminates the need for past tense markers by definitively placing the action a moment ago.
เมื่อกี้เจ้านายเดินมาถามหาเธอด้วยนะ ทำหน้าเคร่งขรึมมาเชียว
Just now the boss walked over looking for you, and he had a really serious look on his face.
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just a second ago
An emphatic variant of 'เมื่อกี้' used in casual speech to emphasize the absolute freshness and immediacy of a past action. It indicates that something happened literally seconds before the current utterance.
วางกุญแจรถไว้ตรงโต๊ะนี้ตะกี้นี้เอง หายไปไหนอีกแล้วเนี่ย
I placed the car keys right on this table just a second ago; where on earth did they disappear to again?
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a short while ago
A polite and formal alternative to 'เมื่อกี้' used to refer to an action that occurred in the recent past. It is commonly heard in professional contexts, customer service, or polite narratives.
คุณสมชายเพิ่งจะวางสายไปเมื่อครู่นี้เองครับ มีอะไรด่วนไหมครับ
Mr. Somchai only just hung up the phone a short while ago; is there something urgent?
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a moment / a short while
Used to request patience or to indicate that a future action will take place after a very brief interval of time. It acts similarly to 'just a moment please' in service interactions.
กรุณารอสักครู่นะคะ ระบบกำลังดาวน์โหลดข้อมูลไฟล์ใหญ่อยู่ค่ะ
Please wait a moment; the system is currently downloading a large data file.
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in a moment / shortly
A time marker pointing to an impending action that will happen in the immediate future. In everyday casual speech, it is frequently shortened to simply 'เดี๋ยว'.
ประเดี๋ยวฝนก็ตกหนักแล้ว รีบเก็บผ้าที่ตากไว้ตรงระเบียงเร็วเข้า
In a moment it's going to rain heavily; hurry up and grab the laundry hanging out on the balcony.
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right now / instantly
An urgent time marker used to demand that an action happen immediately without any delay. It carries a commanding, immediate tone, focusing entirely on the absolute present split-second.
หยุดเล่นเกมแล้วไปอาบน้ำนอนเดี๋ยวนี้เลย พรุ่งนี้ต้องไปโรงเรียนแต่เช้า
Stop playing games and go take a shower and sleep right now; you have to go to school early tomorrow morning.
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abruptly / suddenly
A formal or literary adverb used to describe an event that occurs in an instant, without warning or transition. It emphasizes the absolute speed and immediacy of a sudden change in state.
กระแสลมเปลี่ยนทิศทางอย่างฉับพลัน ทำให้นักโดดร่มต้องเปลี่ยนแผนลงจอดฉุกเฉิน
The wind current abruptly changed direction, forcing the skydivers to change plans for an emergency landing.
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immediately / right away
A high-frequency conversational adverb placed after a verb or clause to indicate that an action occurs straight away without any delay. It acts as the direct functional equivalent of 'at once' or 'instantly' in English.
พอเลิกงานปุ๊บ เขาก็บึ่งรถกลับบ้านไปหาลูกเมียทันที ไม่ยอมแวะไหนเลย
As soon as work was over, he immediately sped off home to his wife and kid without stopping anywhere.
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all of a sudden / suddenly
A narrative conjunction used at the beginning of a clause to introduce a sudden, dramatic event that interrupts an ongoing action. It translates closely to 'just at that moment' or 'suddenly' in storytelling.
พวกเรากำลังเดินเล่นในสวนอยู่ดีๆ ทันใดนั้นฟ้าก็ผ่าลงมาเสียงดังสนั่น
We were just walking in the park peacefully when, all of a sudden, lightning struck with a deafening crash.
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unexpectedly / abruptly
An adverb or adjective used to describe situations, changes, or decisions that occur abruptly and unexpectedly, leaving little to no time for preparation. It carries a heavy connotation of being caught off guard.
เจ้านายเรียกประชุมด่วนกะทันหันตอนห้าโมงเย็น ทำเอาทุกคนยกเลิกนัดค่ำนี้แทบไม่ทัน
The boss called an urgent meeting unexpectedly at 5 PM, making everyone scramble to cancel their plans for tonight.
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for a very long time
A formal, poetic, or literary adverb used to emphasize an extensive, drawn-out duration of time. It stretches the sense of time, highlighting that an action or state has persisted continuously for ages.
พวกเขานั่งสบตากันเนิ่นนานกลางร้านกาแฟโดยไม่มีใครเอ่ยปากพูดอะไรสักคำ
They sat gazing into each other's eyes for a very long time in the middle of the cafe without either uttering a single word.
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for ages / traditionally
A time marker usually paired with 'มา' as 'มาช้านาน' to denote a tradition, historical state, or custom that has firmly existed for generations or an exceptionally long period. It implies historical depth.
ร้านต้มเลือดหมูเจ้านี้เปิดคู่ตลาดเก่ามาช้านาน ส่งต่อความอร่อยมาสามรุ่นแล้ว
This pork blood soup shop has been open alongside the old market for ages, passing down the deliciousness for three generations.
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forever / permanently
An adverbial phrase used to indicate that a state, choice, or action will continue indefinitely into the future without ever changing or stopping. It marks permanent continuity.
ถ้าเธอตัดสินใจเซ็นสัญญาย้ายไปทำงานที่แคนาดาถาวร ยอดเงินในไทยคงถูกปิดตลอดไป
If you decide to sign the contract to move to Canada permanently, your bank account in Thailand will probably be closed forever.
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eternally / for eternity
A highly formal, literary, or romantic time marker that signifies a span extending endlessly through time. It is used in expressions of absolute love, epic loyalty, or spiritual permanence.
ความทรงจำที่พวกเราได้ร่วมทุกข์ร่วมสุขกันจะคงอยู่ในใจฉันชั่วนิรันดร์
The memories of us sharing both hardships and happiness together will remain in my heart eternally.
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temporarily / ad-hoc
An adverb or adjective indicating that a state, arrangement, or action is set to last for only a limited timeframe, rather than being permanent. It is used for provisional measures or short-term fixes.
ถนนสายหลักปิดซ่อมแซมใหญ่ รถทุกคันต้องเลี่ยงไปใช้ทางเบี่ยงชั่วคราวก่อน
The main road is closed for major repairs; all cars must divert to using the temporary bypass for now.
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for a brief moment
A formal or polite time adverbial used to indicate a highly brief, fleeting duration of an action or state. It frames an event that occurs and wraps up within a very short interval.
หลังจากได้ยินข่าวร้าย เขาก็นิ่งอึ้งไปชั่วครู่ก่อนจะพยายามคุมสติระงับอารมณ์
After hearing the bad news, he froze for a brief moment before trying to pull himself together and control his emotions.
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in the blink of an eye
A temporal phrase used to describe an action that happens incredibly fast or a state that changes instantaneously. It is often combined with 'เดียว' as 'พริบตาเดียว' to emphasize the hyper-speed of the occurrence.
เผลอแป๊บเดียว เงินเดือนที่เพิ่งออกก็ปลิวหายไปในพริบตาเพราะกิเลสแท้ๆ
Just a split second of carelessness and the salary that just hit was gone in the blink of an eye, purely due to my own temptations.
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for a moment
A time marker indicating a short, transient duration of an action or a brief pause in a state. It functions similarly to 'for a while' or 'for a moment' in English narratives.
เขานิ่งคิดอยู่ครู่หนึ่งก่อนจะพยักหน้าตกลงยอมรับข้อเสนอของฉัน
He stayed still and thought for a moment before nodding his head to agree and accept my offer.
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for a while / for a bit
Indicates a moderate, non-specific period of continuous time during which an action takes place or a state persists. It implies a duration slightly longer than 'ครู่หนึ่ง' and often marks a temporary phase before a change.
ถ้านั่งรถไฟฟ้าเลยไปอีกพักหนึ่งก็ถึงจตุจักรแล้ว นั่งคุยกันไปยาวๆ ได้เลย
If you take the skytrain further for a bit, you'll reach Chatuchak; we can just sit and chat for a long while.
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intermittently / periodically
A frequency marker used to describe an action or event that does not happen continuously, but rather occurs at irregular intervals, on and off, or in scattered phases.
สัญญาณอินเทอร์เน็ตที่นี่ขาดๆ หายๆ เป็นช่วงๆ ทำงานส่งแทบไม่ได้เลย
The internet signal here drops out intermittently; I can barely send any work through.
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little by little / gradually
A rate modifier indicating that an action progress slowly, sequentially, or incrementally over time. It emphasizes a gradual shift or accumulative process rather than sudden change.
หยอดเงินใส่กระปุกออมสินไปทีละนิด เดี๋ยวสิ้นปีก็มีเงินก้อนไปเที่ยวแล้ว
Drop money into the piggy bank little by little; by the end of the year, you'll have a lump sum to go traveling.
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continuously / steadily
An aspectual adverb used to show that an action is sustained, progressing smoothly, or continuing at a steady, uninterrupted pace without major changes. In response to greetings, it can also mean 'so-so' or 'just fine.'
เดินตามทางเดินนี้ไปเรื่อยๆ เลยนะ เดี๋ยวก็เจอคาเฟ่ตั้งอยู่ขวามือ
Just keep walking steadily along this path, and you'll find the cafe located on your right.
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furthermore / from now on
A forward-looking time marker used to indicate that an action will proceed continuously into the future, or to signal the subsequent item in a chronological sequence.
หลังจากนี้ไป พวกเราต้องตั้งใจทำงานให้มากกว่าเดิมเพื่อโปรเจกต์ต่อไป
From now on, we must focus on working harder than before for the next project.
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next / subsequent
An adjective or adverb used to mark sequential ordering in space or time. It points directly to the immediate next entity, position, or time slot right after the current one.
ป้ายรถเมล์ถัดไปคือสยามนะ เตรียมตัวเก็บกระเป๋าเตรียมลงได้เลย
The next bus stop is Siam; get your bag ready so you can step off.
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in advance / beforehand
A time adverbial indicating that an action is performed proactively prior to a scheduled event, deadline, or standard timeframe. It translates directly to doing something 'ahead of time.'
ช่วงเทศกาลต้องจองตั๋วเครื่องบินล่วงหน้าเป็นเดือน ไม่งั้นราคาพุ่งกระฉูดแน่
During the festive season, you have to book flight tickets a month in advance, otherwise the prices will definitely skyrocket.
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retroactively / retrospectively
An adverbial marker indicating that an action applies to events, periods, or obligations in the past, or that someone is reviewing/catching up on past media and data (e.g., binge-watching older episodes).
เสาร์อาทิตย์นี้กะจะนอนดูซีรีส์ย้อนหลังให้จบซี่ซั่นไปเลย สัปดาห์ก่อนไม่มีเวลา
This weekend I plan to sleep in and watch the series episodes retrospectively to finish the whole season; I had zero time last week.
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at the same time / simultaneously
An adverbial phrase used to indicate that multiple actions or events are occurring concurrently, or that a group of people is acting in unison.
ทุกคนช่วยกดปุ่มส่งใบสมัครพร้อมกันตอนสี่โมงตรงนะ ระบบจะได้ไม่อืด
Everyone please press the submit application button simultaneously at four o'clock sharp so the system won't lag.
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ahead of schedule / before deadline
A temporal phrase used to describe an action, task, or event that reaches completion or occurs earlier than its officially planned time or set deadline.
โปรเจกต์นี้ส่งงานได้ก่อนกำหนดตั้งหนึ่งสัปดาห์ ลูกค้าแฮปปี้มาก
We managed to deliver this project a whole week ahead of schedule; the client was super happy.
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on schedule / as planned
Used to indicate that an event, delivery, or action is occurring precisely at the appointed time or strictly adhering to the pre-established schedule or arrangement.
ถ้ารถทัวร์มาถึงตามกำหนดเราก็น่าจะไปเช็คอินที่โรงแรมทันช่วงบ่ายพอดี
If the tour bus arrives on schedule, we should be able to check in at the hotel right around the afternoon.
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late / delayed
A highly common modern loanword from English used in casual speech to denote that an event, person, or schedule is running behind time or delayed.
วันนี้เครื่องบินเลทไปสองชั่วโมงเพราะติดพายุฝนหลงฤดูที่สนามบินปลายทาง
Today the flight was delayed by two hours due to an unseasonal rainstorm at the destination airport.
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late (in the morning)
An adverb or adjective used to specify that an action is occurring late, particularly referencing arriving late for work or school in the morning, or when the sun is already high.
เมื่อเช้าตื่นสายเพราะลืมตั้งนาฬิกาปลุก วิ่งขึ้นรถเมล์แทบไม่ทัน
This morning I woke up late because I forgot to set the alarm; I barely managed to catch the bus.
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at the crack of dawn / early morning
A specific time adverbial used to denote the absolute earliest part of the morning, just as the sun is beginning to rise or right at daybreak.
แม่ตื่นเช้าตรู่มาเตรียมของใส่บาตรทุกวันพระจนกลายเป็นกิจวัตรไปแล้ว
Mom wakes up at the crack of dawn to prepare things for offering alms to monks every Buddhist holy day; it's become a routine now.
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dusk / twilight
A temporal noun referring to the transitional period of the day when the sun has just set and darkness is starting to fall, functioning similarly to twilight or nightfall.
แถวนี้พอถึงช่วงพลบค่ำยุงจะดกมาก รีบปิดประตูมุ้งลวดหน้าบ้านเร็ว
Around this area, as soon as it reaches dusk, mosquitoes get really thick; hurry up and close the front screen door.
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late at night
An emphatic time adverbial used to describe the quiet hours deep into the night, usually past midnight, highlighting that an action is continuing past standard sleeping hours.
ทำไมยังนั่งเล่นเกมดึกดื่นขนาดนี้ พรุ่งนี้มีสอบสัมภาษณ์งานแต่เช้าไม่ใช่หรอ
Why are you still sitting here playing games this late at night? Don't you have a job interview exam early tomorrow morning?
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daytime / afternoon hours
A noun referencing the entire period of daylight, specifically from sunrise to sunset, or focusing on daytime activities in contrast to the night.
อากาศช่วงกลางวันร้อนจนแทบไม่อยากก้าวขาออกจากห้องแอร์เลย
The weather during the daytime is so hot that I barely even want to step foot out of the air-conditioned room.
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nighttime / after dark
A noun used to define the hours of darkness from sunset through the night until the next sunrise. It sets the temporal background for nocturnal habits or shifts.
ตลาดนัดแถวนี้เปิดเฉพาะกลางคืนนะ ไปตอนนี้เจอแต่ลานจอดรถโล่งๆ
The night market around here is only open at nighttime; if you go now, you'll just find an empty parking lot.
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before going to bed
A temporal phrase used to indicate an action that takes place routinely or specifically right before a person goes to sleep at night.
ฉันชอบดื่มนมอุ่นๆ สักแก้วก่อนนอน มันช่วยให้หลับสบายขึ้นเยอะเลย
I like to drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed; it helps me sleep much better.
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upon waking up / after waking
Functions as a time anchor or phrase denoting the period immediately after waking up from sleep in the morning or finishing a rest period.
พอตื่นนอนปุ๊บ สิ่งแรกที่ต้องทำคือเช็คไลน์ว่ามีงานด่วนเข้ามาไหม
Right upon waking up, the first thing I have to do is check Line to see if any urgent work came in.
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in the evening / at twilight
A poetic or atmospheric temporal phrase used to describe the late afternoon or early evening hours as the sun begins to set.
บรรยากาศยามเย็นที่ริมหาดพัทยาสวยมาก ลมพัดเย็นสบายสุดๆ
The atmosphere in the evening by Pattaya beach is beautiful; the breeze is incredibly cool and relaxing.
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in the morning / at dawn
A literary or scenic phrase used to define the early morning hours, typically highlighting the fresh, quiet atmosphere of daybreak.
กาแฟร้อนๆ กับแสงแดดยามเช้าเป็นอะไรที่เข้ากันที่สุดแล้ว
Hot coffee paired with the morning sunlight is absolutely the best combination.
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just a second ago
A highly colloquial, spoken variant of 'เมื่อกี้' used to point directly to an event that occurred in the immediate past, literally moments before.
เมื่อตะกี้เห็นแมวส้มวิ่งไล่จิ้งจกเข้าไปใต้ตู้เย็น ไม่รู้จับได้ไหม
Just a second ago I saw the orange cat chase a lizard under the fridge; I wonder if it caught it.
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last time / previously
A conversational time marker used to reference the immediate previous instance, occasion, or time that an event or meeting occurred.
คราวก่อนเราไปกินส้มต้มร้านนั้นแล้วท้องเสีย คราวนี้เปลี่ยนร้านเถอะ
Last time we ate Som Tum at that shop and got diarrhea; let's change shops this time.
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this time / on this occasion
Used to explicitly focus the timeline on the current instance, attempt, or specific occasion, contrasting it with past or future occurrences.
คราวนี้ฉันจะไม่ยอมพลาดอีกแล้ว ติวหนังสือมาแน่นมากพร้อมสอบสุดๆ
This time I won't let myself fail again; I've crammed hard and am totally ready for the exam.
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next time / in the future
A forward-looking conversational time marker pointing to the next upcoming instance, turn, or future occasion that an event will repeat.
ไว้คราวหน้าค่อยนัดเจอกันใหม่นะ วันนี้ทุกคนดูเหนื่อยๆ แยกย้ายไปพักผ่อนเถอะ
Let's meet up again next time; everyone looks pretty tired today, let's head home and rest.
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the past / previous times
A slightly formal or nostalgic phrase used to reference old times, bygone days, or previous historical events in a person's life.
พอกลับมาเยือนโรงเรียนเก่า ความทรงจำในหนหลังก็พรั่งพรูเข้ามาเต็มไปหมด
Once I returned to visit my old school, memories of the past just came rushing back completely.
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at first / initially
An adverbial phrase used to describe the initial state of mind, original plan, or first reaction to a situation before a subsequent change occurred.
ทีแรกนึกว่าจะคุยงานแป๊บเดียว ที่ไหนได้ล่อไปตั้งสามชั่วโมง
At first I thought the work meeting would only take a moment, but turns out it dragged on for a whopping three hours.