Language/Thai/Grammar/Prepositions-of-Movement

◀️ Basic Prepositions — Previous Lesson

Thai → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions → Prepositions of Movement

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the topic of prepositions of movement in the Thai language. Prepositions of movement are essential for expressing direction and movement in sentences. By learning how to use these prepositions correctly, you will be able to describe your actions and movements in Thai more accurately and fluently.

Throughout this lesson, we will cover the different prepositions of movement in Thai and provide numerous examples to help you understand their usage. We will also delve into any regional variations in the usage of these prepositions and share interesting cultural facts related to movement in Thailand. To reinforce your learning, we have included practice exercises where you can apply what you have learned. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of prepositions of movement in Thai and be able to use them confidently in your conversations.

Let's begin our journey of learning prepositions of movement in Thai!

Prepositions of Movement in Thai

In Thai, prepositions of movement are used to indicate the direction or movement of a person or object. These prepositions are essential for describing actions such as going to a place, coming from a place, returning, and more. In this section, we will explore the most commonly used prepositions of movement in Thai and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

ไป (bpai) - To

The preposition ไป (bpai) is used to indicate movement towards a place or destination. It is equivalent to the English preposition "to". Let's look at some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
ฉันไปโรงเรียน	Chan bpai rongrian	I go to school
เขาไปห้างสรรพสินค้า	Khao bpai hang sangsan khao	He goes to the department store
เราไปทะเล	Rao bpai talae	We go to the beach
พ่อไปทำงาน	Phor bpai thamngan	Father goes to work

As you can see in the examples, ไป (bpai) is used after the verb to indicate the movement towards a specific place or destination. It is important to note that the verb ไป (bpai) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

มา (maa) - From

The preposition มา (maa) is used to indicate movement from a place or origin. It is equivalent to the English preposition "from". Let's take a look at some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เขามาจากประเทศญี่ปุ่น	Khao maa jaak prathet yipun	He comes from Japan
ฉันมาจากสวนสาธารณะ	Chan maa jaak suan satharanat	I come from the park
เรามาจากโรงเรียน	Rao maa jaak rongrian	We come from school
พ่อมาจากสำนักงาน	Phor maa jaak samnak ngan	Father comes from the office

In these examples, มา (maa) is used after the verb to indicate the movement from a specific place or origin. Similar to ไป (bpai), the verb มา (maa) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

กลับ (klap) - Return

The preposition กลับ (klap) is used to indicate the movement of returning to a place. It is equivalent to the English verb "return". Let's see some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เขากลับบ้าน	Khao klap ban	He returns home
ฉันกลับจากสวนสาธารณะ	Chan klap jaak suan satharanat	I return from the park
เรากลับมาที่นี่	Rao klap maa thi ni	We return here
พ่อกลับจากตลาด	Phor klap jaak talat	Father returns from the market

In these examples, กลับ (klap) is used after the verb to indicate the movement of returning to a specific place. Similar to ไป (bpai) and มา (maa), the verb กลับ (klap) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

วนกลับ (won klap) - Go back

The preposition วนกลับ (won klap) is used to indicate the movement of going back to a place. It is equivalent to the English verb "go back". Let's look at some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เขาวนกลับมาที่บ้าน	Khao won klap maa thi ban	He goes back home
ฉันวนกลับมาจากสวนสาธารณะ	Chan won klap maa jaak suan satharanat	I go back from the park
เราวนกลับมาที่โรงเรียน	Rao won klap maa thi rongrian	We go back to school
พ่อวนกลับมาจากตลาด	Phor won klap maa jaak talat	Father goes back from the market

In these examples, วนกลับ (won klap) is used after the verb to indicate the movement of going back to a specific place. Similar to the previous prepositions, the verb วนกลับ (won klap) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

ผ่าน (phan) - Pass, Go through

The preposition ผ่าน (phan) is used to indicate the movement of passing or going through a place or object. It is equivalent to the English verbs "pass" or "go through". Let's take a look at some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เขาผ่านทางเท้า	Khao phan thang thao	He passes through the pedestrian path
ฉันผ่านอุโมงค์	Chan phan umong	I pass through the tunnel
เราผ่านสะพาน	Rao phan saphan	We pass through the bridge
พ่อผ่านห้องน้ำ	Phor phan hong nam	Father goes through the restroom

In these examples, ผ่าน (phan) is used after the verb to indicate the movement of passing or going through a specific place or object. As with the previous prepositions, the verb ผ่าน (phan) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

ข้าม (kam) - Cross

The preposition ข้าม (kam) is used to indicate the movement of crossing over a place or object. It is equivalent to the English verb "cross". Let's see some examples:

Thai	Pronunciation	English
เขาข้ามถนน	Khao kam thanon	He crosses the road
ฉันข้ามลำคลอง	Chan kam lam khlong	I cross the canal
เราข้ามสะพาน	Rao kam saphan	We cross the bridge
พ่อข้ามแม่น้ำ	Phor kam mae nam	Father crosses the river

In these examples, ข้าม (kam) is used after the verb to indicate the movement of crossing over a specific place or object. Similarly, the verb ข้าม (kam) does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.

Cultural Insights

In Thai culture, the concept of movement and respect for personal space is important. When using prepositions of movement, it is essential to be mindful of cultural norms and etiquette. Here are some cultural insights related to movement in Thailand:

1. The Wai: The Wai is a traditional Thai greeting where the palms are pressed together in a prayer-like gesture and accompanied by a slight bow of the head. When entering someone's home, temple, or any place of importance, it is customary to perform the Wai as a sign of respect.

2. Removing Shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, a temple, or any place where you see shoes outside the entrance. This practice helps to keep the living space clean and is considered polite and respectful.

3. Avoiding Physical Contact: In Thai culture, it is important to avoid physical contact, especially with people of the opposite sex, unless you have a close relationship or are familiar with the person. When passing by someone, it is polite to give them enough space and avoid brushing against them.

4. Mindful Walking: When walking in crowded places, such as markets or busy streets, it is essential to be mindful of your surroundings and walk at a slow pace. Pushing or rushing through a crowd is considered impolite and disrespectful.

Remembering these cultural insights will not only help you navigate Thai society more effectively but also enhance your cultural understanding and appreciation of the Thai people.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the prepositions of movement in Thai, let's practice using them in sentences. Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence:

1. เขาไป / มา / กลับ จากงาน (Khao bpai / maa / klap jaak ngan). 2. ฉันวนกลับ / ผ่าน / ข้าม สะพาน (Chan won klap / phan / kam saphan). 3. เรากลับ / ผ่าน / ข้าม ทะเล (Rao klap / phan / kam talae). 4. พ่อผ่าน / ข้าม / มา จากตลาด (Phor phan / kam / maa jaak talat).

Solutions: 1. เขากลับจากงาน (Khao klap jaak ngan). 2. ฉันวนกลับสะพาน (Chan won klap saphan). 3. เรากลับทะเล (Rao klap talae). 4. พ่อมาจากตลาด (Phor maa jaak talat).

Take your time and practice using the prepositions of movement correctly. By doing so, you will become more comfortable and confident in expressing movement in Thai.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on prepositions of movement in Thai. You have learned how to use prepositions such as ไป (bpai), มา (maa), กลับ (klap), วนกลับ (won klap), ผ่าน (phan), and ข้าม (kam) to describe movement in sentences. Remember to apply these prepositions in the appropriate context and observe cultural norms when using them in Thai society. Practice using the prepositions of movement in various situations to reinforce your understanding and fluency in the Thai language.

In the next lesson, we will explore another aspect of Thai grammar. Stay tuned and keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Thai Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Basic Greetings & Introductions

• Saying Hello
• Asking for Name and Nationality
• Introducing Family Members

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject and Verb
• Negative Sentences
• Questions
• Adjectives

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Numbers 1-10
• Numbers 11-100
• Ordinal Numbers
• Telephone Numbers

  ---

Present Tense Verbs

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Verb 'To Be'

  ---

Thai Culture and Customs

• Thai Greetings
• Thai Food and Dining Etiquette
• Thai Festivals

  ---

Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Time Expressions
• Days of the Week and Months

  ---

Adverbs

• Adverbs of Time
• Adverbs of Frequency
• Adverbs of Manner
• Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

  ---

Colors

• Basic Colors
• Describing Colors
• Fruit and Vegetables

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Pronouns

• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

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Thai Geography and Places

• Thai Provinces and Capitals
• Tourist Attractions in Thailand

  ---

Animals

• Common Animals
• Pet Animals
• Wild Animals

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Prepositions

• Basic Prepositions
• Prepositions of Movement

Other Lessons

• Adverbs of Time
• Adverbs of Manner
• Gender
• Plurals
• Basic Prepositions
• Give your Opinion
• Subject Pronouns
• How to Use Be
• Adjectives

◀️ Basic Prepositions — Previous Lesson