Adverb: ตอนนี้ (dtāwn-née)
Meaning: now / right now / at the moment
In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the adverb ตอนนี้ (dtāwn-née), which means ‘now,’ ‘right now,’ or ‘at the moment.’ It is used to refer to the present time — the time happening as we speak or the current situation.
It made up of two words:
- ตอน (dtāwn) = at / when / episode / part / chapter / period / point in time
- นี้ (née) = this
Together, ตอนนี้ (dtāwn-née) is literally ‘this period of time’ and functions as a time expression (adverbial of time). It tells us when something is happening.
For examples (ตัวอย่างเช่น — dtūa-awyàang chên)
ตอนนี้ฉันอยู่ที่บ้าน
dtāwn-née chǎn awyùu thêe bâan
Literal: Right now I to be situated at home.
Right now, I’m at home.
The noun บ้าน (bâan) means ‘house,’ ‘home,’ or ‘household.’ The exact English translation depends on the context. It refers to a physical building.
ตอนนี้เขากำลังทำงาน
dtāwn-née khǎo gām-lāng thām-ngāan
Literal: Right now he in the process of doing-work.
Right now, he is working.
The verb ทำงาน (thām-ngāan) means ‘to work’ or ‘to do work.’ It can describe working in general, doing a particular job, or working at a particular place.
ฉันไม่ว่างตอนนี้
chǎn mâi wâang dtāwn-née
Literal: I not available right now.
I’m not free right now.
The adjective ว่าง (wâang) means ‘is free,’ ‘is available,’ ‘is vacant,’ or ‘is empty.’ Its exact meaning depends on the context. The central idea is that something is not occupied or filled — noun / pronoun + ว่าง (wâang). For example: ฉันว่าง (chǎn wâang = I’m free. / I’m available.); ห้องว่าง (hâwng wâang = an empty room / a vacant room); ที่นั่งว่าง (thêe-nâng wâang = an available seat); เวลาว่าง (wāy-lāa wâang = free time), etc.
ทุกอย่างเปลี่ยนไปแล้วตอนนี้
thúk-awyàang bplìan bpāi-láew dtāwn-née
Literal: Every-type change go-already now.
Everything has changed now.
The indefinite pronoun ทุกอย่าง (thúk-awyàang) means ‘everything,’ ‘everything that,’ or ‘all things.’ It is used when referring to all things or all aspects of something as a whole.
Homework (การบ้าน — gāan-bâan)
Practise putting your newly learned Thai word into a sentence by translating the following sentences below.
- I’m looking for a new job at the moment.
- Prices are higher now.
- I’m learning Thai language now.
- It’s very hot at the moment.
- The shop is open now.
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