กาล

gaan

Meanings

1NounB2

time; period; era [formal/literary]

time as an abstract concept, or a span such as a period or era; used in formal or literary style

Examples

3 more examples
2NounC1

tense (grammar)

a grammatical category indicating the time of an action or state, such as past, present, or future

Examples

In Thai grammar, we often indicate tense with time expressions rather than verb conjugation.
3 more examples

Tones

See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.

How the tone is decided

  1. Consonant classMid class
  2. Tone markNo tone mark
  3. Syllable endingLive syllableEnds in -ล, a sonorant, so it is live.

Mid class consonants

กจฎฏดตบปอ

Result

Mid tone

gaan

Level, in your normal speaking voice.

Mid class + No tone mark + Live syllable → Mid

Tone chart

Every class and spelling pattern, with this syllable outlined.

Mid classHigh classLow class
No mark + liveMidRisingMid
No mark + dead shortLowLowHigh
No mark + dead longLowLowFalling
Mai ekLowLowFalling
Mai thoFallingFallingHigh
Mai triHigh——
Mai chattawaRising——