หว่า
wàaMeaning
1ParticleB1
I wonder; huh? (very informal)
A sentence-final particle expressing puzzlement, uncertainty, or mild surprise, especially in questions or remarks to oneself. Its very casual tone can sound impolite in respectful conversation.
Examples
กุญแจgun-jɛɛกุญแจgun-jɛɛ1key (for a lock)2lock; locking device3key; crucial factor4answer key; key (solutions)5clef (music)6wrench; spannerอยู่yùuอยู่yùu1[to] live; reside; stay2to be (located); be at3progressive/continuative marker4to exist; remainไหนnǎiไหนnǎi1which (asking to choose)2which one; which person/thing3where (question)4any; whichever (in indefinite constructions)หว่าwàaหว่าwàaI wonder; huh? (very informal)
Where are the keys, I wonder?
3 more examplesShow less
He's usually on time. Why isn't he here yet today?
เมื่อกี้mʉ̂ʉa-gîiยังyangเห็นhěnแมวmɛɛoอยู่yùuตรงนี้dtrong-níiตอนนี้dtɔɔn-níiหายไปhǎai-bpaiไหนnǎiหว่าwàa
The cat was right here a moment ago. Where has it gone?
ถ้าtâaทุกคนtúk-konเห็นด้วยhěn-dûuaiกับgàpข้อเสนอkɔ̂ɔ-sà-nə̌əนี้níiแล้วlɛ́ɛoจะjàเรียกประชุมrîiak-bprà-chumอีกรอบìik-rɔ̂ɔpเพื่อpʉ̂ʉaอะไรà-raiหว่าwàa
If everyone already agrees with this proposal, what's the point of calling another meeting?
Tones
See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.
How the tone is decided
- Consonant classHigh classLeading หA silent ห before ว puts this syllable in high class.
- Tone markMai ek
- Syllable endingLive syllableNot needed here: the tone mark decides.
High class consonants
ขฃฉฐถผฝศษสห
Result
Low tone
wàa
Starts low and stays low, easing slightly down.
High class + Mai ek → Low
Tone chart
Every class and spelling pattern, with this syllable outlined.
| Mid class | High class | Low class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No mark + live | Mid | Rising | Mid |
| No mark + dead short | Low | Low | High |
| No mark + dead long | Low | Low | Falling |
| Mai ek | Low | Low | Falling |
| Mai tho | Falling | Falling | High |
| Mai tri | High | — | — |
| Mai chattawa | Rising | — | — |