strike (of lightning)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 strike (of lightning)、lightning strike
- 2 out of the blue、with shocking suddenness
This word describes lightning striking and, figuratively, something happening without warning and taking people by surprise.
strike (of lightning)、lightning strike
It describes lightning striking the ground or an object, and also names the event of a lightning strike.
out of the blue、with shocking suddenness
It describes an event or decision as abrupt, unexpected, and startling.
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ผู้จัดการลาออกฟ้าผ่า phûucàtkaan laa ɔ̀ɔk fáaphàa The manager resigned out of the blue. ผู้จัดการลาออกฟ้าผ่า details
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บริษัทปลดผู้บริหารแบบฟ้าผ่า bɔɔrisàt plòt phûubɔɔrihǎan bɛ̀ɛp fáaphàa The company abruptly dismissed an executive, taking everyone by surprise. บริษัทปลดผู้บริหารแบบฟ้าผ่า details
Learning notes
Explanation
ฟ้า means “sky,” and ผ่า means “split” or “cleave.” The image of a lightning strike also lends itself to describing startling events. In literal use, the object struck can follow ฟ้าผ่า directly. เกิดฟ้าผ่า means that a lightning strike occurs, while ถูกฟ้าผ่า means to be struck by lightning. Strikes are counted with ครั้ง. Figuratively, ฟ้าผ่า follows an action, as in ลาออกฟ้าผ่า, “resign out of the blue.” The form แบบฟ้าผ่า is also common. News headlines use it to emphasize abrupt resignations, dismissals, and similar surprising developments.
Usage
It appears in thunderstorm warnings and reports of lightning injuries or damage. Figurative uses are common in political, business, and entertainment news about surprising developments announced without warning.
Caution
Figurative ฟ้าผ่า conveys surprise or shock, not simply speed. Use เร็ว for ordinary actions done quickly, such as running fast.
Differences from similar words
1 strike (of lightning) synonyms
2 out of the blue synonyms
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กะทันหัน is a general word for something sudden, including a last-minute change of plans. ฟ้าผ่า adds a stronger sense of surprise or shock.