whirlpool
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 whirlpool、swirling current
It refers to water rotating in a circular current, or to the area where this occurs.
whirlpool、swirling current
A circular, rotating current in a river, sea, or other body of water.
Learning notes
Explanation
น้ำ means “water,” and วน means “to circle” or “to go around,” so the word literally evokes water moving in circles. It is an everyday noun for a whirlpool or swirling current in rivers, seas, canals, plunge pools, and around rocks, bridge supports, or drains. It can describe anything from a small eddy to a dangerous current capable of pulling in a swimmer or boat. Common patterns include มีน้ำวน, “there is a whirlpool,” and เกิดน้ำวน, “a whirlpool forms.”
Usage
It is commonly used in water-safety warnings, reports about boating or flooding, and descriptions of water swirling around rocks, bridge supports, or drains.
Caution
Although it may refer to a tidal whirlpool, น้ำวน is not limited to ocean tides; it also applies to whirlpools in rivers and other water. Do not confuse it with น้ำเชี่ยว, “fast-flowing water,” or คลื่น, “wave.”
Differences from similar words
1 whirlpool synonyms
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วังวน can describe an inescapable cycle or vortex and is often used figuratively for problems or emotions. น้ำวน more specifically refers to actual rotating water.