ตอนบ่าย

Explanation

ตอน means a time or period, and บ่าย means afternoon. Together, they refer to the afternoon as a part of the day. The expression indicates a general period after noon and before evening rather than an exact time. It is neutral and natural in both everyday conversation and writing. Although it is a noun phrase, it often works as a time expression meaning “in the afternoon.” Common combinations include วันนี้ตอนบ่าย (this afternoon), พรุ่งนี้ตอนบ่าย (tomorrow afternoon), and เมื่อวานตอนบ่าย (yesterday afternoon).

Usage

Commonly used when discussing afternoon plans, appointments, meetings, classes, or weather. It is especially useful when the general part of the day matters more than an exact time.

Caution

ตอนบ่าย does not specify an exact time. For example, 1 p.m. is บ่ายโมง and 2 p.m. is บ่ายสองโมง. For the evening or late-afternoon period, ตอนเย็น is normally used instead.

1 afternoon synonyms

• ช่วงบ่าย

  ช่วงบ่าย also means “the afternoon,” but ช่วง emphasizes a span or period of time. ตอนบ่าย is the more general everyday expression for the afternoon.

• บ่าย

  bàay afternoon

  บ่าย by itself can mean “afternoon” or “in the afternoon.” ตอนบ่าย makes the idea of a part of the day more explicit.