in that case
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- 1 in that case、then
A conversational expression that responds to what was just said or discovered and introduces the resulting decision, suggestion, or action.
in that case、then
It takes the preceding information as a condition and leads into a resulting conclusion, suggestion, or next step.
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ถ้างั้นฉันไม่ไป thâa ŋán chǎn mây pay In that case, I won't go. ถ้างั้นฉันไม่ไป details
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ถ้างั้นเจอกันพรุ่งนี้นะ thâa ŋán cəə kan phrûŋníi ná Okay then, see you tomorrow. ถ้างั้นเจอกันพรุ่งนี้นะ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ถ้างั้น is a shortened, conversational form of ถ้าอย่างนั้น, literally based on the idea of “if that is so.” It refers back to something already said or observed and introduces a resulting judgment, suggestion, decision, or action. Depending on the context, natural English equivalents include “in that case,” “then,” and “okay then.” It is also commonly followed by ก็, as in ถ้างั้นก็…, to connect the situation naturally with its consequence.
Usage
It is common in everyday conversation when new information changes a plan, when people reach a decision after discussing something, when making a choice, or when suggesting the next action. It can also help close a conversation, as in “Okay then, see you tomorrow.”
Caution
Do not use it exactly like plain ถ้า, which introduces a hypothetical “if” clause. ถ้างั้น normally refers back to information or circumstances already established. Because it is conversational, the full form ถ้าอย่างนั้น or the more formal ดังนั้น may be preferable in formal writing.
Differences from similar words
1 in that case synonyms
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ดังนั้น means “therefore” and is suited to logical conclusions and formal writing. ถ้างั้น is conversational and responds to the preceding situation with a decision or next action.
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ถ้าอย่างนั้น is the full form and has essentially the same meaning. ถ้างั้น is shorter and sounds more casual in everyday conversation.