ทวน
repeat
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 repeat、review、go over again
- 2 move against (a current or direction)、against、counter to
- 3 lance
This word describes going over something again or moving against a current or direction. As a noun, it also refers to a long, lance-like weapon.
repeat、review、go over again
Describes repeating or going over words, instructions, or learned material to check accuracy or refresh one's memory.
-
ช่วยทวนอีกครั้งได้ไหม chûay thuan iìk khráŋ dâay mǎy Could you repeat that one more time? ช่วยทวนอีกครั้งได้ไหม details
Show more (1)
-
ทวนบทเรียนก่อนสอบ thuan bòtrian kɔ̀ɔn sɔ̀ɔp Review the lesson before the exam. ทวนบทเรียนก่อนสอบ details
move against (a current or direction)、against、counter to
Describes moving against a current, wind, trend, or other reference direction; it can also function within a phrase to mean “against” or “counter to.”
-
เรือแล่นทวนน้ำ rʉa lɛ̂n thuan náam The boat travels upstream against the current. เรือแล่นทวนน้ำ details
-
หมุนทวนเข็มนาฬิกา mǔn thuan khěm naalíkaa Turn it counterclockwise. หมุนทวนเข็มนาฬิกา details
lance
Refers to a traditional lance-like weapon with a very long shaft, generally used for thrusting.
-
นักรบโบราณถือทวน nákróp booraan thʉ̌ʉ thuan The ancient warrior carries a lance. นักรบโบราณถือทวน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The two main verbal uses of ทวน share the broad idea of tracing something in the opposite or returning direction: either going through information again or moving counter to a current or reference direction. In the repetition sense, it is useful for repeating speech, instructions, numbers, or other details to prevent misunderstandings. It can also describe reviewing learned material. In the directional sense, ทวน is normally followed by the reference point: ทวนน้ำ means against the water current, ทวนลม means against the wind, and ทวนเข็มนาฬิกา means counterclockwise. It can also be figurative, as in ทวนกระแส, describing opposition to a popular trend or prevailing opinion. As a noun, it denotes a long lance generally encountered in historical accounts, traditional stories, and discussions of weapons. Its classifier is เล่ม.
Usage
In conversation and at work, ทวน is used when repeating statements, orders, phone numbers, schedules, or instructions to confirm them. In study contexts, it can describe going over material before an exam. Its directional use appears when discussing boats traveling upstream, walking into the wind, or turning something counterclockwise. Figuratively, it can describe resisting a trend or prevailing opinion. The noun meaning is mainly found in historical accounts, legends, period dramas, and descriptions of traditional weapons.
Caution
For a systematic review of lessons, plans, or decisions, ทบทวน is often more explicit. ทวน places stronger emphasis on repeating or running through the content again. ทวนน้ำ specifically means moving opposite to the water's flow, not merely moving in an upward direction. For rotation, use the full expression ทวนเข็มนาฬิกา to clearly mean counterclockwise. The verb and the noun meaning “lance” have the same spelling, so context distinguishes them: compare ทวนคำพูด, ทวนน้ำ, and ถือทวน.
Differences from similar words
1 repeat synonyms
-
ตรวจทาน means to check written or recorded information for errors. ทวน focuses more broadly on repeating or going through something again, without necessarily proofreading it.
2 move against (a current or direction) synonyms
-
ฝืน means to resist or force oneself against a wish, rule, or physical condition. ทวน primarily describes movement counter to a current or direction.
-
ย้อน broadly describes going back along a route or back in time. ทวน specifically emphasizes moving against a current, force, or established direction.
3 lance synonyms
-
หอก is the general word for a spear. ทวน refers more specifically to a long-shafted, relatively slender lance-like weapon.