วังวน
whirlpool
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 whirlpool
- 2 vicious cycle、inescapable vortex
This word refers to a whirlpool that pulls things into its circular current. Figuratively, it describes a recurring or consuming situation that is difficult to escape.
whirlpool
An area in a river, sea, or other body of water where the current spins and may pull things inward.
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แม่น้ำช่วงนี้มีวังวนอันตราย mɛ̂ɛnáam chûaŋ níi mii waŋwon antàraay There is a dangerous whirlpool in this part of the river. แม่น้ำช่วงนี้มีวังวนอันตราย details
vicious cycle、inescapable vortex
A figurative vortex of recurring problems, conflict, emotions, or other forces that traps or consumes those involved.
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ความขัดแย้งนำไปสู่วังวนแห่งความรุนแรง khwaam khàt yɛ́ɛŋ nam pay sùu waŋwon hɛ̀ŋ khwaam run rɛɛŋ The conflict leads to a cycle of violence. ความขัดแย้งนำไปสู่วังวนแห่งความรุนแรง details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image of วังวน is a rotating current that draws things inward and makes escape difficult. Besides a literal whirlpool, it is used figuratively for debt, poverty, violence, revenge, suffering, and power struggles. The patterns วังวนของ… and วังวนแห่ง… mean “a vortex or cycle of…” Common combinations include ติดอยู่ในวังวน (be trapped in a vortex or cycle), เข้าสู่วังวน (enter or be drawn into a vortex), and หลุดพ้นจากวังวน (break free from it).
Usage
It is used when describing dangerous swirling water in rivers or at sea. Figuratively, it often appears in news and commentary about recurring social problems such as debt or violence, as well as in fiction and drama involving consuming emotions or power struggles. It can be used in conversation, though its figurative use is somewhat vivid and descriptive.
Caution
It normally does not refer to a single, isolated problem. In figurative use, it implies repetition, entrapment, or difficulty escaping. It is also a noun; use a verb such as วน when you simply mean “to circle” or “to go around.”
Differences from similar words
1 whirlpool synonyms
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น้ำวน is a straightforward term for water or a current that is swirling. วังวน more strongly suggests a whirlpool-like area that can draw things into it.
2 vicious cycle synonyms
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วงจรอุบาทว์ explicitly describes a vicious cycle in which causes and effects reinforce one another. วังวน is more vivid and metaphorical, focusing on the feeling of being drawn into and trapped by a situation; it can also describe emotions, power struggles, and conflict.