if
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- 1 if、if it happens that、in case
Introduces a possible situation as a condition, often with the sense of “if that actually happens.”
if、if it happens that、in case
Introduces a possible event or situation and leads into its expected result or a response to it.
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ถ้าเกิดฝนตก เราจะทำยังไง? thâa kə̀ət fǒn tòk raw cà tham yaŋ ŋay What will we do if it rains? ถ้าเกิดฝนตก เราจะทำยังไง? details
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ถ้าเกิดว่าเขาไม่มา เราก็เริ่มก่อน thâa kə̀ət wâa khǎw mây maa raw kɔ̂ɔ rə̂əm kɔ̀ɔn If he doesn’t come, we’ll start without him. ถ้าเกิดว่าเขาไม่มา เราก็เริ่มก่อน details
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แล้วถ้าเกิดเขารู้ล่ะ? lɛ́ɛw thâa kə̀ət khǎw rúu là But what if he finds out? แล้วถ้าเกิดเขารู้ล่ะ? details
Learning notes
Explanation
ถ้าเกิด combines ถ้า (“if”) with เกิด (“happen”) and functions as a conditional expression. It often makes the possible situation feel more concrete, as though the speaker is considering what to do if it actually occurs. It is common with unexpected or worrying possibilities, but it can also introduce positive possibilities. The expanded form ถ้าเกิดว่า is also common; ว่า simply helps introduce the following clause.
Usage
Common in everyday conversation when discussing backup plans, possible problems, warnings, or imagined outcomes—for example, what to do if it rains or if someone cannot attend.
Caution
Use เมื่อ or ตอนที่ rather than ถ้าเกิด when referring to an event expected to happen and meaning “when.” Also, treat ถ้าเกิด as a conditional expression; เกิด does not need to be translated separately as “happen” in every sentence.