มรสุม
monsoon
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 monsoon
- 2 severe crisis、period of turmoil
This word refers to a monsoon and, figuratively, to a severe crisis or period of turmoil that strongly affects a person, organization, or society.
monsoon
A seasonal wind system that strongly affects rainfall patterns and the timing of wet and dry seasons.
severe crisis、period of turmoil
Figuratively, a severe crisis or turbulent period in which major difficulties strike a person, organization, or society.
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บริษัทกำลังเผชิญมรสุมเศรษฐกิจ bɔɔrisàt kamlaŋ phachəən mɔɔrasǔm sèetthakìt The company is facing a severe economic crisis. บริษัทกำลังเผชิญมรสุมเศรษฐกิจ details
Learning notes
Explanation
In its literal sense, this is a weather term for a seasonal wind system that has a major effect on rainfall and the timing of wet and dry seasons. Thai weather reports commonly use expressions such as มรสุมกำลังแรง (“the monsoon is strong”) and มรสุมปกคลุมประเทศไทย (“the monsoon is prevailing over Thailand”). Because monsoons evoke powerful wind and rain, the word is also used figuratively for severe difficulties affecting someone’s life, the economy, politics, or a family. In this use, it sounds vivid and somewhat dramatic, often suggesting a wave of serious problems rather than one minor setback.
Usage
The literal sense is common in weather forecasts and discussions of agriculture, fishing, marine travel, flooding, and travel plans. The figurative sense appears in political and economic news, reports about corporate or family crises, entertainment coverage, dramas, and accounts of difficult life experiences.
Caution
มรสุม does not mean “typhoon.” Use พายุไต้ฝุ่น for a typhoon and the appropriate specific term for other tropical cyclones. Its figurative use is also fairly strong and may sound exaggerated when applied to a minor inconvenience or small setback.
Differences from similar words
1 monsoon synonyms
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พายุ is a general word for a storm or an individual episode of severe weather. มรสุม refers to a large-scale seasonal wind system, not necessarily a single storm.
2 severe crisis synonyms
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วิกฤต directly and neutrally means “crisis” and works in a wide range of contexts. มรสุม is more vivid and dramatic, presenting difficulties as a storm that strikes or engulfs someone.
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อุปสรรค is an obstacle that interferes with reaching a goal. มรสุม usually suggests a broader and more severe wave of difficulties affecting the whole situation.