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Thai

สึนามิ

Pronunciation

sʉ̀naamí

สึนามิ

sʉ̀naamí

tsunami

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  1. 1 tsunami

A tsunami is a series of waves caused by a sudden displacement of water, often due to an undersea earthquake.

1

tsunami

Noun⭐️2 Not often used Loanword

A series of waves generated by an undersea earthquake or similar disturbance that can cause severe coastal flooding.

Learning notes

Explanation

This is a loanword of Japanese origin and the standard, neutral term for a tsunami in both conversation and news reporting. It often appears as คลื่นสึนามิ, with คลื่น meaning “wave.” เกิดสึนามิ means “a tsunami occurs.” Use ครั้ง to count separate tsunami events and ลูก to count individual waves.

Usage

Used in earthquake coverage, tsunami alerts, coastal evacuation guidance, and disaster preparedness education. In Thailand, it also frequently appears in discussions of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Caution

Do not use this word for any unusually large wave. คลื่นใหญ่ means “large waves,” and คลื่นสูง means “high waves,” without implying a tsunami.

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