สงกรานต์
Songkran
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 Songkran、Thai New Year festival
This word refers to Thailand’s traditional New Year festival in mid-April. It is famous for water celebrations, but it also includes family reunions, temple visits, and other traditional customs.
Songkran、Thai New Year festival
Thailand’s traditional New Year festival and holiday period, celebrated in mid-April.
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คนไทยกลับบ้านช่วงสงกรานต์ khon thay klàp bâan chûaŋ sǒŋkraan Thai people return home during Songkran. คนไทยกลับบ้านช่วงสงกรานต์ details
Learning notes
Explanation
In modern Thai, สงกรานต์ normally refers to Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration. The main public holidays generally fall on April 13–15. Although Songkran is internationally known for lively water throwing, it also includes returning to one’s hometown, visiting temples, making merit, gently pouring water over Buddha images, and respectfully pouring water for elders. The word comes from Sanskrit and originally relates to the sun’s movement through the zodiac. This astronomical sense is rarely intended in ordinary modern conversation.
Usage
It is commonly used when discussing April holidays, travel, trips home, traffic, and festival events. Frequent expressions include เล่นน้ำสงกรานต์ (“join the Songkran water celebrations”), ช่วงสงกรานต์ (“during Songkran”), and กลับบ้านช่วงสงกรานต์ (“go home during Songkran”).
Caution
สงกรานต์ refers to the whole New Year festival, not just the act of throwing water; เล่นน้ำสงกรานต์ is used for taking part in the water celebrations. It is also distinct from ตรุษจีน, the Chinese New Year.
Differences from similar words
1 Songkran synonyms
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วันสงกรานต์ specifically means “Songkran Day.” สงกรานต์ is broader and can refer to the festival itself or the entire holiday period.