ฝัน
dream
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 dream、dream about
- 2 dream of、imagine、fantasize
- 3 dream、aspiration
This word describes experiencing a dream while asleep or picturing a hoped-for or imagined situation. It can also be used as a noun meaning “a dream.”
dream、dream about
Describes experiencing images, events, or a story in your mind while asleep.
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ฝันดีนะ fǎn dii ná Sweet dreams. ฝันดีนะ details
dream of、imagine、fantasize
Describes picturing a desired future or an imagined situation, ranging from a sincere aspiration to an unrealistic fantasy.
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ฉันฝันอยากเป็นหมอ chǎn fǎn yàak pen mɔ̌ɔ I dream of becoming a doctor. ฉันฝันอยากเป็นหมอ details
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ฝันไปเถอะ fǎn pay thə̀ Dream on. ฝันไปเถอะ details
dream、aspiration
Refers to a dream experienced during sleep or to a personal ambition or ideal. The explicit noun form ความฝัน is also very common.
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มันเป็นแค่ฝัน man pen khɛ̂ɛ fǎn It was only a dream. มันเป็นแค่ฝัน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of ฝัน is seeing something in the mind that is separate from present reality, whether it is a sleeping dream, a desired future, or an imagined situation. Use ฝันว่า followed by a clause to state what happened in a dream. ฝันถึง followed by a person or thing means to dream about them. For aspirations, ฝันอยาก followed by a verb phrase is also common. ฝัน can function as either a verb or a noun. When an unmistakable noun form is helpful, ความฝัน is commonly used. It can refer to both a sleeping dream and a future aspiration. ฝันดี is a standard expression used at bedtime. It literally wishes someone good dreams and functions much like “Sweet dreams.”
Usage
It is common when talking about dreams experienced during sleep, wishing someone sweet dreams at bedtime, or discussing ambitions involving work, education, a home, or life in general. It can also be used sarcastically to dismiss an unrealistic expectation.
Caution
ฝันถึง followed by a person can mean either that the person appeared in a sleeping dream or that the speaker imagines or longs for them, depending on context. Expressions such as อย่าฝันว่า… and ฝันไปเถอะ dismiss another person’s expectations and can sound mocking or confrontational, so avoid them in polite situations.
Differences from similar words
2 dream of synonyms
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หวัง means to hope or expect that something will happen. ฝัน places more emphasis on mentally picturing an ideal future.