fail an exam
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 fail an exam、fail a course
It means to fail an exam or course by not meeting the required passing standard.
fail an exam、fail a course
Describes failing an exam or course because the result falls below the passing standard.
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เขาสอบตกวิชาคณิตศาสตร์ khǎw sɔ̀ɔptòk wíchaa khaníttasàat He failed math. เขาสอบตกวิชาคณิตศาสตร์ details
Learning notes
Explanation
สอบตก combines สอบ, “to take an exam,” with ตก, “to fall” or “to fail.” It focuses on the result: the person did not meet the required passing standard. The test taker is normally the subject. A course or subject can follow the verb, as in สอบตกวิชาคณิตศาสตร์, “fail math.” It is a common expression in both everyday conversation and educational contexts. Its opposite is สอบผ่าน, “to pass an exam.”
Usage
Used when discussing results from school tests, university courses, entrance exams, or qualification exams. It can report that someone failed or warn that someone may fail if they do not study.
Caution
It does not simply mean “take an exam”; it necessarily indicates failure. It is limited to exams, assessments, and courses, so use a word such as ล้มเหลว for failure in a broader situation.