ภาษาต่างประเทศ
foreign language
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 foreign language
It refers to a language considered foreign in a particular country or society.
foreign language
It can refer to a particular foreign language or to foreign languages in general.
Learning notes
Explanation
The word combines ภาษา (language) with ต่างประเทศ (foreign countries; abroad). It is neutral in tone and suitable for everyday conversation, education, and work. Which languages count as foreign depends on the country or society being discussed. Japanese is a foreign language in Thailand, while Thai is a foreign language in Japan. Use ภาษา as the classifier when counting languages: ภาษาต่างประเทศสองภาษา means “two foreign languages.” The number counts languages, not countries.
Usage
Common contexts include language classes, conversations about the languages someone speaks, and language requirements in job advertisements or résumés. It also describes the language used in books, films, and other media.
Caution
The term does not specifically mean English. Use ภาษาอังกฤษ when you mean English. หนังสือภาษาต่างประเทศ means books written in foreign languages; it does not necessarily mean books published or purchased abroad.