ล่ำลา
say farewell
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- 1 say farewell、take leave of someone
Describes saying farewell to someone, often with a sense of emotion or reluctance to part. The spelling ร่ำลา is more common in current usage.
say farewell、take leave of someone
To exchange or offer parting words when leaving someone, often in an emotional farewell.
Learning notes
Explanation
This verb describes offering or exchanging parting words before leaving someone. It can suggest a more heartfelt or reluctant farewell than simply leaving. ล่ำลา followed by a person identifies whom one bids farewell, while ล่ำลากัน means to say goodbye to one another. In present-day writing, the synonymous spelling ร่ำลา is considerably more common.
Usage
Used when people exchange farewells at a station or airport, before a trip or move, at graduation, or during a send-off. It also suits stories and songs that emphasize the emotion of parting.
Caution
This is a verb describing the act of saying farewell, not normally a standalone expression meaning “goodbye.” To say goodbye directly, use an expression such as ลาก่อน. Learners should prioritize the much more common spelling ร่ำลา.
Differences from similar words
1 say farewell synonyms
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ร่ำลา has the same sense of saying an often heartfelt goodbye and is the more common spelling in current Thai. ล่ำลา is generally understood with the same meaning.
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ลา is broader and can mean to leave, take time off, or say goodbye. ล่ำลา specifically refers to bidding someone farewell.
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อำลา is somewhat more formal and is common for send-offs, retirement, or a final departure. ล่ำลา focuses more on exchanging parting words, often with reluctance to part.