originally
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 originally、at first
This word looks back at the original state, intention, or plan before something changed, much like “originally” or “at first.”
originally、at first
It identifies the original situation, intention, or plan, often implying that it later changed.
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เดิมทีที่นี่เป็นโรงเรียน dəəm thii thîi nîi pen rooŋrian This place was originally a school. เดิมทีที่นี่เป็นโรงเรียน details
Learning notes
Explanation
เดิมที is an adverb that looks back at the state, opinion, intention, or plan at the outset. It often suggests that circumstances later changed. A common pattern is เดิมที… แต่… (“Originally…, but…”). It commonly appears at the beginning of a clause, though it can also follow the subject. It is a neutral expression used naturally in both conversation and writing. It is best learned as a fixed adverb rather than by translating เดิม and ที separately.
Usage
It is commonly used to explain a changed plan, an earlier condition that differs from the present, a change in someone’s views or preferences, or the former use of a place. It works naturally in everyday conversation, narratives, news, and workplace explanations.
Caution
It does not simply mean “in the past.” It points to the original state or initial plan of a particular situation. For broad statements about an earlier period or past habits, แต่ก่อน may be more natural.
Differences from similar words
1 originally synonyms
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แต่เดิม also means “originally” or “formerly” and describes an earlier state. เดิมที more clearly frames it as the situation at the outset, often in contrast with what happened later.