Copy word

Thai

ทำงาน

Components

ทำ
งาน

Pronunciation

tham ŋaan

ทำงาน

tham ŋaan

work

A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.

  1. 1 work、do one's job、carry out work
  2. 2 operate、function、work (properly)

A common, neutral verb for doing one’s job or carrying out work. It also describes a machine, system, or organ functioning as intended.

1

work、do one's job、carry out work

Verb⭐️4 Often used

Describes working at a job or carrying out an assigned piece of work or task.

Show more (2)
2

operate、function、work (properly)

Verb⭐️4 Often used

Describes a machine, system, or body organ operating and performing its intended function.

Show more (1)

Learning notes

Explanation

ทำงาน combines ทำ, “to do,” with งาน, “work” or “a task.” With a person as the subject, it can refer either to having or doing a job or to carrying out work. With a machine, system, or organ as the subject, it means “to operate” or “to function.” Common patterns include ทำงานที่ + place, “work at/in a place”; ทำงานเป็น + occupation, “work as”; and ทำงานให้ + person or organization, “work for.”

Usage

It is extremely common when discussing occupations, workplaces, work schedules, and progress on tasks. It is also used to say whether machines and systems operate or whether parts of the body function normally.

Caution

งาน by itself is a noun meaning “work” or “a task,” while ทำงาน is a verb. “Do homework” is normally ทำการบ้าน; ทำงานบ้าน means “do housework.”

Differences from similar words

1 work synonyms

  • ปฏิบัติงาน is a more formal term for performing official or professional duties. ทำงาน is the ordinary, broadly used word in everyday speech.

2 operate synonyms

  • ใช้การได้ means that something is usable or in working condition. ทำงาน focuses on the machine or system actually operating or performing its function.

Component words

Other words containing ทำงาน

Share or cite this page

You are welcome to link to this page from blogs, social media, articles, and other materials. Quotations are welcome, too.

Send feedback

Let us know about errors, anything that seems unclear, or suggested corrections.

Content production and review

Thai content last reviewed

The Thai meaning, naturalness, examples, and pronunciation in this entry have been reviewed by a native Thai editor. We always welcome reports of errors and suggested corrections through the link above.

See our editorial and English localization process