arrive late
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 arrive late、be late
This expression means arriving after the expected or scheduled time. It is commonly used for being late to school, work, meetings, or appointments.
arrive late、be late
To arrive after the time when one was expected or required to be there.
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ทำไมมาสายบ่อยขนาดนี้ thammay maa sǎay bɔ̀y khanàat níi Why are you late so often? ทำไมมาสายบ่อยขนาดนี้ details
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อย่ามาสายนะ yàa maa sǎay ná Don't be late, okay? อย่ามาสายนะ details
Learning notes
Explanation
This expression combines มา (“come”) with สาย (“late” in relation to an expected time). Its core meaning is arriving later than scheduled. It is a neutral, everyday expression used when someone is late for school, work, a meeting, an appointment, or another event with an expected arrival time. Common patterns include ทำไมมาสาย (“Why are you late?”), อย่ามาสาย (“Don't be late”), and ขอโทษที่มาสาย (“Sorry I'm late”).
Usage
It is commonly used for school, work, classes, meetings, appointments, and social plans—any situation with an expected arrival time. It often appears when asking why someone is late, warning someone to be punctual, or apologizing for arriving late.
Caution
มาสาย refers specifically to arriving late. Use ดึก for “late at night” and สายเกินไป for “too late” when an opportunity has passed. Depending on the direction of movement and viewpoint, ไปสาย may be more appropriate for going somewhere late.