ทา
apply
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 apply 、paint, coat (a surface)
Describes applying a substance across the surface of the body or an object, as with medicine, cosmetics, or paint.
apply 、paint, coat (a surface)
Means to spread or coat a surface with medicine, cream, cosmetics, paint, or another substance.
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ทายา thaa yaa apply medicine ทายา details
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อย่าลืมทาครีมกันแดดนะ yàa lʉʉm thaa khriim kan dɛ̀ɛt ná Don't forget to put on sunscreen. อย่าลืมทาครีมกันแดดนะ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of ทา is placing a substance on the body or another surface and spreading it over that surface. A common pattern is ทา followed by the substance being applied: ทายา “apply medicine,” ทาครีม “apply cream,” and ทาสี “paint.” The location can be added with ที่, as in ทาครีมที่หน้า “apply cream to the face.” It is a common, neutral verb used for skincare products, makeup, topical medicine, and paint.
Usage
It is commonly used when putting on skincare products, sunscreen, or makeup; applying medicine to the skin; and painting walls, fences, or furniture. It is neutral and natural in both conversation and general writing.
Caution
ทา implies spreading or coating a substance on a surface. Use วาง for simply placing an object, เท for pouring a liquid, and ฉีด for spraying something such as perfume.
Differences from similar words
1 apply synonyms
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ฉาบ commonly refers to covering a surface with a layer of material such as plaster or cement. ทา is broader and more everyday, and it also covers applying a thin layer of cream, medicine, makeup, or paint.
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ป้าย emphasizes dabbing, smearing, or wiping a small amount onto something. ทา is the more general verb for applying medicine, cream, cosmetics, paint, and similar substances to a surface.