ปา
throw (something at a target)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 throw (something at a target)、hurl
- 2 reach as much as (an unexpectedly high figure) [informal]
This word primarily describes throwing something forcefully toward a target. In conversation, the expression ปาเข้าไป also emphasizes that an age, amount, or duration has reached a surprisingly high figure.
throw (something at a target)、hurl
To throw something with force, often aiming it at a person, object, or target.
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อย่าปาของใส่คนอื่น yàa paa khɔ̌ɔŋ sày khon ʉ̀ʉn Don't throw things at other people. อย่าปาของใส่คนอื่น details
reach as much as (an unexpectedly high figure) [informal]
In the expression ปาเข้าไป, it emphasizes that an age, duration, or amount has already reached a surprisingly high figure.
Learning notes
Explanation
The basic meaning of ปา is to send a handheld object forcefully in an intended direction, often with the aim of hitting a person, object, or target. A common pattern is ปา followed by the object being thrown. To name the target, Thai often uses ปา + object + ใส่ + target. In conversation, ปาเข้าไป followed by a figure has a separate idiomatic use. It emphasizes that an age, duration, or amount has reached a surprisingly high level, often conveying surprise, annoyance, or disbelief.
Usage
It is commonly used when someone throws a stone or another object at a person or thing, aims at a target in an activity such as darts, or warns a child not to throw objects. The expression ปาเข้าไป appears in informal conversation when emphasizing a surprisingly high age, price, duration, or other figure.
Caution
ปา is not the natural choice for every kind of throwing. When something is tossed lightly to another person or thrown simply to move it elsewhere, โยน is often more appropriate. Also, ปา + object + ใส่ + person can describe an aggressive and potentially dangerous act.
Differences from similar words
1 throw (something at a target) synonyms
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ขว้าง also means to throw something with a strong arm motion and is very close to ปา. ปา particularly tends to suggest throwing at an intended person, object, or target.
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โยน is a broader, more neutral verb for tossing or throwing something, including simply moving it from one place to another. ปา more strongly suggests a forceful throw in an intended direction or at a target.