ทอน
give change
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 give change、give back change
The core idea is to take something down from its original amount, size, or force. In everyday use it often means giving change, breaking a large bill into smaller money, or reducing something.
give change、give back change
Used when a seller or driver gives back the remaining money after a payment.
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ไม่ต้องทอน mây tɔ̂ŋ thɔɔn Keep the change. ไม่ต้องทอน details
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แม่ค้าทอนเงินผิด mɛ̂ɛkháa thɔɔn ŋən phìt The vendor gave the wrong change. แม่ค้าทอนเงินผิด details
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ทอนเงินให้หน่อย thɔɔn ŋən hây nɔ̀ɔy Please give me my change. ทอนเงินให้หน่อย details
Learning notes
Explanation
ทอน is a verb built around the idea of taking something down or subtracting from it. The most useful everyday forms are เงินทอน, “change,” and ทอนเงิน, “to give change.” It is also used when breaking a large bill into smaller denominations. In more abstract contexts, it can mean reducing or weakening something, as in reducing a budget or undermining someone’s confidence.
Usage
You will hear it most often in payment situations such as shops, markets, taxis, and restaurants. It is also useful when asking someone to break a large bill. In news, reports, and written Thai, it can describe reducing budgets, weakening power, or undermining confidence.
Caution
For “change” as a noun, เงินทอน is the normal form. It is better to learn ทอน through phrases like เงินทอน and ทอนเงิน rather than using it alone as a noun. For currency exchange in general, use แลกเงิน; ทอน is better for breaking a large denomination or giving change after payment.
Differences from similar words
1 give change synonyms
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คืนเงิน means to return or refund money, often after a cancellation or return. ทอน specifically means giving back the remaining change after a payment.