ทางด่วน
expressway
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- 1 expressway、toll expressway
A ทางด่วน is a controlled-access expressway designed for fast travel. In Thailand, the word often refers to a toll expressway, especially in urban areas.
expressway、toll expressway
A controlled-access road for fast motor-vehicle travel, often requiring a toll in Thailand.
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ขึ้นทางด่วนได้เลย khʉ̂n thaaŋ dùan dâay ləəy You can take the expressway. ขึ้นทางด่วนได้เลย details
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ค่าทางด่วนเท่าไหร่ khâa thaaŋ dùan thâw rày How much is the expressway toll? ค่าทางด่วนเท่าไหร่ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word combines ทาง “road, way, or route” with ด่วน “urgent or rapid,” giving the image of a road intended for faster travel. It is a common, neutral term used when driving, discussing traffic, or taking a taxi. Because many Thai expressways charge a toll, ค่าทางด่วน “expressway toll” is also a very common expression. ขึ้นทางด่วน literally contains the idea of “going up,” but it conventionally means “to enter or get on the expressway,” whether or not the road is elevated. The classifier for expressway routes is สาย.
Usage
It is commonly used when discussing whether a taxi or rideshare should take the expressway, giving driving directions, asking about tolls, or talking about traffic and accidents.
Caution
It does not simply mean any major road or national highway. Although Thai expressways are often toll roads, the word itself does not necessarily mean that a toll is charged.
Differences from similar words
1 expressway synonyms
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มอเตอร์เวย์ is an English loanword often used for intercity motorways. ทางด่วน more readily suggests an urban expressway, particularly around Bangkok.