ราวๆ
about
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 about、around、approximately
Indicates that a number, time, duration, or other measurable amount is an approximate figure rather than an exact one.
about、around、approximately
Placed before a numerical or time expression to indicate a value somewhere near the stated figure.
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ราวๆ สิบคน raw raaw sìp khon about ten people ราวๆ สิบคน details
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ใช้เวลาราวๆ สองชั่วโมง cháy weelaa raw raaw sɔ̌ɔŋ chûamooŋ It takes about two hours. ใช้เวลาราวๆ สองชั่วโมง details
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เขาอายุราวๆ สามสิบปี khǎw aayú raw raaw sǎamsìp pii He is around thirty years old. เขาอายุราวๆ สามสิบปี details
Learning notes
Explanation
ราวๆ marks a figure as approximate, leaving some room on either side of the stated value. It can be used with numbers referring to people, prices, times, ages, distances, durations, and many other measurable quantities. It consists of ราว plus the repetition mark ๆ. It may be written as ราวๆ or with a space as ราว ๆ. The reduplicated form has a soft, conversational feel.
Usage
It is common in everyday situations when estimating a head count, suggesting a flexible meeting time, or giving a rough price, distance, age, or duration. It is also useful when an exact figure is known but unnecessary.
Caution
It normally comes before the approximate number, quantity, or time, as in ราวๆ สิบคน (“about ten people”). Avoid combinations such as ประมาณราวๆ; since both words mark approximation, one is normally enough.
Differences from similar words
1 about synonyms
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ประมาณ is a general-purpose word meaning “approximately” and works in both conversation and writing. ราวๆ has a softer “somewhere around” feel and is especially natural in everyday speech.
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ราว has the same approximate meaning and is concise and common in writing or news reports. ราวๆ is its reduplicated form and sounds softer and more conversational.