ว่องไว
agile
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 agile、nimble、quick-witted
Describes someone or something as quick, agile, and responsive. It suggests smooth, nimble action rather than speed alone.
agile、nimble、quick-witted
Describes a person or animal that moves, thinks, or reacts quickly and nimbly.
-
เขาเป็นคนว่องไว khǎw pen khon wɔ̂ɔŋway He is an agile and quick person. เขาเป็นคนว่องไว details
-
แมวตัวนี้ว่องไวมาก mɛɛw tua níi wɔ̂ɔŋway mâak This cat is very nimble. แมวตัวนี้ว่องไวมาก details
Show more (1)
-
เขาเคลื่อนไหวร่างกายอย่างว่องไว khǎw khlʉ̂anwǎy râaŋ kaay yàaŋ wɔ̂ɔŋway He moves quickly and nimbly. เขาเคลื่อนไหวร่างกายอย่างว่องไว details
Learning notes
Explanation
ว่องไว combines two elements associated with quickness, giving it the stronger image of being agile, alert, and responsive. It is commonly used for physical movement, but it can also describe quick thinking, reactions, or efficient work. As a quality, it can appear in expressions such as เขาว่องไว, “he is agile.” When modifying an action, อย่างว่องไว clearly marks the adverbial meaning, as in เคลื่อนไหวอย่างว่องไว, “move nimbly.”
Usage
Used positively when talking about an athlete’s movement, an animal’s agility, a quick reaction to danger, fast thinking, or efficient and responsive work. It is suitable for both everyday conversation and writing.
Caution
ว่องไว is generally not used for pure mechanical speed, as in “a fast car,” or for being earlier than scheduled. Also, อย่างว่องไว means “nimbly” or “responsively,” not “immediately”; use ทันที when the key idea is acting without delay.
Differences from similar words
1 agile synonyms
-
คล่องแคล่ว emphasizes moving or working smoothly and skillfully, often through competence or practice. ว่องไว focuses more directly on quick, nimble movement or response.
-
เร็ว is the general word for being fast or taking little time. ว่องไว more specifically suggests agility, alertness, and quick reactions.