ส่วน

Explanation

The core image of ส่วน is one part within a larger whole. It applies to physical pieces as well as sections of writing, assigned work, shares of profit, and participation. Common patterns include มีส่วนร่วม, “to participate or be involved,” and มีส่วนช่วย, “to contribute.” As a classifier, it follows a number and counts divisions or portions. Fractions use the order numerator + ส่วน + denominator, as in สามส่วนสี่, “three quarters.”

Usage

ส่วน is common in everyday conversation, writing, business, organizational contexts, and descriptions of quantity. It is especially useful for identifying a section, dividing work or benefits, describing someone’s involvement, and shifting between or contrasting topics.

Caution

As a classifier, ส่วน counts portions or divisions of a whole; it is not a general-purpose classifier for arbitrary objects. At the beginning of a clause, it does not always mean “but.” It may simply shift the topic, so translate it contrastively only when the context supports that reading.

1 part synonyms

• ตอน

  tɔɔn part

  ตอน refers to a distinct episode, passage, or period. ส่วน is broader and can describe almost any part of a whole, as well as an allotted share.

• แผนก

  phanɛ̀ɛk department

  แผนก is a department or organizational unit. ส่วน is the more general word for a part of any physical or abstract whole.

2 part [classifier for divisions or portions] synonyms

• ชิ้น

  chín piece [classifier]

  ชิ้น counts individual items or discrete pieces. ส่วน counts divisions of a whole or allotted portions.

3 as for synonyms

• ขณะที่

  khanà thîi whereas

  ขณะที่ means “while” and can explicitly contrast two simultaneous situations. ส่วน can merely introduce a new topic without implying a strong contrast.

• สำหรับ

  sǎmràp for (someone)

  สำหรับ usually means “for” or “intended for.” ส่วน introduces a topic and may contrast it with another person or matter.