สมัย

Explanation

The core idea of สมัย is a span of time treated as one recognizable unit according to some reference point. In everyday speech, it frequently appears in expressions such as สมัยเด็ก “when one was a child,” สมัยก่อน “in the past,” and สมัยนี้ “these days.” In historical descriptions, ในสมัย… means “during the era or reign of….” After a number, it can function as a counter for terms in office or repeated achievements. Thus สองสมัย may mean “two terms” or “twice,” depending on the context. In political and administrative language, especially in สมัยประชุม, it refers to an official legislative session.

Usage

It is common in conversations comparing the past with the present, memories of childhood or school, and descriptions of history and culture. It also appears in news about elections, terms in office, and championship records, as well as in formal reporting on legislative sessions.

Caution

Unlike เวลา, สมัย does not mean time in general; it normally refers to a broader, recognizable period. Also, ทันสมัย means “modern” or “up-to-date” as a complete word—สมัย alone does not mean “fashionable.” In phrases such as แชมป์สามสมัย, the word itself does not specify whether the wins were consecutive; add ติดต่อกัน when that distinction matters.

1 era synonyms

• ช่วงเวลา

  ช่วงเวลา is a general span or interval of time, often with boundaries in mind. สมัย presents a period as a recognizable era or stage, such as a reign or part of someone’s life.

• ยุค

  yúk era

  ยุค commonly divides history or society into broad eras defined by particular characteristics. สมัย can also mean an era, but it is more natural for personal stages such as สมัยเด็ก, “when one was a child.”

2 term (in office) synonyms

• ครั้ง

  khráŋ time [counter for actions or events]

  ครั้ง is the general counter for occurrences. สมัย is used more specifically for terms or achievements involving a period of status, such as holding office or being champion.