kill time
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- 1 kill time、pass the time
It means doing something to pass the time, especially while waiting or when there is nothing else to do.
kill time、pass the time
It describes doing an activity mainly to keep occupied until some free or waiting time has passed.
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อ่านหนังสือฆ่าเวลา àan nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ khâa weelaa read a book to pass the time อ่านหนังสือฆ่าเวลา details
Learning notes
Explanation
The expression combines ฆ่า (“kill”) and เวลา (“time”), using the same metaphor as “kill time.” It does not normally sound violent. It often follows an activity, as in เล่นเกมฆ่าเวลา (“play games to pass the time”), showing that the activity is mainly a way to fill an otherwise empty period.
Usage
It is common when waiting for a person or transportation, when there is time before the next appointment, or when someone is bored with nothing particular to do. It is also used to suggest an activity for filling that time.
Caution
It does not necessarily imply using time productively. Do not confuse it with เสียเวลา, which focuses on wasting or losing time; ฆ่าเวลา describes deliberately doing something to fill spare time.