เก้าอี้
chair
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 chair
- 2 official position、seat of power
This everyday word primarily refers to a chair. Figuratively, it can also mean a position of authority or an official post.
chair
A piece of furniture designed for one person to sit on, typically with legs and often with a back.
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มีเก้าอี้ว่างไหม mii kâwîi wâaŋ mǎy Is there a free chair? มีเก้าอี้ว่างไหม details
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ขอเก้าอี้หนึ่งตัวครับ khɔ̌ɔ kâwîi nʉ̀ŋ tua khráp Could I have one chair, please? ขอเก้าอี้หนึ่งตัวครับ details
official position、seat of power
Figuratively refers to an official position or seat of power, especially in politics or an organization.
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ทั้งคู่ต่างแย่งชิงเก้าอี้นายกรัฐมนตรี tháŋ khûu tàaŋ yɛ̂ɛŋ chiŋ kâwîi naayók rátthamontrii Both are vying for the prime minister's post. ทั้งคู่ต่างแย่งชิงเก้าอี้นายกรัฐมนตรี details
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พยายามรักษาเก้าอี้ไว้ phayaayaam ráksǎa kâwîi wáy try to hold on to one's position พยายามรักษาเก้าอี้ไว้ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The basic meaning is “chair,” the physical piece of furniture used for sitting. It is a common, neutral word used at home, at school, in offices, restaurants, and many other settings. The usual classifier for chairs is ตัว. For example, เก้าอี้หนึ่งตัว means “one chair.” The word is of Chinese origin but is fully established in modern Thai. Although its spelling contains เก้า, it should not be interpreted as a combination involving เก้า, the Thai word for “nine.” In political or organizational contexts, it can figuratively represent an official post or seat of power. For example, เสียเก้าอี้ means to lose one’s position, while รักษาเก้าอี้ means to hold on to it.
Usage
It is frequently used when talking about the location, number, or comfort of chairs at home, in classrooms, offices, restaurants, and waiting areas, as well as when buying furniture. Its figurative sense commonly appears in news and discussions about political appointments, executives, and struggles for power.
Caution
เก้าอี้ usually refers to the physical chair. For an assigned seat or a place to sit in a theater, airplane, train, or similar setting, ที่นั่ง is generally more appropriate.
Differences from similar words
1 chair synonyms
2 official position synonyms
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ตำแหน่ง is the neutral, direct term for a position or job title. เก้าอี้ is figurative, evoking a seat of power, and often appears when a position is being contested, protected, or lost.