PeopleInterpreter in Thai
“Interpreter” in Thai is ล่ามlâam; you'll also hear นักแปลnák-bplae (translator).
interpreter noun
- lâam falling
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
Classifier: คนkon · person, people
translator (of written texts) noun
- nák high
- bplae mid
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
How to use it
A ล่ามlâam interprets speech, while a นักแปลnák-bplae translates writing, from แปลbplae, to translate. Large private hospitals in Bangkok and the tourist areas have interpreters for English and other languages, so ask at the counter.
Other spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- lam
- larm
More people in Thai
All people
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Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones