Nature and weatherLightning in Thai
“Lightning” in Thai is ฟ้าแลบfáa-lâep; you'll also hear ฟ้าผ่าfáa-pàa (a strike).
lightning (the flash) noun
- fáa high
- lâep falling
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
a lightning strike; to be struck by lightning noun
- fáa high
- pàa low
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
- Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
How to use it
Thai separates the flash from the strike: ฟ้าแลบfáa-lâep is lightning flashing across the sky, and ฟ้าผ่าfáa-pàa, "the sky splits", is a bolt that hits something. Thunder is ฟ้าร้องfáa-ráwng, "the sky cries out". In a thunderstorm, get out of the sea and away from lone trees.
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:
- fa laep
- fah lap
- fa lap
- fa pha
- fa pa
More nature and weather in Thai
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Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones