Travel and transport ถอย tǎwy
to back up, to reverse; to move back verb
- tǎwy rising
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
How to use it
ถอยtǎwy is moving back, and ถอยหลังtǎwy lǎng, to back up, is what a car park attendant calls as you reverse. Car buyers use it too: ถอยรถtǎwy rót is also slang for buying a car, and a brand-new one comes with red temporary plates, ป้ายแดงbpâai-daeng. Giving up ground in an argument is ถอยtǎwy too.
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:
- thoi
- taawy
- thoy
More travel and transport in Thai
All travel and transport
Learn Thai with the free course
A complete course from your first phrase to real conversations, with audio for every word and AI speaking practice. Free, no sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones