Nature and weatherTide in Thai
“Tide” in Thai is น้ำขึ้นnáam-kûen; you'll also hear น้ำลงnáam-long (low tide).
high tide; the tide comes in noun
- náam high
- kûen 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!”
low tide; the tide goes out noun
- náam high
- long mid
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
How to use it
The tide is the water going up and down: น้ำขึ้นnáam-kûen is high tide and น้ำลงnáam-long low tide. At low tide sandbars appear between some islands, but check when the water comes back. The proverb น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตักnáam-kûen hâi rîip dtàk, "scoop while the water is high", means make hay while the sun shines.
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:
- nam khuen
- nam kuen
- nam long
More nature and weather in Thai
All nature and weather
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