Thai Word: ที่แล้ว (thêe-láew)

Meaning: ago
Part of Speech: adverb

The word ที่แล้ว (t^hêe-láew) means ‘ago’, and it is commonly used to express how long ago something happened. When used in the context of time, it is often paired with the word เมื่อ (mêua), which means ‘when’ or ‘at the time of’, to help specify the moment or period the action or event refers to. A time expression that indicates a measurable duration (such as hours, days, months, or year) must come before แล้ว (t^hêe-láew). The structure typically follows this pattern: เมื่อ (mêua) + time duration + ที่แล้ว (t^hêe-láew). Look at the sentence examples below:

(t^hēr àwk jàak sǎm-nák-ngāan bpāi mêua hâa chûa-mōng t^hêe-láew)
She left the office five hours ago.
Literal: She out from office go at the time of five hours ago.

(rāo p^hób gān k^hráng râek mêua sǎam bpēe t^hêe-laew)
We met for the first time three years ago.
Literal: We meet each other time first at the time of three year ago.

(t^hēr rêuhm ngāan ^hmài mêua sǎwng wān t^hêe-láew)
She started a new job two days ago.
Literal: She start job new at the time of two day ago.

(p^hûak-k^hǎo yáai bâan bpāi ^awyùu t^hêe jāng-^hwàd rá-yāwng mêua sǎam dēuan t^hêe-láew)
They moved to live in Rayong province three months ago.
Literal: They move house go be situated in province Rayong at the time of three month ago.

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