All Phrases
How to say in Thai

"AC is not working"

Khrueang prap akat mai tham-ngan

เครื่องปรับอากาศไม่ทำงาน

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Language Breakdown

Verified by Hawk

Cultural Context

This phrase is a direct and common way to state that an air conditioner is broken or not functioning. It is a practical phrase used in everyday situations, especially when reporting a problem with an appliance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Thai
เครื่อง
Pronunciation
khrueang
Meaning
machine; devicenoun
Thai
ปรับ
Pronunciation
prap
Meaning
to adjust; to modifyverb
Thai
อากาศ
Pronunciation
akat
Meaning
airnoun
Thai
ไม่
Pronunciation
mai
Meaning
not (negative particle)particle
Thai
ทำงาน
Pronunciation
tham-ngan
Meaning
to work; to functionverb

Grammar Notes

  • 1
    Compound Noun Formation

    The term 'เครื่องปรับอากาศ' (khrueang prap akat) is a compound noun meaning 'air conditioner'. It is formed by combining 'เครื่อง' (machine/device) + 'ปรับ' (adjust) + 'อากาศ' (air), literally 'air-adjusting machine'.

  • 2
    Negation with 'ไม่'

    The particle 'ไม่' (mai) is placed directly before the verb or adjective to negate it. In this sentence, it negates 'ทำงาน' (to work), indicating that the action is not occurring.

Reality Check

Practical peer review by Hawk

Practical analysis

Quick Take

This is the standard, neutral way to report a broken air conditioner in Thai. Works in all situations from casual conversation to formal maintenance requests. Essential phrase for anyone living in Thailand.

Accuracy

The explanation is completely accurate. Romanization, word meanings, grammar points about compound noun formation and negation are all correct.

Formality

Perfectly neutral formality - appropriate for any context. You won't sound weird using this phrase anywhere.

Common Pitfalls

  • 1

    Don't pronounce 'เครื่อง' as 'kreung' - it's 'khrueang' with aspirated 'khr' sound

  • 2

    The 'ก' in 'อากาศ' is unaspirated 'g' sound, not 'k' - common mispronunciation

  • 3

    Don't pause between words in 'เครื่องปรับอากาศ' - say it as one compound unit

Better Alternatives

Casual: 'แอร์เสีย' (air sia) - 'AC is broken'. More formal: 'เครื่องปรับอากาศขัดข้อง' (khrueang prap akat khat khong) - 'AC is malfunctioning'.

Pronunciation Tips

  • Listen to the audio multiple times to hear the natural rhythm and tones.
  • Thai is a tonal language - pay attention to the rise and fall of pitch.
  • Practice speaking slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed.

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