Thai · Culture & Society
วัด
wat
Temple
Beginnernoun
Definition
A Buddhist temple; Thailand has more than forty thousand of them.
Example
วัดพระแก้วอยู่ที่กรุงเทพฯ
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is in Bangkok.
Etymology
The term 'วัด' (wat) comes from the Pali 'vātā,' meaning 'enclosure.' It is commonly used to refer to Buddhist temples, reflecting the significant role of religion in Thai culture.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in both formal and informal settings, 'วัด' is found in both spoken and written contexts. It is universally understood across Thailand, with regional variations in specific temple names.