What does wat mean?
Wat is an unusual English word with several established regional and borrowed uses. In Scots, it is a verb meaning “to know,” as in “I wat weel,” although more familiar Scots speakers may use “ken” in everyday speech. In casual English, wat sometimes serves as a shortened spelling of “what,” especially in informal or online writing, but that form should be distinguished from the Scottish word and the name of a Southeast Asian temple. When referring to Thai religion and architecture, a wat is a Buddhist temple or monastery, often a complex containing the principal sanctuary, residences for monks, halls, and other associated structures. Names such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun are widely familiar from Bangkok. The word's differing meanings and origins make it a useful reminder that a single spelling can reflect separate regional, informal, and international histories.
In Scots usage, to know or be aware of something.
"Dost thou wat the road?"
Chiefly Scots and regional; more familiar everyday alternatives include “know” and “ken.”
A Thai Buddhist temple or monastery, especially a temple complex containing associated religious and residential buildings.
"The wat is one of the city's most important historic monuments."
Most common in the names of Thai temples, including Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
A shortened form of “what,” used in casual English.
"Wat are you doing tonight?"
Informal and chiefly found in casual writing, captions, and dialogue.
The plural is used when referring to multiple Thai temples; the informal abbreviation of “what” has no regular plural form.
"The guide took us to several wats around the city."
One little word travels three ways: it means “know” in Scots, abbreviates “what” informally, and names a Thai temple.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wat
The Scots verb descends through Middle English from Old English witan, meaning “to know”; related English words include wit, wise, and wisdom. The informal shortened form of “what” is a modern clipping of that interrogative word. The temple sense is borrowed from Thai วัด (wat), a term also widely used in neighboring languages for a Buddhist temple complex.
How wat is actually used
The sense meaning “know” is chiefly Scottish and strongly associated with Scots or older regional usage rather than standard international English. The clipped form of “what” is informal and may occur in casual writing or dialogue. In the Southeast Asian sense, wat is usually written as part of a temple's name, as in Wat Pho or Wat Arun; the term commonly refers to a temple complex rather than a single building.
Easily confused with wat
Wat is pronounced like watt in many accents, but it means “know” in Scots, abbreviates “what” informally, or names a Thai temple; a watt is a unit of power.
In Scots, wat is a verb meaning “to know,” whereas wit is a related noun referring to intelligence, humour, or mental sharpness.