พระเจ้า
God
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 God
- 2 King; Emperor [title before a monarch's name]、[element in certain royal titles]
- 3 Oh my God!
This word usually refers to God. It also serves as a royal title before names and as an exclamation of surprise.
God
This refers to God as the supreme being, especially in Christianity and other monotheistic contexts.
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เชื่อในพระเจ้า chʉ̂a nay phrá câw believe in God เชื่อในพระเจ้า details
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ขอพระเจ้าคุ้มครอง khɔ̌ɔ phrá câw khúmkhrɔɔŋ May God protect you. ขอพระเจ้าคุ้มครอง details
King; Emperor [title before a monarch's name]、[element in certain royal titles]
This is a title used before the names of monarchs and in certain titles for members of a royal family.
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พระเจ้าตากสิน phrá câw tàaksǐn King Taksin พระเจ้าตากสิน details
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พระเจ้าหลุยส์ที่ 14 phrá câw lǔy thîi sìp sìi King Louis XIV พระเจ้าหลุยส์ที่ 14 details
Oh my God!
This expresses a strong reaction such as surprise, alarm, or disbelief, much like “Oh my God!”
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โอ้พระเจ้า! ôo phrá câw Oh my God! โอ้พระเจ้า! details
Learning notes
Explanation
พระ appears in words associated with sacred or royal status, while เจ้า can mean lord or ruler. It is most useful to learn พระเจ้า as a complete word. On its own, it usually means God. Before a monarch's name, as in พระเจ้าตากสิน, it functions as a royal title. This usage also extends to historical rulers outside Thailand. When a classifier is needed for God, องค์ or พระองค์ is used. The exclamations พระเจ้า! and โอ้พระเจ้า! can express an emotional reaction without indicating the speaker's religious beliefs.
Usage
You will encounter it in discussions of faith, prayers, and blessings. In history lessons and descriptions of historic sites, it often appears before monarchs' names. In films, conversation, and social media, it can express a strong emotional reaction.
Caution
พระเจ้า is not a universal term for every sacred being. The usual word for the Buddha is พระพุทธเจ้า. Royal titles follow established conventions, so พระเจ้า cannot be freely added to any royal person's name. โอ้พระเจ้า! can sound theatrical or reminiscent of translated dialogue, depending on the setting.
Differences from similar words
1 God synonyms
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เทพเจ้า commonly refers to a deity in mythology or a polytheistic religion. พระเจ้า is especially associated with God in monotheistic contexts.
2 King; Emperor [title before a monarch's name] synonyms
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กษัตริย์ is a general noun meaning king or monarch. In this sense, พระเจ้า mainly functions as a title before a name or designation.
3 Oh my God! synonyms
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โอ้โห is an everyday exclamation like “Wow!” expressing surprise or admiration. พระเจ้า often sounds more dramatic and takes the form of an appeal to God.