ฉายา
epithet
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 epithet、byname
- 2 monastic name、Dharma name
A name given in addition to a person’s real name, often reflecting a notable trait or reputation. In a Buddhist context, it also refers to a monastic name.
epithet、byname
An additional name that highlights a person’s traits, actions, abilities, or public reputation.
monastic name、Dharma name
The religious name bestowed on a man when he is formally ordained as a Buddhist monk.
-
ได้รับฉายาเมื่ออุปสมบท dâay ráp chǎayaa mʉ̂a ùppasǒmbòt He received his monastic name upon ordination. ได้รับฉายาเมื่ออุปสมบท details
-
พระอาจารย์มีฉายาว่า “ปัญญาวุโธ” phrá aacaan mii chǎayaa wâa panyaawúthoo The monk’s monastic name is “Panyavudho.” พระอาจารย์มีฉายาว่า “ปัญญาวุโธ” details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of ฉายา is an additional name associated with a person rather than their birth name. In general use, it describes a name based on someone’s appearance, personality, behavior, ability, achievements, or public reputation. It can be admiring or teasing; the word itself does not indicate whether the name is positive or negative. Common patterns include ตั้งฉายาให้...ว่า... (“nickname someone ...”), ได้รับฉายาว่า... (“earn or be given the epithet ...”), and มีฉายาว่า... (“be known by the nickname ...”). In Buddhist contexts, it refers specifically to the religious name bestowed on a monk at formal ordination. Older texts may use the word for a shadow or reflected image, but learners should not use it with those meanings in ordinary modern Thai.
Usage
It commonly appears in news, sports coverage, entertainment reporting, and profiles when introducing a public figure’s epithet. Friends may also use it for a playful nickname based on a noticeable habit or trait. In temples, ordination ceremonies, and monks’ biographies, it means a monastic name.
Caution
Do not use ฉายา for every familiar name: a Thai person’s ordinary short name is usually called ชื่อเล่น. A ฉายา based on an unwanted physical trait or past mistake can sound mocking or insulting. For a physical shadow in modern Thai, use เงา.
Differences from similar words
1 epithet synonyms
-
ชื่อเล่น is an everyday familiar name that most Thai people normally have. ฉายา is usually bestowed later and reflects a trait, behavior, or reputation.
-
นามแฝง is an assumed name used to conceal one’s identity or work under another identity, such as a pen name. ฉายา is typically a name given because of a recognizable trait or reputation.
-
สมญานาม also means an epithet or byname but tends to sound more formal and literary. ฉายา is more broadly used, from news reports to casual conversation.