สาหัส

Explanation

The core idea is that something has reached an exceptionally grave level and cannot be treated as minor. It is especially common in expressions such as บาดเจ็บสาหัส, “to be seriously injured,” and อาการสาหัส, “a critical condition.” It can describe a state adjectivally or indicate degree adverbially, as in บาดเจ็บสาหัส. The form อย่างสาหัส is also used to emphasize that an action, impact, or instance of damage is severe. Beyond medical contexts, it can describe devastating damage or a serious blow to society, business, or the economy.

Usage

It is especially common in news reports about accidents, disasters, and crimes, as well as in medical descriptions of a patient’s condition. It is also used for severe physical harm, extensive damage, and major social or economic impacts.

Caution

สาหัส is a strong word and can sound exaggerated for minor injuries or ordinary problems. Although it indicates a grave condition, it does not by itself necessarily mean “fatal” or “near death.”

1 critical (injury or condition) synonyms

• ร้ายแรง

  ร้ายแรง broadly describes a problem, situation, or consequence as serious. สาหัส is more closely associated with grave injuries and critical conditions and often conveys a more immediate sense of physical severity.

• รุนแรง

  รุนแรง focuses on the intensity or force of symptoms, violence, or an event. สาหัส more strongly suggests that the resulting injury, damage, or condition is gravely serious.

• หนัก

  nàk serious

  หนัก is a common, broadly applicable word for something heavy or serious. สาหัส is stronger and is especially suited to critical injuries, grave medical conditions, or devastating damage.