ถวาย
offer (to a monk, sacred being, or royalty)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 offer (to a monk, sacred being, or royalty)、present (to royalty)、dedicate
Describes respectfully offering something to a monk, a sacred being, or royalty, often in a religious or ceremonial setting.
offer (to a monk, sacred being, or royalty)、present (to royalty)、dedicate
To respectfully offer or dedicate an object, service, or act to a monk, a sacred being, or royalty.
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เตรียมอาหารถวายพระ triam aahǎan thàwǎay phrá prepare food to offer to the monks เตรียมอาหารถวายพระ details
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ถวายดอกไม้แด่พระพุทธรูป thàwǎay dɔ̀ɔk máay dɛ̀ɛ phráphúttharûup offer flowers to a Buddha image ถวายดอกไม้แด่พระพุทธรูป details
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ถวายงานรับใช้พระมหากษัตริย์ thàwǎay ŋaan ráp cháy phrá mahǎa kasàt serve the king faithfully ถวายงานรับใช้พระมหากษัตริย์ details
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พร้อมถวายชีวิตเพื่อชาติ phrɔ́ɔm thàwǎay chiiwít phʉ̂a châat be ready to give one's life for the country พร้อมถวายชีวิตเพื่อชาติ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ถวาย is more than an ordinary verb meaning “give.” Its central image is presenting something with deep respect to a recipient of religious or royal status, especially a monk, a sacred figure, or royalty. The basic pattern is ถวาย followed by the thing offered. For example, ถวายอาหารพระ means to offer food to monks, while ถวายดอกไม้ means to offer flowers. In formal language, แด่ may introduce the respected recipient. The object does not have to be physical. Expressions such as ถวายงาน refer to service performed for royalty, while ถวายความเคารพ means to pay formal respects. ถวายชีวิต expresses the stronger idea of dedicating or sacrificing one's life.
Usage
Commonly used at temples when offering food or necessities to monks and when placing flowers or other offerings before a sacred figure. It also appears frequently in royal ceremonies and news reports concerning presentations, service, or good wishes directed toward royalty.
Caution
Do not use ถวาย merely as a polite substitute for ให้. Giving something to a friend, relative, coworker, or ordinary senior normally takes ให้ or มอบ. ถวาย is reserved for recipients and situations carrying special religious or royal reverence.
Differences from similar words
1 offer (to a monk, sacred being, or royalty) synonyms
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มอบ is a formal verb for presenting or awarding something and can be used with ordinary people and organizations. ถวาย carries religious or royal reverence and has a more restricted range of recipients.
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ให้ is the ordinary verb for giving something to anyone. ถวาย is reserved for respectful offerings to monks, sacred beings, or royalty.