กุศล
merit
Native recording
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- 1 merit、meritorious deed、virtue
This word refers to moral or religious goodness, especially merit gained through good deeds. It is more ethical and Buddhist in tone than a general word like “good.”
merit、meritorious deed、virtue
A good or meritorious act, or the merit gained from doing such acts, often in Buddhist or moral contexts.
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ทำกุศล tham kùsǒn to do a meritorious deed ทำกุศล details
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บุญกุศล bun kùsǒn merit; accumulated virtue บุญกุศล details
Learning notes
Explanation
กุศล comes from Pali/Sanskrit and is strongly associated with Buddhist and moral contexts in Thai. Its core idea is goodness in the ethical sense: a wholesome mind or action that brings merit or good results. ทำกุศล means to do a meritorious deed, often through donation, temple-related activities, helping others, or acts of dedication. The opposite อกุศล means unwholesome or morally bad.
Usage
It is common in temples, Buddhist ceremonies, merit-making, charity, funerals or memorial rites, sermons, and moral discussions. It can appear in everyday speech, but it sounds natural when the act is viewed as morally good or merit-making, not just casually “nice.”
Caution
Do not use กุศล for general quality, convenience, or skill. Use ดี for ordinary “good.” For a casual act of kindness, ช่วยเหลือ or ทำความดี may sound more natural unless you want a clear moral or merit-making tone.