ชดใช้
compensate for (damage or loss)
Native recording
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- 1 compensate for (damage or loss)、reimburse、pay back
- 2 atone for、make amends for、pay for (one's wrongdoing)
This verb means to make up for damage or wrongdoing through money, repayment, or action. It usually implies accepting responsibility for something that has happened.
compensate for (damage or loss)、reimburse、pay back
To provide money or something equivalent to cover a loss or damage for which someone is responsible.
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ชดใช้ค่าเสียหาย chótcháy khâa sǐa hǎay pay compensation for damages ชดใช้ค่าเสียหาย details
atone for、make amends for、pay for (one's wrongdoing)
To make amends for wrongdoing or bear the consequences of one's actions, often through effort or sacrifice.
Learning notes
Explanation
ชดใช้ carries the idea of settling an obligation created by damage, loss, or wrongdoing. The person responsible gives money, takes action, or makes a sacrifice to put matters right. In financial contexts, ชดใช้ค่าเสียหาย, “to pay compensation for damages,” is especially common. The pattern ชดใช้ + thing compensated for + ให้ + recipient can identify both what is being compensated and who receives it. The verb can also take objects such as ความผิด, “wrongdoing,” when someone makes amends through actions rather than money. The expression ชดใช้กรรม refers seriously to suffering the consequences of one's past actions. The word generally carries more weight and responsibility than an ordinary payment.
Usage
It is common in discussions of accidents, damaged property, insurance, and contracts, especially when a company or responsible party must cover a loss. It is also used in serious personal or dramatic contexts when someone tries to make amends or faces the consequences of past wrongdoing.
Caution
For ordinary debt repayment, ใช้หนี้ is more common, while ชำระหนี้ is the more formal option. To make up for lost time, days off, or a simple shortfall, ชดเชย is usually more natural; ชดใช้ may sound too serious because it suggests responsibility or fault.
Differences from similar words
1 compensate for (damage or loss) synonyms
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คืนเงิน simply means to return or refund money. ชดใช้ emphasizes that the payment is being made to remedy a loss or fulfill a responsibility.
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ชดเชย broadly means to offset or make up for a loss, shortage, or disadvantage, including lost time or days off. ชดใช้ more strongly suggests that the responsible party is making restitution for damage or loss.
2 atone for synonyms
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ไถ่โทษ focuses specifically on atoning for an offense or redeeming oneself and tends to sound serious. ชดใช้ covers a broader range of attempts to make up for wrongdoing.