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Thai

ฉาย

Pronunciation

chǎay

ฉาย

chǎay

screen (a film)

A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.

  1. 1 screen (a film)、project (an image)、be showing (of a film)
  2. 2 shine (a light on something)、emit light、irradiate
  3. 3 show signs of、bring to light、portray

This word describes sending out light or an image so that something becomes visible. It is commonly used for directing a light, screening a film, and showing signs of a quality or potential.

1

screen (a film)、project (an image)、be showing (of a film)

Verb⭐️3 Common

To display a film or image on a screen for people to see.

2

shine (a light on something)、emit light、irradiate

Verb⭐️3 Common

To emit light or direct a light or ray toward a particular place or object.

Show more (1)
3

show signs of、bring to light、portray

Verb⭐️3 Common

To make a quality, feeling, tendency, or situation visible or apparent, usually in a set expression.

Learning notes

Explanation

The central image of ฉาย is sending out light or an image so that something can be seen. For films, ฉายหนัง means “screen a film,” while ฉายภาพขึ้นจอ means “project an image onto a screen.” A film itself can be the subject: หนังกำลังฉาย means that the film is currently showing. With light, ฉายไฟ means to direct a light toward something, and ฉายแสง means to give off light. In medical contexts, ฉายรังสี refers to irradiation or radiation therapy. Figuratively, it commonly appears in set combinations such as ฉายแวว, “show promise or signs of a quality,” and ฉายภาพ, “portray or bring a situation into view.” Learning these combinations is more useful than treating every meaning as a completely separate use.

Usage

It is common in movie schedules, discussions of films currently showing, presentations using a projector, and situations where someone directs a flashlight at an object. It also occurs in medical discussions of radiation treatment, descriptions of a person’s potential, and reports that portray social conditions.

Caution

Use เปิดไฟ for simply turning on a light. ฉายไฟ means directing the beam toward a particular place or object. ฉายหนัง means to screen a completed film; use ถ่ายหนัง for filming or shooting a movie. Also, although ฉายแสง usually means to emit light, it can refer to treatment with light or radiation in a medical context.

Differences from similar words

1 screen (a film) synonyms

2 shine (a light on something) synonyms

  • ส่อง can mean to shine a light, look through something, or examine. ฉาย focuses on sending light or rays toward a target or outward from a source.

  • เปล่งแสง specifically describes a source giving off light. ฉาย can also describe directing a light toward something.

Component words

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