อ้าง
claim
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 claim、give as a reason、use as an excuse
- 2 cite、refer to as support、invoke (a name or authority)
This verb presents something as a claim, reason, or supporting authority, often without confirming that it is true or valid.
claim、give as a reason、use as an excuse
It presents something as true or gives it as a reason, often with some distance or doubt on the speaker's part.
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อย่าอ้างว่าไม่มีเวลา yàa âaŋ wâa mây mii weelaa Don't use lack of time as an excuse. อย่าอ้างว่าไม่มีเวลา details
cite、refer to as support、invoke (a name or authority)
It brings up a person, source, or piece of evidence to support a statement or argument.
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ทนายอ้างพยานหลายคน thánaay âaŋ pháyaan lǎay khon The lawyer cited several witnesses. ทนายอ้างพยานหลายคน details
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อย่าอ้างชื่อฉัน yàa âaŋ chʉ̂ʉ chǎn Don't invoke my name. อย่าอ้างชื่อฉัน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core idea of อ้าง is bringing something forward to support a statement, action, or position. The common pattern อ้างว่า + clause means “claim that” or introduces a reason someone gives. In อ้างสิทธิ์, it means to claim a right. For explicit references to documents or sources, อ้างอิง is often the more natural choice.
Usage
It is common in news reports describing an unverified claim, in explanations for an absence or refusal, and in arguments that cite documents, witnesses, or experts. It also appears frequently in legal, political, and business contexts involving claims to rights or ownership.
Caution
อ้างว่า can sound less neutral than simply “say that”; it may frame the statement as unverified, one-sided, or doubtful. Use บอกว่า in ordinary neutral reporting or กล่าวว่า in more formal contexts. Referring to someone's reason with อ้าง can also imply that you regard it as an excuse.
Differences from similar words
1 claim synonyms
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กล่าว is a relatively formal and neutral verb meaning “state” or “say.” อ้าง may frame the statement as an unverified claim or as a reason offered in self-justification.
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บอก neutrally means “tell” or “say” in everyday speech. อ้าง presents something as a claim and may suggest that the speaker is not confirming its truth.
2 cite synonyms
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กล่าวถึง neutrally means “mention” or “talk about.” อ้าง goes beyond mentioning something and presents it as support for a claim or position.
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อ้างอิง is especially common for formally citing or consulting documents, sources, and references. อ้าง is broader and can invoke people, evidence, names, or authority as support.