as if
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 as if、as though、just like
This expression makes a vivid comparison, presenting something as though it were—or closely resembled—something else, without stating that the comparison is literally true.
as if、as though、just like
It introduces a noun or clause used as a vivid, nonliteral comparison, often emphasizing how strongly something appears or feels a certain way.
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เธอสวยราวกับนางฟ้า thəə sǔay raaw kàp naaŋ fáa She is as beautiful as an angel. เธอสวยราวกับนางฟ้า details
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อากาศเย็นราวกับฤดูหนาว aakàat yen raaw kàp rʉ́duu nǎaw It’s chilly, almost like winter. อากาศเย็นราวกับฤดูหนาว details
Learning notes
Explanation
The basic pattern is “A + ราวกับ + B.” B may be either a noun or a clause. For example, ราวกับนางฟ้า means “like an angel,” while ราวกับรู้ทุกอย่าง means “as if someone knew everything.” The expression does not claim that the comparison is literally true. It conveys a strong impression and is generally more vivid and descriptive than the broad, everyday เหมือน.
Usage
It is often used to compare someone’s appearance or behavior to something else, or to describe weather, scenery, and atmosphere vividly. It works in conversation and is especially effective in stories, articles, and personal descriptions.
Caution
Follow ราวกับ with the noun or clause that provides the comparison. Because it presents an impression rather than a literal fact, เหมือน or เหมือนกับ may be more natural when you only want to state a straightforward similarity.
Differences from similar words
1 as if synonyms
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ประหนึ่ง also means “as if,” but it has a distinctly literary or elevated tone. ราวกับ is descriptive but is also natural in ordinary conversation.
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เหมือนกับ is a common, neutral expression for saying that things are alike or the same. ราวกับ usually creates a more vivid “as if” or “just like” comparison.