ภาพลวงตา
optical illusion
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 optical illusion
This word refers to something that appears real but does not match reality. It can describe an optical illusion, a mirage, or a misleading impression or belief.
optical illusion
A visual effect or image that makes the eyes perceive something differently from physical reality.
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น้ำบนถนนเป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา náam bon thanǒn pen phiaŋ phâap luaŋ taa The water on the road is just a mirage. น้ำบนถนนเป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word is built from ภาพ (“image”), ลวง (“to deceive”), and ตา (“eye”), giving it the basic image of something that deceives the eye. Its central idea is that what someone sees—or figuratively believes they see—does not match reality. It covers optical illusions, natural mirages, and misleading appearances or hopes. It is a standard word used in everyday conversation, news, and scientific explanations.
Usage
It is commonly used when discussing optical-illusion images, such as lines that look unequal despite being the same length. It also appears in descriptions of mirages over deserts or hot roads and in figurative discussions of misleading prosperity, success, advertising, or hope.
Caution
Do not use ภาพลวงตา for every kind of imagined or mistaken experience. จินตนาการ is the usual word for imagination, and ความเข้าใจผิด means a misunderstanding. For a clinical or psychological hallucination seen without an external object, ภาพหลอน is more precise; ภาพลวงตา is not always interchangeable with “hallucination.”
Differences from similar words
1 optical illusion synonyms
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ภาพหลอน can refer to a hallucinated image seen without a real external object. ภาพลวงตา usually involves a real visual stimulus or effect that is perceived differently from reality.