ลีลา
style
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 style、manner of expression、flair
- 2 graceful movement、bearing
- 3 dawdle、stall、make a show of it
This word refers to the distinctive way someone performs, expresses, or carries out something, often with a sense of flair or grace. In casual speech, it can also mean delaying or making an unnecessary show of something.
style、manner of expression、flair
The distinctive way a person performs or expresses something, especially in writing, speech, acting, or sports.
graceful movement、bearing
Graceful or expressive physical movement, especially in dance or performance.
dawdle、stall、make a show of it
In casual speech, it means to stall, dawdle, or make an unnecessary show before acting or answering.
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of ลีลา is not simply what someone does, but how they do or present it. It can describe an individual style in writing, speech, acting, or sports. With dance and other physical performance, it often suggests fluid, expressive, or elegant movement and is usually complimentary. In casual phrases such as อย่าลีลา and ไม่ต้องลีลา, it functions like a verb and becomes critical or teasing: the person is stalling, showing off, or adding unnecessary buildup instead of getting on with it.
Usage
It is commonly used when discussing a writer's style, a speaker's delivery, a performer's movements, or an athlete's way of playing. Among friends, expressions such as อย่าลีลา or ไม่ต้องลีลา may be used when someone is taking too long, withholding an answer for effect, or making too much fuss before getting to the point.
Caution
Do not always translate ลีลา as “grace” or “elegance.” In อย่าลีลา, ไม่ต้องลีลา, and ลีลาเยอะ, it is a casual criticism or teasing command aimed at someone who is stalling or being overly theatrical. These expressions may sound disrespectful when addressed to a senior or used in a formal setting. For a neutral “method,” วิธี is often more appropriate. For general posture, gestures, or outward appearance, ท่าทาง may be a better choice.
Differences from similar words
1 style synonyms
-
ท่วงทำนอง mainly refers to melody, cadence, or the tone of speech and writing. ลีลา is broader and can also describe style in acting, sports, and other performances.
-
รูปแบบ is a neutral, general word for a form, format, or pattern. ลีลา focuses more on a distinctive, expressive way of doing or presenting something.
2 graceful movement synonyms
3 dawdle synonyms
-
อิดออด means to hesitate or act reluctantly. ลีลา is broader and can describe stalling through excessive buildup, theatrics, or unnecessary fuss.