โอบ

Explanation

The core image of โอบ is wrapping an arm, both arms, or something similarly curved around a target so that it is enfolded. With people, it is commonly used for putting an arm around someone’s shoulders or waist, or holding a child within one’s arms. It often appears with a body part, as in โอบไหล่ “put an arm around someone’s shoulder” and โอบเอว “put an arm around someone’s waist.” The same image extends to landscapes: mountains, trees, and similar features can โอบ a place by enclosing it in an enfolding shape. โอบล้อม and โอบรอบ are common combinations in this use. The compound โอบอุ้ม can also mean to protect or provide support and is best learned as a complete expression.

Usage

It is used when someone puts an arm around a family member, partner, or friend, or holds a child gently within their arms. It is also used in descriptions of villages, buildings, or roads enclosed by mountains, forests, or trees, especially when the scene gives an impression of being enfolded.

Caution

กอด is the ordinary word for giving someone a close hug. โอบ focuses on the shape of placing an arm or the arms around someone, particularly around their shoulders or waist. Use อุ้ม when the person or object is lifted, supported, or carried in the arms. The meaning “support or protect” normally belongs to the compound โอบอุ้ม, not to โอบ by itself.

1 put one’s arms around synonyms

• กอด

  kɔ̀ɔt hug

  กอด is the usual word for hugging someone closely. โอบ focuses more on placing an arm or the arms around someone, such as around their shoulders or waist.

• อุ้ม

  ûm carry in one's arms

  อุ้ม means to lift, carry, or support a child or object in one’s arms. โอบ means to wrap an arm or the arms around the target and does not necessarily involve lifting it.

2 surround synonyms

• ล้อมรอบ

  ล้อมรอบ is a neutral, broadly applicable word for surrounding something. โอบ more readily suggests an enfolding shape, as though the surroundings were wrapping around the target.