คารวะ
pay respect to
Native recording
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- 1 pay respect to 、pay homage to
This word refers to showing deep respect through a gesture, greeting, or words. It is most common in formal or ceremonial contexts.
pay respect to 、pay homage to
To formally show respect to a teacher, elder, or another honored person through one's actions or words.
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เขาเข้าไปคารวะอาจารย์ khǎw khâw pay khaarawá aacaan He went in to pay his respects to the teacher. เขาเข้าไปคารวะอาจารย์ details
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ศิษย์คารวะครูก่อนเริ่มพิธี sìt khaarawá khruu kɔ̀ɔn rə̂əm phíthii The students paid respect to their teacher before the ceremony began. ศิษย์คารวะครูก่อนเริ่มพิธี details
Learning notes
Explanation
คารวะ is a somewhat elevated word of Pali origin. Its central idea is not merely feeling respect internally, but expressing it through a bow, a wai, a formal greeting, a respectful visit, or courteous words. As a verb, the honored person can follow it directly, as in คารวะผู้ใหญ่, “pay respect to one's elders.” As a noun, it often appears in patterns such as แสดงคารวะต่อ…, “show respect to….”
Usage
It is commonly used when formally paying respect to elders, teachers, benefactors, monks, or other honored people. It also appears in ceremonies, respectful visits, tributes, dedications, and elevated writing.
Caution
For ordinary “respect,” เคารพ is usually more natural and versatile. คารวะ emphasizes formally expressed respect and is not normally used for respecting laws, rules, or rights. It can also sound overly ceremonial for a casual greeting between friends.
Differences from similar words
1 pay respect to synonyms
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นับถือ commonly describes holding someone in high regard and can also mean following a religion. คารวะ focuses more on visibly or verbally paying respect.
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เคารพ is the broader everyday word for respecting a person, obeying a rule, or respecting a right. คารวะ more specifically suggests formally expressing respect to an honored person through a greeting, gesture, or other act.