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Thai

สำนวน

Pronunciation

sǎmnuan

สำนวน

sǎmnuan

idiom

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  1. 1 idiom
  2. 2 wording、phrasing、style、rendering (of a translation)
  3. 3 case file、case dossier
  4. 4 [classifier for expressions, versions, or case files]

This word refers to language shaped into a particular expression, such as an idiom, phrasing, or writing style. In legal and news contexts, it has the separate meaning of a case file or dossier.

1

idiom

Noun⭐️3 Common

An established expression whose overall meaning is often different from the literal meanings of its individual words.

2

wording、phrasing、style、rendering (of a translation)

Noun⭐️3 Common

The characteristic way a speaker, writer, or translator chooses and arranges words, including the style or wording of a text.

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3

case file、case dossier

Noun⭐️1 Rarely used

An official file containing the evidence, statements, and investigative records assembled for a legal case.

Show more (1)
4

[classifier for expressions, versions, or case files]

Classifier⭐️1 Rarely used

A classifier used for idiomatic expressions, distinct versions or renderings of a work, and compiled case files.

Learning notes

Explanation

The central idea of สำนวน is something organized into a particular verbal or formal shape. For language learners, its most important meanings are “idiom” and “wording or style.” สำนวนการเขียน describes writing style, while สำนวนแปล refers to the wording or style of a translation. In police, prosecution, and court contexts, the meaning changes substantially: it refers to the official records compiled for a case. ทำสำนวน means to prepare a case file, and ส่งสำนวนให้อัยการ means to forward it to the prosecutor. The word can also serve as a classifier for idiomatic expressions, different versions or renderings of a work, and case files.

Usage

It commonly appears in language classes and dictionaries when discussing idioms. In conversations about writing, literature, or translation, it describes wording and style. In crime reports and legal news, it often occurs near words such as ตำรวจ (police), อัยการ (prosecutor), คดี (case), and สอบสวน (investigate), where it means a case file.

Caution

Do not automatically translate สำนวน as “proverb.” A lesson-bearing proverb is more specifically called สุภาษิต. In legal contexts, สำนวน means a case file rather than an idiom or writing style, so use the surrounding words to identify the intended meaning.

Differences from similar words

1 idiom synonyms

2 wording synonyms

  • ถ้อยคำ refers to the actual words or wording used. สำนวน emphasizes how words are put together and the style they create.

  • ลีลา can describe a distinctive style in speech, writing, performance, or movement. สำนวน focuses specifically on the choice and arrangement of words.

3 case file synonyms

  • แฟ้มคดี focuses on the physical or electronic folder holding documents about a case. สำนวน refers more specifically to the official record compiled by investigators for legal proceedings.

Component words

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