บน
on
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 on、above、on or through (a medium)、based on、upper
- 2 make a vow in exchange for a wish、ask a supernatural power for a favor with a promised offering
This word mainly locates something on or above a place, surface, medium, or basis. As a verb, it also refers to asking a supernatural power for a favor while promising something in return.
on、above、on or through (a medium)、based on、upper
It marks a position on or above something and can also identify a surface, medium, or basis. After a noun, it can describe its upper part or level.
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หนังสืออยู่บนโต๊ะ nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ yùu bon tó The book is on the table. หนังสืออยู่บนโต๊ะ details
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เขียนบนกระดาษ khǐan bon kradàat Write on paper. เขียนบนกระดาษ details
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ซื้อของบนอินเทอร์เน็ต sʉ́ʉ khɔ̌ɔŋ bon inthəənét Shop online. ซื้อของบนอินเทอร์เน็ต details
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ชั้นบน chán bon The upper floor. ชั้นบน details
make a vow in exchange for a wish、ask a supernatural power for a favor with a promised offering
It means asking a deity, spirit, or other sacred power to grant a wish while promising an offering or action in return.
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เขาบนให้สอบผ่าน khǎw bon hây sɔ̀ɔp phàan He made a vow in hopes of passing the exam. เขาบนให้สอบผ่าน details
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ไปแก้บน pay kɛ̂ɛ bon Go fulfill the offering promised in a vow. ไปแก้บน details
Learning notes
Explanation
For location, the basic pattern is บน followed by the reference object. บนโต๊ะ means “on the table,” and บนกระดาษ means “on the surface of the paper.” The idea extends beyond physical surfaces. บนอินเทอร์เน็ต refers to something happening online, while บนพื้นฐานของ… means “on the basis of…” or “based on….” When บน follows a noun, it can describe an upper part or level, as in ชั้นบน, “the upper floor.” As a verb, บน describes a conditional vow to a deity, spirit, or sacred power. If the wish comes true, carrying out the promised offering or action is called แก้บน.
Usage
In everyday language, บน commonly describes objects on tables, shelves, floors, and other surfaces. It is also used for actions performed on paper or screens, for online activity, and for information or evidence serving as a basis. The vow-related use appears in religious and folk-belief settings when people seek help with exams, employment, health, business, or other important concerns.
Caution
For “on top of something,” บน normally comes before the reference noun. When it means “upper,” it may follow the noun: compare บนโต๊ะ, “on the table,” with ชั้นบน, “the upper floor.” As a verb, บน does not simply mean “want” or “pray.” It is used only when the request includes a promise to give or do something if the wish is granted.
Differences from similar words
1 on synonyms
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เหนือ means that something is higher than a reference point and does not imply contact. บน is especially common for something resting on a surface, though it also extends to abstract settings such as online media.
2 make a vow in exchange for a wish synonyms
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อธิษฐาน is the general word for praying or making a wish and does not require a promised repayment. บน specifically involves promising an offering or action if the wish is granted.