ศาสนา
religion
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 religion
- 2 [classifier for religions]
It means religion: a system of beliefs, teachings, and practices. It also serves as the classifier for counting religions.
religion
A system of religious beliefs and practices, such as Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam.
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ฉันไม่นับถือศาสนา chǎn mây nápthʉ̌ʉ sàatsanǎa I don't follow any religion. ฉันไม่นับถือศาสนา details
[classifier for religions]
Used after a number or quantity word to count religions.
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ประเทศไทยมีหลายศาสนา prathêet thay mii lǎay sàatsanǎa There are many religions in Thailand. ประเทศไทยมีหลายศาสนา details
Learning notes
Explanation
This is a standard noun used in everyday conversation, education, news, and official forms. It can refer to religion in general or to a particular religion. Although Buddhism is frequently discussed in Thailand, the word applies to all religions. The usual expression for following a religion is นับถือศาสนา. For example, นับถือศาสนาพุทธ means “to practice Buddhism.” ทางศาสนา means “religious” or “relating to religion,” as in เสรีภาพทางศาสนา, “religious freedom.” English may use an adjective in these expressions, but ศาสนา itself is a noun.
Usage
Use it when discussing religious affiliation, ceremonies, culture, or customs. It also appears as the label for a religion field on forms.
Caution
For a denomination or branch within a religion, use นิกาย. Saying ไม่นับถือศาสนา means that someone does not follow a religion; it does not necessarily mean they are an atheist.
Differences from similar words
1 religion synonyms
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ศรัทธา means faith or deep trust and can also be directed toward a person. ศาสนา names the religion itself, rather than the faith someone feels.