ghosts and spirits
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 ghosts and spirits、supernatural beings
A collective term for ghosts, spirits, and other eerie supernatural beings.
ghosts and spirits、supernatural beings
Refers collectively to ghosts, spirits, and similar supernatural beings associated with fear or misfortune.
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ฉันไม่เชื่อเรื่องผีสาง chǎn mây chʉ̂a rʉ̂aŋ phǐi sǎaŋ I don't believe in ghosts or the supernatural. ฉันไม่เชื่อเรื่องผีสาง details
Learning notes
Explanation
ผีสาง is close in meaning to the basic word ผี, “ghost” or “spirit,” but it usually has a broader, collective sense. It evokes ghosts, spirits, and other mysterious beings as a general category rather than one particular ghost. It commonly appears in ghost stories, folklore, and discussions of supernatural beliefs. The word often carries an eerie or frightening tone, but it does not refer exclusively to evil demons.
Usage
It is used in ghost stories, folklore, and conversations about supernatural beliefs. It often occurs when discussing whether someone believes in or is afraid of ghosts and spirits, as in เรื่องผีสาง, “stories or matters involving the supernatural.”
Caution
For one specific ghost, ผี is usually more natural. Do not automatically use ผีสาง for every fictional monster; สัตว์ประหลาด “monster” or ปีศาจ “demon” may be more appropriate depending on the creature.
Differences from similar words
1 ghosts and spirits synonyms
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ปีศาจ usually means a demon or an explicitly evil supernatural creature. ผีสาง is broader and can include ghosts and spirits that are not necessarily demons.
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ผี is the basic everyday word for a ghost or spirit and can refer to an individual being. ผีสาง more often groups ghosts and similar supernatural beings together.