ปรึกษา
consult (someone)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 consult (someone)、seek advice (from someone)
- 2 discuss (a matter)、confer (with someone)
This word describes bringing a problem or decision to someone in order to get advice or work out what to do together. It is used both for consulting an expert and for discussing a matter with other people involved.
consult (someone)、seek advice (from someone)
To present a problem or concern to someone and seek their advice or professional opinion.
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ปรึกษาหมอ prʉ̀ksǎa mɔ̌ɔ consult a doctor ปรึกษาหมอ details
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ฉันอยากปรึกษาคุณเรื่องงาน chǎn yàak prʉ̀ksǎa khun rʉ̂aŋ ŋaan I want to consult you about work. ฉันอยากปรึกษาคุณเรื่องงาน details
discuss (a matter)、confer (with someone)
To exchange opinions or information with others in order to reach a decision or work out a course of action.
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เราต้องปรึกษากันก่อน raw tɔ̂ŋ prʉ̀ksǎa kan kɔ̀ɔn We need to discuss it first. เราต้องปรึกษากันก่อน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of ปรึกษา is not deciding something alone: you bring a matter to another person and consider their opinion. It is a common, neutral word used in everyday life as well as in professional, medical, and legal settings. The person consulted can follow the verb directly, as in ปรึกษาหมอ, “consult a doctor.” A topic is commonly introduced with เรื่อง, as in ปรึกษาเขาเรื่องงาน, “consult him about work.” With กับ, the word can mean discussing something with another person or group. With กัน, as in ปรึกษากัน, it expresses mutual consultation or discussion. Common ways to begin a consultation include ขอปรึกษาหน่อย, “Could I ask your advice about something?” and มีเรื่องอยากปรึกษา, “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Usage
It is commonly used when discussing concerns about work, education, relationships, or money with friends, family, or a supervisor; when consulting professionals such as doctors or lawyers; and when a team or family discusses a plan or decision together.
Caution
ปรึกษา normally means “consult” or “seek advice,” not “give advice.” To say that someone gives advice or provides counseling, use ให้คำปรึกษา. For a simple question, use ถาม; for casual conversation without a problem or decision to address, คุย is more natural.
Differences from similar words
1 consult (someone) synonyms
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ถาม simply means to ask a question. ปรึกษา is used when seeking someone's advice or opinion in order to solve a problem or make a decision.
2 discuss (a matter) synonyms
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คุย broadly means to talk or chat. ปรึกษา specifically suggests a purposeful discussion aimed at getting advice, solving a problem, or making a decision.
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หารือ is a somewhat more formal word for holding discussions, especially in meetings or official contexts. ปรึกษา is common across a wider range of situations, including everyday personal consultations.