ฉลาด
smart
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 smart、intelligent、clever、wise
ฉลาด describes someone or something as smart, intelligent, or clever, especially with good understanding and sound judgment. It can describe people, animals, ideas, choices, and methods.
smart、intelligent、clever、wise
This sense describes intelligence, quick understanding, and good judgment. It can refer not only to a person’s ability, but also to a smart idea, choice, or way of doing something.
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เด็กคนนี้ฉลาดมาก dèk khon níi chalàat mâak This child is very smart. เด็กคนนี้ฉลาดมาก details
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หมาตัวนี้ฉลาด mǎa tua níi chalàat This dog is clever. หมาตัวนี้ฉลาด details
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เป็นความคิดที่ฉลาด pen khwaam khít thîi chalàat That is a smart idea. เป็นความคิดที่ฉลาด details
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วิธีนี้ฉลาดมาก wíthii níi chalàat mâak This method is very clever. วิธีนี้ฉลาดมาก details
Learning notes
Explanation
ฉลาด is the basic Thai word for being smart or intelligent. It is not limited to school performance; it can describe quick understanding, good judgment, practical problem-solving, or choosing an effective way to do something. It can describe people, animals, ideas, and methods. In most everyday contexts, it is a positive word of praise.
Usage
It is common in everyday conversation, school, work, praise for children or students, descriptions of clever animals, and comments on smart ideas, choices, or methods.
Caution
ฉลาด does not simply mean having a lot of knowledge. For “knowledgeable,” มีความรู้ may fit better, and for “good at studying,” เรียนเก่ง is often more natural. Also, ฉลาดเกินไป, “too smart,” can sound ironic or suspicious depending on context.
Differences from similar words
1 smart synonyms
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เก่ง means being good at something or skilled, often in studies, work, or a specific ability. ฉลาด focuses more on intelligence, understanding, and good judgment.
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เจ้าเล่ห์ has a negative sense of being sly or deceitful. ฉลาด is usually positive, though in some contexts it can sound calculating or overly clever.