แจ๋ว
excellent
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 excellent、great、cool
- 2 clear
- 3 ringing (voice)、loud and clear (voice)
This word casually praises something as excellent or cool. It can also describe water or eyes as exceptionally clear, or a voice as high, distinct, and ringing.
excellent、great、cool
Describes a person, thing, or idea as impressively good in an upbeat, informal way.
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ไอเดียนี้แจ๋วมาก aydia níi cɛ̌w mâak This idea is really great. ไอเดียนี้แจ๋วมาก details
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รถคันนี้แจ๋วมาก rót khan níi cɛ̌w mâak This car is excellent. รถคันนี้แจ๋วมาก details
clear
Describes water as exceptionally clear and unclouded, or eyes as bright, clear, and fully alert.
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น้ำทะเลที่นี่ใสแจ๋ว náam thalee thîi nîi sǎy cɛ̌w The seawater here is crystal clear. น้ำทะเลที่นี่ใสแจ๋ว details
ringing (voice)、loud and clear (voice)
Describes a voice, often a high one, that rings out distinctly and can be heard clearly.
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เด็กตอบเสียงแจ๋ว dèk tɔ̀ɔp sǐaŋ cɛ̌w The child answered in a clear, ringing voice. เด็กตอบเสียงแจ๋ว details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word carries a core image of something unclouded, bright, and striking. That image develops into several uses: water can be exceptionally transparent, eyes can look bright and alert, a voice can ring out clearly, and a thing or idea can be praised as outstanding. As a compliment, it is friendly and conversational. It can serve directly as the predicate in ไอเดียนี้แจ๋ว (“This idea is great”), without เป็น. แจ๋วมาก and แจ๋วจริง ๆ strengthen the praise. แจ๋ว is also used as a female nickname, but in that case it is a personal name rather than a dictionary sense of the ordinary word.
Usage
In everyday conversation, แจ๋ว can casually praise a movie, car, product, idea, or someone's ability. On its own, แจ๋ว! is an approving reaction similar to “Great!” or “Cool!” In descriptive use, น้ำใสแจ๋ว refers to exceptionally clear water, while ตาแจ๋ว describes bright, alert eyes or someone who is still wide awake. เสียงแจ๋ว is used for a distinct, often relatively high voice, such as a child's voice.
Caution
The complimentary sense is informal, so it is generally unsuitable for solemn official documents or highly formal writing. เสียงแจ๋ว does not necessarily mean a beautiful voice; depending on context, it may describe a noticeably high or shrill one. The “clear” sense is also not freely applied to every noun, so learners should remember established combinations such as น้ำใสแจ๋ว and ตาแจ๋ว.
Differences from similar words
1 excellent synonyms
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เจ๋ง is a punchier, more contemporary compliment often suggesting impressive skill or coolness. แจ๋ว sounds lighter and more cheerful and can have a mildly old-fashioned charm.
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เยี่ยม is a broadly usable word meaning excellent. แจ๋ว is more conversational and conveys a livelier sense of personal approval.
2 clear synonyms
3 ringing (voice) synonyms
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กังวาน describes a resonant sound that carries and can apply to many kinds of sound. แจ๋ว is commonly associated with a distinct, relatively high voice and does not necessarily mean that the voice is beautiful.