อสูร
asura
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 asura、demon; monster
This word refers to a powerful, fearsome supernatural being. It can mean an asura in Hindu or Buddhist tradition or, more broadly, a demon or monster in mythology and fantasy.
asura、demon; monster
A powerful and frightening supernatural being, ranging from the asuras of religious mythology to demons and monsters in traditional tales and fantasy.
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อสูรต่อสู้กับเหล่าเทพ àsǔun tɔ̀ɔ sûu kàp làw thêep The asuras fight against the gods. อสูรต่อสู้กับเหล่าเทพ details
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เจ้าชายถูกสาปให้กลายเป็นอสูร câw chaay thùuk sàap hây klaay pen àsǔun The prince was cursed and turned into a monster. เจ้าชายถูกสาปให้กลายเป็นอสูร details
Learning notes
Explanation
อสูร comes from a Pali–Sanskrit term for an asura, a class of powerful beings found in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Its meaning has broadened to include fearsome demons and monsters in folktales, literature, films, comics, and games. The word has a mythological or literary tone rather than referring to an ordinary creature. When such supernatural beings are counted, ตน may be used as the classifier.
Usage
It commonly appears in discussions of Hindu or Buddhist mythology and in folktales, fantasy fiction, films, comics, and games. It is more typical of storytelling and fictional settings than ordinary conversation.
Caution
อสูร is not a neutral term for every unusual-looking creature; it usually suggests something fearsome and supernatural. Applied figuratively to a person, it can be a harsh insult implying that the person is brutal or inhuman.
Differences from similar words
1 asura synonyms
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ปีศาจ is a broad term for a demon, devil, or evil spirit. อสูร has a more mythological or literary flavor and often suggests an asura or a powerful monstrous being.
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ยักษ์ typically refers to the large ogres or giants familiar from Thai stories and art. อสูร can cover a wider range of mythological beings, including asuras and powerful demons.
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สัตว์ประหลาด is a general word for a strange or monstrous creature and does not necessarily imply supernatural powers or evil. อสูร more strongly suggests a fearsome supernatural being.