คำศัพท์

Explanation

This is a neutral noun commonly used in language learning. It also applies to vocabulary in your own language and to terms used in specialized fields; the words do not have to be difficult. Context determines whether it refers to one word, several words, or vocabulary collectively. คำศัพท์ภาษาไทย can mean “Thai words” or “Thai vocabulary.” Use the classifier คำ to count individual words: คำศัพท์ห้าคำ means “five words,” and คำศัพท์คำนี้ means “this word.”

Usage

Use it in language classes, dictionaries, and learning apps when discussing words to memorize, asking about meanings, or building vocabulary. It is also a common heading for a textbook vocabulary list and is useful when discussing terms used in a profession or subject.

Caution

For someone's words in the sense of what they said, normally use คำพูด. คำศัพท์ does not itself mean a dictionary; the word for that is พจนานุกรม.

1 vocabulary synonyms

• คำ

  kham word

  คำ is the general word for a word and also serves as the classifier for counting words. คำศัพท์ more explicitly presents a word as an item of vocabulary to learn, define, or discuss.

• ศัพท์

  sàp word

  ศัพท์ also means vocabulary or terms and is common in combinations such as ศัพท์เทคนิค, “technical terms.” The two often overlap; คำศัพท์ is especially common when discussing words in language learning.