น้อม
bow
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 bow、bend down、lower one's head
น้อม centers on lowering oneself, physically or emotionally, out of respect. It often appears in set expressions meaning to bow, act humbly, or respectfully accept advice or teachings.
bow、bend down、lower one's head
This sense describes physically lowering the head or body, often as a respectful bow.
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น้อมศีรษะ nɔ́ɔm sǐisà to bow one's head น้อมศีรษะ details
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เขาน้อมศีรษะทักทายผู้ใหญ่ khǎw nɔ́ɔm sǐisà thák thaay phûu yày He bowed his head to greet the elder. เขาน้อมศีรษะทักทายผู้ใหญ่ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image of น้อม is lowering oneself toward someone or something worthy of respect. It can describe a physical bow, a humble attitude, or the respectful acceptance of advice, criticism, or teachings. Learners will usually meet it in set expressions such as น้อมศีรษะ, อ่อนน้อม, น้อมรับ, and น้อมนำ.
Usage
It is commonly used when describing respectful gestures toward elders or superiors, humble behavior, formal acceptance of advice or criticism, and the adoption of religious, moral, or important teachings.
Caution
For ordinary “receive,” use รับ; for “accept/admit,” use ยอมรับ; and for “follow/do as told,” use ทำตาม. Expressions like น้อมรับ and น้อมนำ sound formal and deferential, so they can feel too heavy in casual conversation.