คำนับ
pay respect (with a formal gesture)
Native recording
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- 1 pay respect (with a formal gesture)、salute
It means to show respect through a formal gesture of acknowledgment. The exact gesture depends on the situation and is not necessarily a bow.
pay respect (with a formal gesture)、salute
To formally acknowledge a person or sacred being with a physical gesture of respect.
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ทหารคำนับผู้บังคับบัญชา thahǎan khamnáp phûubaŋkhápbanchaa The soldier salutes the commanding officer. ทหารคำนับผู้บังคับบัญชา details
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เขาคำนับเทพยดาฟ้าดิน khǎw khamnáp thêepphayadaa fáa din He paid respect to the gods of heaven and earth. เขาคำนับเทพยดาฟ้าดิน details
Learning notes
Explanation
คำนับ focuses on visibly expressing respect through a formal gesture rather than merely feeling respect for someone. The gesture varies with the context, so the word does not always mean bending the upper body in a bow. โค้งคำนับ is used when bowing is specifically intended. The word has a formal tone and also occurs in the expression ทำความคำนับ.
Usage
It is used in ceremonial, military, theatrical, and other formal settings. It may also describe paying respect to a deity or sacred being. It is not normally used for a casual greeting between friends.
Caution
Do not automatically interpret คำนับ as “bow.” When the precise gesture matters, use a more specific expression such as โค้งคำนับ for bowing, ไหว้ for the palms-together Thai gesture, or วันทยหัตถ์ for a military hand salute.
Differences from similar words
1 pay respect (with a formal gesture) synonyms
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วันทยหัตถ์ specifically denotes a military-style hand salute. คำนับ is broader and does not by itself specify that particular gesture.
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เคารพ broadly means to respect someone and can describe either an attitude or respectful behavior. คำนับ specifically presents that respect through a formal gesture.
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ไหว้ specifically refers to the Thai gesture made with the palms pressed together. คำนับ is a more general term for formally showing respect through a gesture.