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Thai

ธรรมะ

Pronunciation

thammá

ธรรมะ

thammá

the Dharma

Native recording

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  1. 1 the Dharma、Buddhist teachings
  2. 2 moral principles、moral integrity

This word primarily refers to Buddhist teachings and can also mean the moral principles that guide a person toward a good and upright life.

1

the Dharma、Buddhist teachings

Noun⭐️3 Common Buddhism

The teachings of the Buddha, including Buddhist lessons presented in sermons, books, or talks.

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2

moral principles、moral integrity

Noun⭐️3 Common

An inner sense of morality or a set of principles that guides someone to live rightly and behave well.

Learning notes

Explanation

ธรรมะ comes from Pali and Sanskrit and is strongly associated with Buddhism in Thai life. When used on its own, it usually refers to the Buddha’s teachings or to Buddhist lessons given by monks and other speakers. It can also describe moral guidance that helps a person calm the mind, control anger and desire, and live rightly. The related form ธรรม is common in formal expressions and established compounds, such as พระธรรม “the Dharma,” หลักธรรม “a doctrinal or moral principle,” and ฟังธรรม “listen to a sermon.” The two forms are related but are not freely interchangeable in every expression.

Usage

It is commonly used when discussing temple sermons, Buddhist books, recorded talks, meditation, and peace of mind. It also appears in conversations about a person’s moral character or principles for dealing with life’s difficulties.

Caution

ธรรมะ refers mainly to teachings or moral content, not to religion as an institution. It does not replace กฎหมาย for “law” or ธรรมชาติ for “nature.” In specialized Buddhist philosophy it may also refer to truth or phenomena, but learners should normally understand it first as “Buddhist teachings.”

Differences from similar words

1 the Dharma synonyms

  • ธรรม also means the Dharma, but it is especially common in formal language and established compounds. ธรรมะ is more readily used on its own in everyday references to Buddhist talks, books, and videos.

2 moral principles synonyms

  • คุณธรรม refers to virtues a person possesses, such as honesty or compassion. ธรรมะ more broadly describes the teachings or principles that support a morally upright life.

  • ศีลธรรม refers to morality as a social standard of right and wrong. ธรรมะ often carries a Buddhist association and focuses more on teachings or principles held in the heart.

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