กิเลส
mental defilement [Buddhism]
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 mental defilement [Buddhism]、unwholesome mental state [Buddhism]
- 2 self-indulgent desire、material desire
This word refers to mental impulses—such as greed, anger, and delusion—that cloud the mind and lead to suffering or unwholesome behavior. In everyday use, it often means a self-indulgent desire for possessions or pleasure.
mental defilement [Buddhism]、unwholesome mental state [Buddhism]
In Buddhism, it refers collectively to defiling mental states such as greed, anger, and delusion, which cloud the mind and cause suffering.
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มนุษย์ทุกคนมีกิเลส manút thúk khon mii kìlèet All human beings have mental defilements. มนุษย์ทุกคนมีกิเลส details
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เขาพยายามละกิเลส khǎw phayaayaam lá kìlèet He is trying to free himself from mental defilements. เขาพยายามละกิเลส details
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เอาชนะกิเลสในใจ aw chaná kìlèet nay cay Overcome the defilements in one’s mind. เอาชนะกิเลสในใจ details
self-indulgent desire、material desire
In everyday contexts, it means an urge for possessions or pleasure, usually viewed critically or mentioned with humorous self-awareness.
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โฆษณานี้ยั่วกิเลสมาก khôotsanaa níi yûa kìlèet mâak This ad really stirs up desire. โฆษณานี้ยั่วกิเลสมาก details
Learning notes
Explanation
กิเลส comes from Pali and is originally a Buddhist term. Its central image is something within the mind that obscures clear judgment and inner calm. It covers greed, anger, delusion, and related unwholesome states. In modern everyday speech, it is also used for the urge to buy, eat, or enjoy something indulgent. กิเลสขึ้น means that such a desire has arisen, ยั่วกิเลส means to stir up desire, and สนองกิเลส means to indulge or satisfy it. It is generally treated as an abstract concept rather than something counted in ordinary conversation.
Usage
It is common in Buddhist teachings, sermons, meditation, and discussions of self-discipline. In casual conversation and on social media, speakers also use it humorously when tempted by shopping, food, luxury goods, or other pleasures.
Caution
This is not a neutral word for a hope, preference, or need. Calling another person’s ordinary wishes กิเลส can sound judgmental, suggesting greed or a lack of self-control. In Buddhist usage, it is also broader than desire alone and includes anger, delusion, and other mental defilements.
Differences from similar words
1 mental defilement [Buddhism] synonyms
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ตัณหา focuses on craving or a powerful thirst for something. กิเลส is broader, covering not only craving but also anger, delusion, and other states that cloud the mind.
2 self-indulgent desire synonyms
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ความต้องการ neutrally expresses a need, requirement, request, or demand. กิเลส instead suggests an excessive or self-indulgent desire for possessions or pleasure.