ราชา
king
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 king、male monarch
- 2 king (the best in a field)、leading figure
This word centers on the image of a king at the top. It can mean a literal male monarch or, figuratively, an outstanding person or thing regarded as the best in its field.
king、male monarch
A male monarch who rules a country or territory. The respectful form พระราชา is commonly used when referring to a king as a person.
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พระราชากับพระราชินี phrá raachaa kàp phrá raachínii the king and queen พระราชากับพระราชินี details
king (the best in a field)、leading figure
A figurative title for a person or thing considered supreme, outstanding, or especially representative within a particular field or category.
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ทุเรียนเป็นราชาแห่งผลไม้ thúrian pen raachaa hɛ̀ŋ phǒnlamáay Durian is the king of fruits. ทุเรียนเป็นราชาแห่งผลไม้ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ราชา is an elevated word of Pali-Sanskrit origin. For a literal king, ราชา by itself fits especially well in stories, historical narratives, and titles. พระราชา is the respectful form used for a king as a person. องค์ or พระองค์ is used when counting or referring back to royal persons. In figurative use, ราชาแห่ง followed by a field or category means “the king of” that area. It can praise either a person or an outstanding thing. The shorter pattern ราชา followed directly by a field is common in nicknames and promotional titles.
Usage
It appears in folktales, myths, and historical narratives when referring to a king. Figuratively, it is common in music, sports, entertainment, and advertising as a praising title for an exceptional person or product.
Caution
When referring to the current Thai monarch in an official context, avoid bare ราชา and use an appropriately respectful term such as พระมหากษัตริย์. ราชา is also not a direct form of address equivalent to “Your Majesty.”
Differences from similar words
1 king synonyms
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กษัตริย์ is a formal, general term for a king or monarch, especially in historical or institutional contexts. ราชา is more at home in stories and titles and is also widely used figuratively.
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พระมหากษัตริย์ is a highly respectful and official term for a reigning monarch. ราชา has a more story-like or title-like feel, while พระราชา is the usual respectful form for a literal king.
2 king (the best in a field) synonyms
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เจ้าพ่อ can colloquially describe a powerful or highly influential figure, with overtones of a boss or even an underworld kingpin. ราชา mainly praises someone or something as the best or most representative of its field.