หนังสือ
book
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 book
- 2 document、formal written communication
This noun refers to written material meant to be read. In everyday contexts it usually means a book, while in official or administrative contexts it can mean a document or formal written communication.
book
A work containing text or information that is read as a book, whether in print or digital form.
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อ่านหนังสือ àan nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ read a book; study อ่านหนังสือ details
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หนังสือเล่มนี้น่าสนใจมาก nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ lêm níi nâa sǒncay mâak This book is very interesting. หนังสือเล่มนี้น่าสนใจมาก details
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ต้องอ่านหนังสือสอบ tɔ̂ŋ àan nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ sɔ̀ɔp I have to study for the exam. ต้องอ่านหนังสือสอบ details
document、formal written communication
A formal written document or communication issued by an office, company, school, or government body.
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หนังสือรับรองหนึ่งฉบับ nǎŋsʉ̌ʉ ráprɔɔŋ nʉ̀ŋ chabàp one certificate หนังสือรับรองหนึ่งฉบับ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core idea of หนังสือ is something recorded in writing and meant to be read. When used by itself in everyday conversation, it normally means “book.” Books take the classifier เล่ม: หนังสือสองเล่ม means “two books,” and หนังสือเล่มนี้ means “this book.” Formal documents commonly take the classifier ฉบับ instead. อ่านหนังสือ literally means “read a book,” but in school or exam contexts it very often means “study.” เรื่อง can introduce the title or subject of a book. For example, หนังสือเรื่องอะไร asks what book it is or what it is about, depending on context.
Usage
It is common in bookstores, libraries, schools, and conversations about reading or studying. In government offices, companies, and schools, it is also used for certificates, notices, and other formal written documents.
Caution
By itself, หนังสือ is normally understood as “book.” Use จดหมาย for an ordinary personal letter; หนังสือ refers to correspondence mainly in formal or administrative settings. The context determines whether อ่านหนังสือ means “read” or “study.”
Differences from similar words
1 book synonyms
2 document synonyms
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จดหมาย is the usual word for a personal letter or ordinary mailed correspondence. หนังสือ is used for correspondence mainly when it is formal, official, or administrative.
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เอกสาร is the broader everyday term for documents and paperwork, including electronic files. In this sense, หนังสือ often refers more specifically to a formal written communication or official document.