เทพี
thep-phi
The Thai word for goddess is เทพี (thep-phi).
เทพี is used to refer specifically to a female deity.
Meaning: female deity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While เทพี refers specifically to a female deity, the word เทพ is the general term for a deity and is often used for males.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
เทพี is a formal or literary term used in religious, mythological or poetic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
thep-phi
Did you know?
- The root word เทพ appears in many Thai words for 'genius' or 'expert' in a particular field. For example, someone with extraordinary gaming skills might be called a เทพ.
- The Sanskrit root of เทพี is the same root found in the English word 'deity', making them distant linguistic cousins.
- In Thai pop culture, the term เทพี is often used in the context of 'beauty pageants', such as the term for a 'beauty queen'.
Examples in context
- ตำนานกล่าวถึงเทพีผู้พิทักษ์ป่า.tam-nan klao thueng thep-phi phu phi-thak pa.The legend tells of a forest protecting goddess.
- เรากำลังวาดรูปเทพีบนผนัง.rao kam-lang wat rup thep-phi bon pha-nang.We are painting a picture of a goddess on the wall.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a museum of ancient art.
- พิมล Pimonดูรูปปั้นเทพีองค์นี้สิdu rup pan thephi ong ni siLook at this goddess statue.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritดูสง่างามมากเลยนะdu sa-nga ngam mak loei naIt looks very elegant.
- พิมล Pimonน่าจะเป็นเทพีจากกรีกna cha pen thephi chak krikIt is likely a Greek goddess.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritฉันเห็นด้วยกับพิมลchan hen duai kap phimonI agree with Phimon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries เทพี, CC BY-SA 4.0.
