พระ
prá/pʰraʔ˦˥/
The English word "monk" is translated into Thai as พระ (prá).
พระ is the most common and general term used to address a monk formally. It is frequently used as a prefix or a shortened form when referring to monks in various contexts.
Meaning: male member of monastic order (noun)
Which one should you use?
While พระ is the general term, there are more specific forms depending on the context: พระภิกษุ is the full, formal term for a monk and พระครู is used specifically to address a senior or head monk.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word พระ is often used as a prefix or a shortened form when referring to monks in various contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pʰraʔ˦˥/ (prá).
Did you know?
- In Thailand, it is common for men to be ordained as a พระ for a short period of time, such as a few weeks or months, before returning to lay life.
- When speaking to or about a พระ, Thai people use a special set of vocabulary called 'royal' or 'clerical' language, replacing everyday verbs with formal alternatives.
- The word พระ is used as a prefix for many things that are not human, such as พระจันทร์ for the 'moon' and พระอาทิตย์ for the 'sun'.
Examples in context
- อยากเป็นพระภิกษุในวัดโบราณI want to be a monk in an ancient monastery.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to be a monk in an ancient monastery using พระ.Tatoeba #10371958 by nonong, translation #10371955 by nonong
- พระกำลังสวดมนต์อยู่phra kam-lang suat-mon yuThe monk is praying.
- เราควรตักบาตรให้พระrao khuan tak-bat hai phraWe should offer food to the monk.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are standing near a temple in the morning.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatพิมล เห็นพระรูปนั้นไหมPimon hen phra rup nan maiPimon, do you see that monk?
- พิมล Pimonเห็นค่ะ ธีรภัทรhen kha, TeeraphatI see him, Teeraphat.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเราไปถวายสังฆทานให้พระกันเถอะrao pai tha-wai sang-kha-than hai phra kan thoeLet's go offer offerings to the monk.
- พิมล Pimonไปกันค่ะpai kan khaLet's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monk” translations and entries พระ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
