สงบ
Wordform Details
Translation: peacefulcalmtranquil
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
baseformIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: สงบ
Translation: peaceful; calm; quiet; tranquil; serene; still (adjective)
Etymology: From Old Khmer 'saṅgaba' meaning 'peaceful, calm'. The word shares conceptual roots with Sanskrit 'śānta' (peaceful) through Buddhist and Hindu cultural transmission. The Thai word emphasizes both external quietude and internal tranquility, reflecting Buddhist concepts of mental peace. Unlike English 'calm' which often describes temporary states, สงบ carries connotations of deeper, more lasting serenity.
Mnemonics
- Think 'song-gob' - like a song that makes you calm
- Remember 'song' for the sound - peaceful songs make you สงบ
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Highly valued in Thai Buddhist culture where inner peace and tranquility are spiritual ideals. Often used to describe ideal states of mind, environments, and social situations. The concept of สงบ is central to Thai meditation practices and social harmony.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: เงียบ refers specifically to absence of sound/noise, while สงบ encompasses broader tranquility including emotional and spiritual peace
This word:
ใจเขาสงบมาก
His mind is very peaceful.
Confused word:
ห้องนี้เงียบมาก
This room is very quiet.
Notes: สงบ can include เงียบ but เงียบ doesn't necessarily mean สงบ - you can have quiet chaos
Mnemonic: สงบ = soul peaceful (deeper), เงียบ = ears quiet (surface)