สำคัญ — meaning in English: important

sam khan · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for important

อัตถศาสตร์

àtthasàat

ความท้าทาย

khwamtahatthai

มานุษยวิทยา

mā-nút-sà-yá-wít-thá-yaa

สำคัญ

sam khan

ลำบาก

lambak

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Thai for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use สำคัญ in both professional and personal contexts. For example, in a business meeting, one might emphasize the importance of a project by saying, 'This issue is สำคัญ for our success.' In day-to-day conversations, friends might discuss the importance of family, saying, 'Family is สำคัญ to me.'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to สำคัญ is จำเป็น (jam pen), which means 'necessary.' While both convey a sense of significance, สำคัญ emphasizes importance or value, whereas จำเป็น focuses more on necessity. You would choose สำคัญ when discussing the importance of an event or concept, while จำเป็น is better suited for situations where something is required or essential.

Culture

The word สำคัญ has roots in the Pali language, which is historically significant in Thai culture due to its influence on Buddhism. This connection to spiritual and ethical importance adds a deeper layer to the meaning of 'important,' as it often resonates with values held dearly by Thai society.

FAQ

Q.How do you use the word สำคัญ in a sentence?

You can use สำคัญ in sentences like, 'การศึกษาเป็นสิ่งสำคัญ' (Education is important). It functions similarly to the English word 'important' and can be applied in various contexts.

Q.Are there any common phrases that include สำคัญ?

Yes, a common phrase is 'รู้จักสิ่งสำคัญ' (to know what is important). This phrase emphasizes the need to recognize and prioritize important matters in life.

Q.What are some common mistakes when using สำคัญ?

A common mistake is to confuse สำคัญ with less significant words. Ensure you use it when discussing topics of true importance rather than trivial matters, to maintain the weight of the term.

Learn thai with Maspeak →

Thai Vocabulary