พลัง
strength
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 strength、energy、vitality
This noun refers to an inner or inherent power that enables a person or thing to act, continue, or cause change. It covers vitality, strength, influence, and energy from natural sources.
strength、energy、vitality
The physical or mental energy that enables someone to act, remain active, or keep going.
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พลังของประชาชนสามารถเปลี่ยนแปลงสังคมได้ phalaŋ khɔ̌ɔŋ prachaachon sǎamâat plìan plɛɛŋ sǎŋkhom dâay The power of the people can change society. พลังของประชาชนสามารถเปลี่ยนแปลงสังคมได้ details
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เด็ก ๆ เต็มไปด้วยพลัง dèk dèk tem pay dûay phalaŋ The children are full of energy. เด็ก ๆ เต็มไปด้วยพลัง details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image of พลัง is power held within a person or thing that enables action or produces change. With people, it can describe both physical vitality and the inner strength to keep going. With groups, music, words, or ideas, it refers to their ability to move people or change society. In comics, games, and fantasy, it can also refer to a special or supernatural power. Common patterns include มีพลัง (“have energy or power”), ไม่มีพลัง (“have no energy”), เต็มไปด้วยพลัง (“be full of energy”), and พลังของ… (“the power of…”). Use ทรงพลัง when an adjective meaning “powerful” is needed.
Usage
In everyday conversation, it is used when someone feels drained or full of energy. In supportive or emotional contexts, family, hope, or words can be described as a source of strength. It also appears in news and speeches about collective power, in discussions of art or advertising about emotional impact, and in environmental contexts involving natural energy. In comics and games, it commonly refers to a character’s special powers.
Caution
พลัง is primarily a noun. To describe something as powerful, use ทรงพลัง, as in เสียงทรงพลัง (“a powerful voice”). Use แรง for directly applied physical force or effort and อำนาจ for authority or control. For scientifically measurable energy, electricity, or dietary energy, พลังงาน is normally the more precise choice. For example, “get energy from food” is naturally expressed as ได้รับพลังงานจากอาหาร.
Differences from similar words
1 strength synonyms
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กำลัง often refers more concretely to available physical strength or capacity and also serves as a progressive marker. พลัง has a broader sense that includes inner and emotional energy.
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แรง commonly describes exerted force, intensity, or physical effort. พลัง more often suggests stored vitality or an underlying source of action.