Lesson: Royal Language (Rachasap - Language Usage Principles)
Hello, all prospective university students! If you are preparing for the A-Level Thai exam, one topic that many find difficult and confusing is "Rachasap" (Royal Language), right?
But in reality, Rachasap isn't just for memorization to pass an exam; it is the art of using language to demonstrate "prestige" and "respect" in accordance with Thai culture.
In this chapter, we will turn the complex into the simple, with clear categories and memorization techniques that you can use in the exam room immediately! If it feels difficult at first, don't worry; we will go through it together step by step.
1. What is Rachasap? (Basic Understanding)
The term "Rachasap", if translated literally, means "words for the King." However, in the A-Level exam, the meaning is broader; it includes words used for various levels of individuals to ensure politeness and appropriateness, categorized into 5 main levels:
1. The King (Monarch)
2. The Royal Family (Royalty)
3. Buddhist Monks
4. High-ranking Officials
5. General Polite Society (Polite Language)
Important Point: A-Level exams usually focus primarily on the levels of the King, Royalty, and Buddhist Monks.
2. Using Royal Nouns (Prefixes You Must Remember)
When we want to turn an "object" into a royal term, we add a prefix. Remember the order of importance like this:
- Phra Borom... / Phra Borom Rach... : Used only for the King (Never use for the Queen or members of the Royal Family!). Examples: Phra Borom Rachowat (Royal Advice), Phra Borom Chayalak (Royal Photograph)
- Phra Rach... : Used for the King, the Queen, and the Princesses (who hold the rank of Somdet Phra Kanittha Thirat Chao). Examples: Phra Ratchadamrat (Royal Speech), Phra Ratchasap (Royal Property)
- Phra... : Used for general royalty or for parts of the body and less significant objects. Examples: Phra Phak (face), Phra Hat (hand), Phra Kao-i (chair)
Did you know? For smaller objects used by royalty, we may use the prefix "Phra Thi Nang" for items used for sitting or resting, such as Rot Phra Thi Nang (Royal Car), Ruea Phra Thi Nang (Royal Boat).
3. The Golden Rule of Using "Song" (Frequently Tested!)
The word "Song" is an auxiliary word that turns ordinary words into royal terms, but there are rules you must watch out for:
(1) Song + Ordinary Noun = Royal Verb
Example: Song Ma (to ride a horse), Song Dontri (to play music), Song Ski (to ski)
(2) Song + Ordinary Verb = Royal Verb
Example: Song Wing (to run), Song Wat (to draw), Song Fang (to listen)
(3) Song + Royal Noun = Royal Verb
Example: Song Phra Ratchaniphon (to compose a book), Song Phra Akson (to read/write)
⚠️ Warning (Where the exam likes to trick you!):
Do not use "Song" in front of words that are already Royal Verbs.
For example, words like Sawoei (eat), Prot (like), Prasut (give birth), Sawankhot (die), Sadet (travel/go) are already royal terms in themselves.
- Song Sawoei (Incorrect) ❌ -> Sawoei (Correct) ✅
- Song Prot (Incorrect) ❌ -> Prot (Correct) ✅
Key Summary: If a word is already "luxurious" or "elevated," you don't need to add "Song" to it. Think of it like wearing a suit—you don't need to put a winter coat over it!
4. Verbs That Differ by Rank
Some words in Thai have the same meaning but use different terms depending on rank. Take the word "die" for example:
- Sawankhot: The King, the Queen
- Sin Phra Chon: Royalty (rank of Phra Ong Chao and above) and the Supreme Patriarch
- Anitchakam: High-ranking officials (e.g., Prime Minister, Privy Councilor)
- Moranaphap: Buddhist Monks
Memorization Trick: Observe the "level of prestige" of the word; longer words that sound more majestic are usually used for higher ranks.
5. Royal Language for Buddhist Monks
This topic often appears in the form of choosing words that fit the context of the sentence:
- Cham Wat = Sleep
- Tham Wat = Pray/Chant
- Chan = Eat
- Nimon = Invite
- Prakhen = Present an offering directly to a monk
- Likhit = Letter (written by a monk)
Important Point: Don't forget pronouns. When speaking to a monk, refer to yourself as "Yom" and address the monk as "Phrakhun Chao" or "Than", as appropriate.
6. Common Mistakes in Exams
1. Using "Thawai Kan Ton Rap": In correct royal language, one should use "Rap Sadet" or "Fao' Rap Sadet." "Thawai Kan Ton Rap" is a literal translation from English ("Give a welcome"), which is not used in Thai royal language.
2. Using "Long Nam Thawai Phra Phon": If we go to sign a well-wishing book, we use "Long Nam Thawai Phra Phon." However, if the royal member signs their own name, use "Long Phra Namaphithai" or "Long Phra Nam." Do not swap these!
3. Confusion over "Khantuka" (Guest):
- Phra Ratcha-akhantuka: A guest of the King (from abroad)
- Khaek Suan Phra Ong: A personal guest of royalty
7. Chapter Summary: A-Level Exam Tips
When you encounter a question about Rachasap, check these 3 steps:
1. Check the rank: Who is the person in the sentence? (King, Queen, minor royalty, or monk)
2. Check the use of "Song": Is "Song" being used in front of an already royal verb? (If yes, it's immediately wrong!)
3. Check consistency: Are the nouns and verbs used at the same level throughout the sentence?
Key Takeaway: Rachasap is not an endless string of memorization; it has a "system." If you know who is at which level and what "Song" cannot be used with, you will definitely rack up points in this section with ease. Good luck, everyone!