what does "Phra" really mean in Pali language?

[Lucky09]

It is an interesting concept for me to hear "phra" in calling monks, kings, and national heros in the country. What does it really mean in Pali language? who is this Phra? why we call name these people as phra?
Please help me in these questions.
Thanks

[piotr]

Hi,

It is an interesting concept for me to hear "phra" in calling monks, kings, and national heros in the country. What does it really mean in Pali language? who is this Phra? why we call name these people as phra?

Take a look here: http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1304" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dhammanando]

It is an interesting concept for me to hear "phra" in calling monks, kings, and national heros in the country.

Also the names of a great many inanimate objects will be prefaced with 'phra' if they have any kind of connection with religion or royalty. Mary Haas' Thai dictionary has three pages of examples, and that's only a small selection.