Bedeutung
Being a follower, traditionally used for wives
Kultureller Hintergrund
The elephant is the national animal of Thailand. Using it in an idiom shows the highest level of importance and structural metaphor for society. In cities like Bangkok, gender roles have shifted. Many couples now prefer the term 'เดินเคียงข้างกัน' (walking side by side) instead of the front/back leg metaphor. Historical dramas frequently use this phrase to establish the 'virtuous' character of a traditional heroine. While the idiom is about family, it has influenced business culture where hierarchy is strictly respected, though the specific term is rarely used for employees.
Gender Sensitivity
Be very careful using this with modern Thai women. It can be taken as an insult to their independence.
Use it for Analysis
This phrase is excellent for writing essays about Thai culture or history to show deep cultural knowledge.
Bedeutung
Being a follower, traditionally used for wives
Gender Sensitivity
Be very careful using this with modern Thai women. It can be taken as an insult to their independence.
Use it for Analysis
This phrase is excellent for writing essays about Thai culture or history to show deep cultural knowledge.
The 'Power' of the Hind Legs
Remember that in Thai thought, the hind legs are the power source. A 'ช้างเท้าหลัง' is often the one actually getting things done.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
ในสมัยก่อน สังคมไทยมักเปรียบเทียบภรรยาว่าเป็น ___________
Traditionally, Thai society compares the wife to the 'hind legs' (ช้างเท้าหลัง).
Which situation best fits the use of 'ช้างเท้าหลัง'?
สถานการณ์ใดเหมาะกับการใช้คำว่า 'ช้างเท้าหลัง'?
The idiom specifically refers to a wife supporting and following her husband's lead.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทำไมคุณย่าถึงยอมคุณปู่ทุกเรื่องเลยคะ? B: เพราะคนสมัยก่อนเขาถือว่าภรรยาเป็น ___________ ไงล่ะจ๊ะ
In the context of traditional values, 'ช้างเท้าหลัง' explains why a wife would follow her husband's lead.
Match the idiom to the modern perspective.
Match 'ช้างเท้าหลัง' with its modern critique.
In modern times, it is often seen as outdated (ล้าสมัย) and sexist (เหยียดเพศ).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Traditional vs. Modern Roles
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenในสมัยก่อน สังคมไทยมักเปรียบเทียบภรรยาว่าเป็น ___________
Traditionally, Thai society compares the wife to the 'hind legs' (ช้างเท้าหลัง).
สถานการณ์ใดเหมาะกับการใช้คำว่า 'ช้างเท้าหลัง'?
The idiom specifically refers to a wife supporting and following her husband's lead.
A: ทำไมคุณย่าถึงยอมคุณปู่ทุกเรื่องเลยคะ? B: เพราะคนสมัยก่อนเขาถือว่าภรรยาเป็น ___________ ไงล่ะจ๊ะ
In the context of traditional values, 'ช้างเท้าหลัง' explains why a wife would follow her husband's lead.
Match 'ช้างเท้าหลัง' with its modern critique.
In modern times, it is often seen as outdated (ล้าสมัย) and sexist (เหยียดเพศ).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenTraditionally, yes. However, in modern jokes or role-reversal discussions, it can be applied to men, though it's less common.
It depends on the person. Traditionally, it was a respected role of support. Today, many see it as a lack of equality.
No, it's almost exclusively for romantic or family relationships. Use 'ผู้ช่วย' (assistant) instead.
The opposite is 'ช้างเท้าหน้า' (Chāng tháo nâa), meaning the leader or front legs.
You can say 'เดินเคียงข้างกัน' (doen khiang khang kan). This is the modern preferred term.
Rarely. It's too domestic. In business, people use 'ลูกน้อง' (subordinate) or 'ผู้ตาม' (follower).
No, it's purely metaphorical for decision-making and social roles.
Elephants are the most important animals in Thai history, symbolizing the nation and the family.
Modern slang might use 'สายซัพ' (supportive type) to mean something similar but gender-neutral.
No, it specifically implies a partnership role, usually marital.
Verwandte Redewendungen
ช้างเท้าหน้า
contrastThe leader; traditionally the husband.
แม่ศรีเรือน
similarThe ideal housewife who takes care of the home.
เดินตามหลังผู้ใหญ่ หมาไม่กัด
similarFollow your elders and you'll be safe.
ขี่ช้างจับตั๊กแตน
builds onTo ride an elephant to catch a grasshopper (overkill).
