Bedeutung
Don't interfere when things are dangerous.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The proverb highlights how deeply Thai wisdom is rooted in the geography of the Central Plains. The rivers were both life-givers and sources of sudden, lethal danger. In Thai offices, 'seniority' (Phu Yai) is highly respected. This proverb is often used as a survival strategy for 'Phu Noi' (juniors) to navigate the moods of their superiors. The proverb aligns with the Buddhist concept of 'Upekkha' (equanimity) and knowing when to let go rather than fighting a losing battle. In the age of 'Netizens,' this proverb is used to describe the danger of going against a viral trend or a 'hashtag' movement.
Use it for advice
This is best used when giving advice to a friend or junior colleague to protect them.
Don't sound like a coward
Be careful not to use this to justify ignoring someone in need of help, or you might sound indifferent.
Bedeutung
Don't interfere when things are dangerous.
Use it for advice
This is best used when giving advice to a friend or junior colleague to protect them.
Don't sound like a coward
Be careful not to use this to justify ignoring someone in need of help, or you might sound indifferent.
The power of silence
In Thailand, silence is often seen as a strength. This proverb validates that strength.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best situation to use the proverb 'น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวางเรือ'.
Your friend wants to argue with a teacher who is currently very angry at the whole class.
Arguing with someone in a position of power who is already angry is the perfect context for this proverb.
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวาง____
The traditional proverb specifically uses 'เรือ' (boat).
Match the proverb to its figurative meaning.
น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวางเรือ means...
The proverb is a metaphor for not opposing overwhelming power or emotion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ฉันจะไปขอขึ้นเงินเดือนกับบอสตอนนี้เลย! B: อย่าเพิ่งเลย บอสเพิ่งโดนลูกค้าด่ามานะ ___________
Since the boss is in a bad mood, it's a 'swift current' situation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenYour friend wants to argue with a teacher who is currently very angry at the whole class.
Arguing with someone in a position of power who is already angry is the perfect context for this proverb.
น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวาง____
The traditional proverb specifically uses 'เรือ' (boat).
น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวางเรือ means...
The proverb is a metaphor for not opposing overwhelming power or emotion.
A: ฉันจะไปขอขึ้นเงินเดือนกับบอสตอนนี้เลย! B: อย่าเพิ่งเลย บอสเพิ่งโดนลูกค้าด่ามานะ ___________
Since the boss is in a bad mood, it's a 'swift current' situation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, absolutely. It is one of the most common proverbs used in Thai news, business, and daily life.
Yes, it's very common among friends when discussing work drama or social issues.
No, it means you should choose the *right time* to stand up for yourself. Wait for the 'current' to slow down.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but phrases like 'สู้ไม่ถอย' (fight without retreating) represent the opposite philosophy.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a business meeting or with your family.
Verwandte Redewendungen
น้ำลดมดกินปลา น้ำมาปลากินมด
similarWhen the water recedes, ants eat fish; when the water rises, fish eat ants.
เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่ว ต้องหลิ่วตาตาม
similarWhen in a city of squinting people, squint as they do.
ไม้ซีกงัดไม้ซุง
similarA small splinter trying to pry up a giant log.
สู้ยิบตา
contrastTo fight with every last breath/to the finish.
