A1 Proverb Informal

มือไม่พาย เอาเท้าราน้ำ

มอไมพาย เอาเทารานำ

Don't help, don't hinder

Significado

Don't obstruct others if not helping.

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Contexto cultural

Historically, Thai people lived in stilt houses along rivers. The boat was the 'car' of the era. This proverb shows how deeply water culture is embedded in the Thai language. In Thai offices, harmony is prioritized. However, this proverb is a socially acceptable way to vent about 'social loafing' in a group-oriented culture. Politicians often use this to describe the opposition. It's a way to frame the other side as 'anti-progress' without using profanity. Thai children learn this proverb in primary school as part of 'Thai Values' lessons. It's one of the first idioms a Thai child learns.

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High Intensity

This is a strong idiom. Use it only when you are genuinely annoyed, as it can end a friendship if used carelessly.

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The 'Don't' Prefix

Always add 'อย่า' (Ya) at the beginning if you want to give a direct warning to someone.

Significado

Don't obstruct others if not helping.

⚠️

High Intensity

This is a strong idiom. Use it only when you are genuinely annoyed, as it can end a friendship if used carelessly.

🎯

The 'Don't' Prefix

Always add 'อย่า' (Ya) at the beginning if you want to give a direct warning to someone.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing words of the proverb.

มือไม่____ เอา____ราน้ำ

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: พาย, เท้า

The correct words are 'พาย' (row) and 'เท้า' (foot).

Which situation best fits the proverb?

Somchai is in a group project. He...

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Does nothing and tells everyone their ideas are stupid.

The proverb describes someone who doesn't help but makes the work harder for others.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

A: 'ฉันไม่อยากช่วยล้างจานเลย แต่น้ำยาล้างจานยี่ห้อนี้กลิ่นเหม็นนะ เปลี่ยนเถอะ' B: '________________'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: มือไม่พายเอาเท้าราน้ำจริงๆ เลยนะเธอ

B is calling out A for complaining about the soap while refusing to help wash.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

3 ejercicios
Fill in the missing words of the proverb. Fill Blank A1

มือไม่____ เอา____ราน้ำ

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: พาย, เท้า

The correct words are 'พาย' (row) and 'เท้า' (foot).

Which situation best fits the proverb? situation_matching A2

Somchai is in a group project. He...

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Does nothing and tells everyone their ideas are stupid.

The proverb describes someone who doesn't help but makes the work harder for others.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'ฉันไม่อยากช่วยล้างจานเลย แต่น้ำยาล้างจานยี่ห้อนี้กลิ่นเหม็นนะ เปลี่ยนเถอะ' B: '________________'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: มือไม่พายเอาเท้าราน้ำจริงๆ เลยนะเธอ

B is calling out A for complaining about the soap while refusing to help wash.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Preguntas frecuentes

2 preguntas

It is considered 'sharp' (chep). It's not a swear word, but it is a direct criticism of someone's character.

No, it is too informal and accusatory for professional emails. Use 'ขอความร่วมมือ' (requesting cooperation) instead.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

คนขวางคลอง

similar

A person who blocks the canal.

🔗

หนักไม่เอา เบาไม่สู้

similar

Won't take heavy work, won't fight light work.

🔗

กินแรงคนอื่น

similar

To eat other people's strength (to take advantage of others' labor).

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