Significado
Someone who looks kind but is cruel.
Contexto cultural
The 'Tiger' is a complex symbol in Thailand. While it represents cruelty in this idiom, it also represents power and protection in 'Sak Yant' (traditional tattoos). Context is key. Many Thai idioms come from Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's past lives). The concept of 'Maya' (illusion) aligns with the idea that the physical world (the face) can hide the spiritual truth (the heart). In Thai business culture, maintaining 'Face' is vital. This idiom is a critique of those who use 'Face' as a weapon. It's a common topic in Thai corporate ethics training. The 'Nang Rai' (female villain) in Thai soap operas is almost always 'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ'. She acts sweet to the hero but is cruel to the heroine.
Strong Accusation
Calling someone this to their face is a major insult. Use it only when you are certain of their malice.
Rhythm is Key
Say it with a 2-2 rhythm. It sounds more natural and native-like.
Significado
Someone who looks kind but is cruel.
Strong Accusation
Calling someone this to their face is a major insult. Use it only when you are certain of their malice.
Rhythm is Key
Say it with a 2-2 rhythm. It sounds more natural and native-like.
The Thai Smile
Remember that this idiom is the 'dark side' of the famous Thai smile. It's a warning that not every smile is friendly.
Usage with 'คน'
Always put 'คน' (person) before the idiom if you're using it as a noun: 'เขาเป็นคนหน้าเนื้อใจเสือ'.
Ponte a prueba
Which animal is used in the idiom to represent the 'cruel heart'?
หน้าเนื้อใจ...
The idiom specifically uses 'เสือ' (tiger) to contrast with 'เนื้อ' (meat).
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
เขาดูเป็นคนใจดี แต่จริงๆ แล้วเขาเป็นคนหน้า...ใจเสือ
'หน้าเนื้อ' (Face of meat) is the first half of the idiom.
Match the person to the description 'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ'.
Who is 'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ'?
The idiom requires a kind exterior and a cruel/predatory interior.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: ฉันว่าเจ้านายคนใหม่ใจดีจัง B: อย่าเพิ่งไว้ใจไป ฉันได้ยินว่าเขา...
'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ' fits the context of warning someone not to trust a seemingly kind person.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Appearance vs. Reality
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosหน้าเนื้อใจ...
The idiom specifically uses 'เสือ' (tiger) to contrast with 'เนื้อ' (meat).
เขาดูเป็นคนใจดี แต่จริงๆ แล้วเขาเป็นคนหน้า...ใจเสือ
'หน้าเนื้อ' (Face of meat) is the first half of the idiom.
Who is 'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ'?
The idiom requires a kind exterior and a cruel/predatory interior.
A: ฉันว่าเจ้านายคนใหม่ใจดีจัง B: อย่าเพิ่งไว้ใจไป ฉันได้ยินว่าเขา...
'หน้าเนื้อใจเสือ' fits the context of warning someone not to trust a seemingly kind person.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, very much so! It's common in news, social media, and daily gossip.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. It applies to anyone regardless of gender.
It's not 'vulgar' (no bad words), but it is a very harsh criticism of someone's character.
There isn't one direct idiom, but 'ปากร้ายใจดี' (foul-mouthed but kind-hearted) is the conceptual opposite.
No, it's too informal and accusatory for an email. Use 'ไม่น่าไว้วางใจ' (untrustworthy) instead.
In modern Thai, yes. But here it means 'flesh' or 'meat' in general, symbolizing softness.
Tigers are native to Thailand and are the traditional symbol of jungle danger in Thai culture.
The vocabulary is A1, but the concept is B1. We teach it early because it's so common in stories.
No, idioms are fixed. Changing 'meat' to 'pig' will make people laugh, not understand you.
Smile wide and try to say 'oo' like 'food.' It's a tricky sound for English speakers!
Frases relacionadas
เสือซ่อนเล็บ
similarA tiger hiding its claws.
ปากปราศรัยน้ำใจเชือดคอ
synonymSweet talk but a throat-cutting heart.
มือถือสากปากถือศีล
similarHolding a pestle while reciting prayers.
ใจดีสู้เสือ
contrastTo keep a cool heart while facing a tiger.
หน้าซื่อใจคด
similarHonest face, crooked heart.
