Significado
Someone who doesn't listen or has hearing difficulty.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the value of 'Nak-naen' (firmness). Being 'heavy' isn't always bad; it can mean you are emotionally stable and not easily tricked by gossip. Thais use 'หูหนัก' as a polite euphemism. It sounds more natural and less clinical than 'hearing impaired' but less harsh than 'deaf'. Parents often use this phrase to shame children into listening. It's a way of saying 'I know you hear me, but you're acting like your ears are too heavy to work.' In Thai offices, 'หูหนัก' is often whispered about bosses who are out of touch with their employees' needs.
The 'Stubborn' Context
If you use this for a child, it's often followed by 'บอกกี่ครั้งแล้ว' (How many times have I told you?).
Social Status
Never call an older person 'หูหนัก' in a joking way unless you are very close; it can be seen as mocking their age.
Significado
Someone who doesn't listen or has hearing difficulty.
The 'Stubborn' Context
If you use this for a child, it's often followed by 'บอกกี่ครั้งแล้ว' (How many times have I told you?).
Social Status
Never call an older person 'หูหนัก' in a joking way unless you are very close; it can be seen as mocking their age.
Positive Spin
Use it to describe yourself if you want to say you are firm and don't listen to gossip: 'ผมเป็นคนหูหนักครับ'
Body Idioms
Thai has many 'ear' idioms. Learning 'หูหนัก' and 'หูเบา' together is the fastest way to master this category.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best meaning for 'หูหนัก' in this sentence: 'คุณยายหูหนัก ต้องพูดดังๆ'
What does 'หูหนัก' mean here?
The context of 'speaking loudly' (พูดดังๆ) indicates a physical hearing issue.
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
เขาเป็นคน____ ใครพูดอะไรก็เชื่อไปหมด (He is ____; he believes everything anyone says.)
The opposite of 'หูหนัก' is 'หูเบา' (gullible).
Match the situation to the correct use of 'หูหนัก'.
Which situation best fits 'หูหนัก' as 'stubborn'?
Ignoring warnings is the figurative 'stubborn' sense of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทำไมลูกไม่ยอมล้างจานสักที? B: ลูกคนนี้มัน____ บอกกี่รอบก็เฉย
In this context of a child not doing chores, 'หูหนัก' means they are ignoring the parent.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Weight of the Ear
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWhat does 'หูหนัก' mean here?
The context of 'speaking loudly' (พูดดังๆ) indicates a physical hearing issue.
เขาเป็นคน____ ใครพูดอะไรก็เชื่อไปหมด (He is ____; he believes everything anyone says.)
The opposite of 'หูหนัก' is 'หูเบา' (gullible).
Which situation best fits 'หูหนัก' as 'stubborn'?
Ignoring warnings is the figurative 'stubborn' sense of the idiom.
A: ทำไมลูกไม่ยอมล้างจานสักที? B: ลูกคนนี้มัน____ บอกกี่รอบก็เฉย
In this context of a child not doing chores, 'หูหนัก' means they are ignoring the parent.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt depends. For physical hearing, it's neutral/polite. For stubbornness, it's informal and can be mildly rude.
Yes, either to explain you can't hear well or to say you aren't gullible.
'หูตึง' is purely physical. 'หูหนัก' can be physical or a personality trait (stubborn).
Use 'หูอื้อ' (Hǔu-ue) instead of 'หูหนัก'.
Not really; in formal settings, you would use descriptive language like 'ไม่รับฟังความคิดเห็น'.
Literally, yes, but 99% of the time it's the idiom.
Only informally among colleagues to complain about a stubborn boss.
Similar, but 'hard-headed' (หัวแข็ง) is more about being strong-willed, while 'หูหนัก' is about ignoring input.
Yes, often in songs about a lover who won't listen to a breakup or a plea.
Yes! If your dog ignores your commands, you can call them 'หูหนัก'.
Frases relacionadas
หูเบา
contrastGullible; believing things too easily.
หูตึง
similarHard of hearing (physical).
เข้าหูซ้ายทะลุหูขวา
similarIn one ear and out the other.
ดื้อดึง
synonymStubborn.
หูผี
contrastGhost ears (hearing everything).
