Signification
Trying to control unruly people.
Contexte culturel
The 'Gradong' is a staple in Thai households. It's used for everything from drying chili peppers to sorting rice. Its presence in this proverb shows how Thai wisdom is rooted in everyday objects. Thai parents often use this phrase with a sense of 'resigned affection.' It acknowledges that children are naturally playful and that it's a parent's job to patiently keep them in line. In the Thai workplace, harmony (Kreng-jai) is important. Using a proverb like this allows a manager to criticize a chaotic situation without being too direct or aggressive. Rice-field crabs (Poo Na) are a key ingredient in 'Som Tum' (Papaya Salad). The act of catching them is a real, common activity, making the metaphor very relatable to everyone.
Use 'Muean'
Always put 'Muean' (เหมือน) before the phrase to make it sound natural, like 'It's LIKE catching crabs...'
Don't use for one person
If only one child is being naughty, this phrase sounds weird. Use it for 3 or more people.
Signification
Trying to control unruly people.
Use 'Muean'
Always put 'Muean' (เหมือน) before the phrase to make it sound natural, like 'It's LIKE catching crabs...'
Don't use for one person
If only one child is being naughty, this phrase sounds weird. Use it for 3 or more people.
Add 'Loei' for emphasis
Ending with 'Loei' (เลย) adds a sense of 'truly' or 'totally' to your frustration.
Teste-toi
Which animal is used in this Thai proverb?
จับ___ใส่กระด้ง
The proverb specifically uses 'Poo' (crab) because of how they scuttle out of flat baskets.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are trying to get 10 excited puppies to sit still for a photo.
Managing a group of restless animals or people is the definition of this phrase.
Fill in the missing word to complete the simile.
เด็กๆ วิ่งวุ่นวาย ___ จับปูใส่กระด้ง
In Thai, 'muean' is used to create a comparison or simile.
Complete the dialogue.
A: งานเลี้ยงเด็กวันนี้เป็นยังไงบ้าง? B: โห... เหนื่อยมากเลยคุณ _________
The context of a tiring children's party perfectly fits this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesจับ___ใส่กระด้ง
The proverb specifically uses 'Poo' (crab) because of how they scuttle out of flat baskets.
You are trying to get 10 excited puppies to sit still for a photo.
Managing a group of restless animals or people is the definition of this phrase.
เด็กๆ วิ่งวุ่นวาย ___ จับปูใส่กระด้ง
In Thai, 'muean' is used to create a comparison or simile.
A: งานเลี้ยงเด็กวันนี้เป็นยังไงบ้าง? B: โห... เหนื่อยมากเลยคุณ _________
The context of a tiring children's party perfectly fits this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a humorous and common way to describe chaos. However, don't use it to describe your boss!
Yes! It's very common to use it for a group of puppies or kittens that won't stay still.
It's a flat, circular bamboo tray used in Thai kitchens. Because it has no high sides, things can easily fall or crawl out.
Not really. In formal settings, you would just say 'สถานการณ์วุ่นวายมาก' (The situation is very chaotic).
Absolutely. It's one of the most common proverbs used in daily life, especially by parents and teachers.
Expressions liées
ลิงหลอกเจ้า
similarMonkeys fooling the boss.
วุ่นวายเหมือนยุงตีกัน
similarAs chaotic as mosquitoes fighting.
เป็นระเบียบเรียบร้อย
contrastTo be orderly and neat.
เอาอยู่
contrastTo have it under control.
