Signification
Being very excited or showing greed.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Thai markets, bargaining is common. If a seller sees a buyer 'ตาโต' over an item, they know they have the upper hand and might not lower the price as much. The concept of 'Tanha' (craving) is often linked to visual stimuli. 'ตาโต' is seen as a physical manifestation of this craving, which one is encouraged to control through meditation. Thai influencers often use 'ตาโต' emojis or expressions in 'Unboxing' videos to signal to their audience that the product is high-value or amazing. Thai parents often use the phrase to tease their children. It's a way of acknowledging the child's desire without necessarily giving in to it immediately.
Use it for shopping
This is the safest and most natural way to use the phrase as a beginner.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a sneer, it means 'greedy'. If you say it with a smile, it means 'excited'.
Signification
Being very excited or showing greed.
Use it for shopping
This is the safest and most natural way to use the phrase as a beginner.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a sneer, it means 'greedy'. If you say it with a smile, it means 'excited'.
Add 'เลย' (loei)
Adding 'เลย' at the end (ตาโตเลย!) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Body language
Thais often actually widen their eyes slightly when using this phrase to be expressive.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
เมื่อเห็นของเล่นใหม่ เด็กๆ ก็ ___ ทันที
When children see new toys, their eyes widen with excitement (ตาโต).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ตาโต'?
Which situation is 'ตาโต'?
A big discount triggers excitement and desire, which is the core meaning of 'ตาโต'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'เงินเดือนขึ้นตั้งห้าพันบาทเลยนะ!' B: 'จริงเหรอ? ฟังแล้ว___เลย!'
A 5,000 baht raise is exciting news that makes one's eyes widen.
Match the phrase to the feeling.
Match 'ตาโตเท่าไข่ห่าน' with the correct feeling:
'Goose egg eyes' is a hyperbole for extreme reactions.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use ตาโต
Shopping
- • Discounts
- • New arrivals
- • Limited editions
Food
- • Buffets
- • Desserts
- • Giant portions
Luck
- • Lottery
- • Promotions
- • Bonuses
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesเมื่อเห็นของเล่นใหม่ เด็กๆ ก็ ___ ทันที
When children see new toys, their eyes widen with excitement (ตาโต).
Which situation is 'ตาโต'?
A big discount triggers excitement and desire, which is the core meaning of 'ตาโต'.
A: 'เงินเดือนขึ้นตั้งห้าพันบาทเลยนะ!' B: 'จริงเหรอ? ฟังแล้ว___เลย!'
A 5,000 baht raise is exciting news that makes one's eyes widen.
Match 'ตาโตเท่าไข่ห่าน' with the correct feeling:
'Goose egg eyes' is a hyperbole for extreme reactions.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently. It's informal. It only becomes rude if you are using it to accuse someone of being greedy in a serious way.
No, that would be 'ตาสวย' (beautiful eyes). 'ตาโต' is about the reaction to seeing them, not their beauty itself.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'เมิน' (to ignore/turn away) or 'เฉยๆ' (indifferent) represents the opposite feeling.
Only if the atmosphere is very casual. Otherwise, use 'สนใจมาก' (very interested).
Yes! You can say a dog is 'ตาโต' when it sees a treat.
It's 'Taa Too'. The 'T' is an unaspirated 't' (like the 't' in 'stop').
Yes, adding 'มาก' (very) is very common for emphasis.
The formal equivalent would be 'เบิกตากว้างด้วยความสนใจ' (widening eyes with interest).
Rarely. It's almost always for something 'tempting' or 'surprising in a big way'.
It is written as ต (T) + า (aa) and โ (oo) + ต (T).
Expressions liées
ตาวาว
similarSparkling eyes
ตาค้าง
contrastEyes frozen open
เห็นแก่ได้
specialized formSelfish/Greedy
หูผึ่ง
similarEars pricking up
ตาลุกวาว
builds onEyes blazing with excitement
