Signification
Saying one thing, doing another.
Contexte culturel
In Thailand, direct confrontation is avoided. This idiom allows people to criticize hypocrisy indirectly through a traditional proverb, which is seen as more 'polite' than a direct insult. This phrase is a staple in 'Luk Thung' (country) and 'Phleng Phuea Chiwit' (songs for life) music, often used to describe unfaithful lovers or corrupt officials. Winking (Khayip Ta) in traditional Thai culture is often seen as a sign of 'having a secret' or 'playing a trick,' rather than just a friendly gesture. Thai netizens use this phrase frequently on Twitter (X) and Facebook to call out 'fake' influencers or politicians who don't practice what they preach.
Watch the Tone
If you use a playful tone, it's a tease. If you use a flat, serious tone, it's an insult.
Face Matters
Never use this with your boss or elders unless you want to seriously damage the relationship.
Signification
Saying one thing, doing another.
Watch the Tone
If you use a playful tone, it's a tease. If you use a flat, serious tone, it's an insult.
Face Matters
Never use this with your boss or elders unless you want to seriously damage the relationship.
The 4-Syllable Rule
Try to say it in a 2-2 rhythm: Pak-Wa... Ta-Khayip. It sounds much more native!
Teste-toi
Choose the best situation to use 'ปากว่าตาขยิบ'
สมชายบอกเพื่อนว่าเขาไม่ชอบกินขนมหวาน แต่พอเพื่อนเผลอ เขาก็แอบกินเค้กจนหมด
Somchai said he doesn't like sweets but then ate the whole cake. This is a clear mismatch between words and actions.
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
ปากว่าตา____
The correct word is 'ขยิบ' (Khayip), which means to wink.
Complete the dialogue.
A: เธอเห็นนักการเมืองคนนั้นไหม? เขาบอกว่าจะไม่คอร์รัปชัน B: อย่าไปเชื่อเขาเลย เขาแค่________
In the context of a politician making promises they might not keep, 'Pak Wa Ta Khayip' is the most appropriate idiom.
Match the idiom to the behavior.
Which behavior matches 'ปากว่าตาขยิบ'?
The contradiction between the verbal refusal and the physical action of taking the money is the essence of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesสมชายบอกเพื่อนว่าเขาไม่ชอบกินขนมหวาน แต่พอเพื่อนเผลอ เขาก็แอบกินเค้กจนหมด
Somchai said he doesn't like sweets but then ate the whole cake. This is a clear mismatch between words and actions.
ปากว่าตา____
The correct word is 'ขยิบ' (Khayip), which means to wink.
A: เธอเห็นนักการเมืองคนนั้นไหม? เขาบอกว่าจะไม่คอร์รัปชัน B: อย่าไปเชื่อเขาเลย เขาแค่________
In the context of a politician making promises they might not keep, 'Pak Wa Ta Khayip' is the most appropriate idiom.
Which behavior matches 'ปากว่าตาขยิบ'?
The contradiction between the verbal refusal and the physical action of taking the money is the essence of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a criticism. It's like calling someone a 'hypocrite'.
Yes, usually in a self-deprecating or funny way. e.g., 'ฉันนี่ก็ปากว่าตาขยิบนะ บอกจะนอนแต่ก็ดูซีรีส์ต่อ'
The best opposite is 'จริงใจ' (Jing Jai), meaning sincere.
Yes, but usually behind people's backs to describe untrustworthy partners.
In this context, yes. In other contexts, it can mean a small twitch.
Yes, if they say they don't want a toy but keep looking at it.
Not really. The 4-syllable form is the standard.
Pak wa ta khayip.
Yes, it is considered a proper proverb and is fine for academic writing.
Because the eye is believed to reveal the truth that the mouth tries to hide.
Expressions liées
ปากอย่างใจอย่าง
synonymMouth one way, heart another.
หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก
similarRespect to the face, deceive behind the back.
มือถือสากปากถือศีล
similarHolding a pestle while reciting precepts.
ปากหวานก้นเปรี้ยว
similarSweet mouth, sour backside.
จริงใจ
contrastSincere / True heart.
