Signification
Don't obstruct others if not helping.
Contexte culturel
Historically, Thai people lived in stilt houses along rivers. The boat was the 'car' of the era. This proverb shows how deeply water culture is embedded in the Thai language. In Thai offices, harmony is prioritized. However, this proverb is a socially acceptable way to vent about 'social loafing' in a group-oriented culture. Politicians often use this to describe the opposition. It's a way to frame the other side as 'anti-progress' without using profanity. Thai children learn this proverb in primary school as part of 'Thai Values' lessons. It's one of the first idioms a Thai child learns.
High Intensity
This is a strong idiom. Use it only when you are genuinely annoyed, as it can end a friendship if used carelessly.
The 'Don't' Prefix
Always add 'อย่า' (Ya) at the beginning if you want to give a direct warning to someone.
Signification
Don't obstruct others if not helping.
High Intensity
This is a strong idiom. Use it only when you are genuinely annoyed, as it can end a friendship if used carelessly.
The 'Don't' Prefix
Always add 'อย่า' (Ya) at the beginning if you want to give a direct warning to someone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words of the proverb.
มือไม่____ เอา____ราน้ำ
The correct words are 'พาย' (row) and 'เท้า' (foot).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Somchai is in a group project. He...
The proverb describes someone who doesn't help but makes the work harder for others.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'ฉันไม่อยากช่วยล้างจานเลย แต่น้ำยาล้างจานยี่ห้อนี้กลิ่นเหม็นนะ เปลี่ยนเถอะ' B: '________________'
B is calling out A for complaining about the soap while refusing to help wash.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesมือไม่____ เอา____ราน้ำ
The correct words are 'พาย' (row) and 'เท้า' (foot).
Somchai is in a group project. He...
The proverb describes someone who doesn't help but makes the work harder for others.
A: 'ฉันไม่อยากช่วยล้างจานเลย แต่น้ำยาล้างจานยี่ห้อนี้กลิ่นเหม็นนะ เปลี่ยนเถอะ' B: '________________'
B is calling out A for complaining about the soap while refusing to help wash.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsIt is considered 'sharp' (chep). It's not a swear word, but it is a direct criticism of someone's character.
No, it is too informal and accusatory for professional emails. Use 'ขอความร่วมมือ' (requesting cooperation) instead.
Expressions liées
คนขวางคลอง
similarA person who blocks the canal.
หนักไม่เอา เบาไม่สู้
similarWon't take heavy work, won't fight light work.
กินแรงคนอื่น
similarTo eat other people's strength (to take advantage of others' labor).
