뜻
Someone who is never satisfied.
문화적 배경
In Thai schools, children are taught this proverb through the Aesop fable to instill values of patience and respect for authority. It is one of the first 'Suphasit' (proverbs) a Thai child learns. In the Thai workplace, being labeled a 'Gop Lueak Nai' can be a serious blow to one's reputation, suggesting that the person is 'unmanageable' or 'disloyal.' The phrase is frequently used by conservative commentators to criticize protesters or those calling for frequent changes in government, implying that change might bring something worse. While the origin is Greek (Aesop), the Thai version often replaces the stork with a 'water snake' (งูเก็งกอง) in some local oral traditions to make it more relatable to Thai wetlands.
Don't use it for yourself
Saying 'I am a choosy frog' sounds like you are calling yourself a fool. Use 'I am looking for a better opportunity' instead.
The 'Nai' Concept
In modern Thai, 'Nai' is often replaced by 'Jao-nai' in conversation, but the proverb always keeps the short form 'Nai'.
뜻
Someone who is never satisfied.
Don't use it for yourself
Saying 'I am a choosy frog' sounds like you are calling yourself a fool. Use 'I am looking for a better opportunity' instead.
The 'Nai' Concept
In modern Thai, 'Nai' is often replaced by 'Jao-nai' in conversation, but the proverb always keeps the short form 'Nai'.
Political Nuance
Be careful using this in political discussions in Thailand, as it can be seen as a very strong criticism of the public's desire for change.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
คนที่ไม่พอใจในเจ้านายและเปลี่ยนงานบ่อยๆ เรียกว่า ____เลือกนาย
The proverb is 'กบเลือกนาย' (The frog chooses a master).
Which situation best describes 'กบเลือกนาย'?
สถานการณ์ใดคือ 'กบเลือกนาย'?
This situation involves chronic dissatisfaction with leaders and a worse outcome.
Match the Thai word with its English meaning in the context of the proverb.
Match the components:
These are the core components of the idiom and its origin.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: ฉันจะย้ายแผนกอีกแล้ว เบื่อหัวหน้าคนนี้จัง B: ระวังนะ เดี๋ยวจะกลายเป็น ________
B is warning A about being chronically dissatisfied with their boss.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
The Two Kings
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제คนที่ไม่พอใจในเจ้านายและเปลี่ยนงานบ่อยๆ เรียกว่า ____เลือกนาย
The proverb is 'กบเลือกนาย' (The frog chooses a master).
สถานการณ์ใดคือ 'กบเลือกนาย'?
This situation involves chronic dissatisfaction with leaders and a worse outcome.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
These are the core components of the idiom and its origin.
A: ฉันจะย้ายแผนกอีกแล้ว เบื่อหัวหน้าคนนี้จัง B: ระวังนะ เดี๋ยวจะกลายเป็น ________
B is warning A about being chronically dissatisfied with their boss.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it is generally a mild to moderate insult. It implies the person is foolish and ungrateful.
No. For a picky eater, use 'คนเลือกกิน' (khon lueak kin).
It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a speech or a book, but also in a serious conversation with friends.
There isn't a single word, but the concept of 'Santutthi' (contentment) or being 'อยู่ง่ายกินง่าย' (easy-going) is the opposite.
Primarily yes, but it can apply to any authority figure, like a teacher, a coach, or a government leader.
Because frogs are small, vulnerable, and in the fable, they were the ones foolish enough to ask for a predator to rule them.
Absolutely not! It would make you sound like you are criticizing your previous employers or yourself.
In the proverb's context, yes. The stork represents the 'worse' leader that the choosy person eventually gets.
You say 'อย่าเป็นกบเลือกนาย' (Ya pen gop lueak nai).
Yes, especially in social media comments regarding politics or workplace drama.
관련 표현
เลือกนักมักได้แร่
similarTo choose too much and end up with something of low value.
กบในกะลาครอบ
similarA frog under a coconut shell (ignorant of the world).
หนีเสือปะจระเข้
builds onEscape the tiger, meet the crocodile.
พอใจในสิ่งที่ตนมี
contrastTo be content with what one has.
