Meaning
Not listening or ignoring advice.
Cultural Background
In Thai families, children are expected to be 'Wa Norn Son Ngai' (easy to teach). Being 'Khao Hu Sai Thalu Hu Khwa' is the opposite of this virtue. Thai teachers often use proverbs to shame students into paying attention without being too aggressive. It's a form of 'soft' discipline. In Thai offices, 'Kreng Jai' (consideration) usually prevents direct confrontation. Using this idiom about a coworker is a way to express frustration to others. The concept of 'Sati' (mindfulness) is central to Thai life. This idiom describes a lack of Sati, where the mind is not present to catch the words.
Use with 'Gor'
Always use the word 'ก็' (gor) before the phrase to sound more natural: 'เขาก็เข้าหูซ้าย...'
Avoid with Elders
Never use this to describe your parents or grandparents to their face.
Meaning
Not listening or ignoring advice.
Use with 'Gor'
Always use the word 'ก็' (gor) before the phrase to sound more natural: 'เขาก็เข้าหูซ้าย...'
Avoid with Elders
Never use this to describe your parents or grandparents to their face.
Add 'Mod'
Add 'หมด' (mod) at the end to mean 'completely ignored everything'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
แม่สอนอะไรไป เขาก็เข้าหูซ้าย____หูขวาหมด
The standard idiom uses 'ทะลุ' (thalu) which means to pierce or pass through.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'เข้าหูซ้ายทะลุหูขวา'?
Which of these people is 'เข้าหูซ้ายทะลุหูขวา'?
The phrase describes someone who hears/knows the rules but ignores them.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: ทำไมลูกไม่เก็บของเล่นตามที่แม่บอกเลย? B: ________
This explains the child's behavior using the idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesแม่สอนอะไรไป เขาก็เข้าหูซ้าย____หูขวาหมด
The standard idiom uses 'ทะลุ' (thalu) which means to pierce or pass through.
Which of these people is 'เข้าหูซ้ายทะลุหูขวา'?
The phrase describes someone who hears/knows the rules but ignores them.
A: ทำไมลูกไม่เก็บของเล่นตามที่แม่บอกเลย? B: ________
This explains the child's behavior using the idiom.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. It's fine with friends or children, but rude with superiors.
Technically yes, but it sounds weird. Stick to Left-to-Right.
Yes, use 'ไม่ค่อยฟัง' (doesn't really listen) or 'ลืม' (forgot).
Not necessarily, just that they are stubborn or distracted.
Yes, metaphorically, if someone reads instructions but ignores them.
It's two high tones. Think of a sharp, quick sound.
Only when complaining about someone, not in official meetings.
The opposite is 'ตั้งใจฟัง' (Intentionally listening).
Yes, it's one of the top 10 idioms every Thai child knows.
Yes! If your dog doesn't follow commands, it's perfect.
Related Phrases
หูทวนลม
synonymTo turn a deaf ear to.
ฟังไม่ได้ศัพท์ จับไปกระเดียด
similarTo listen carelessly and misunderstand.
ตักน้ำรดหัวตอ
similarPouring water on a tree stump.
สีซอให้ควายฟัง
similarPlaying the fiddle for a buffalo.
ว่านอนสอนง่าย
contrastObedient and easy to teach.
