shallow (of a waterway)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 shallow (of a waterway)、silted up
- 2 shallow (in thought or knowledge)、superficial
This word describes something that lacks the depth it should have. It is used both for waterways that have become shallow and for thoughts, knowledge, or analysis that lack depth.
shallow (of a waterway)、silted up
Describes a river, canal, pond, or other body of water that has become shallow, often because of accumulated sediment.
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คลองตื้นเขินเพราะมีตะกอนทับถม khlɔɔŋ tʉ̂ʉn khə̌ən phrɔ́ mii takɔɔn tháp thǒm The canal has become shallow because sediment has accumulated. คลองตื้นเขินเพราะมีตะกอนทับถม details
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ต้องขุดลอกคลองที่ตื้นเขิน tɔ̂ŋ khùt lɔ̂ɔk khlɔɔŋ thîi tʉ̂ʉn khə̌ən The silted-up canal needs to be dredged. ต้องขุดลอกคลองที่ตื้นเขิน details
shallow (in thought or knowledge)、superficial
Describes thoughts, knowledge, understanding, or analysis that remain at the surface and lack adequate insight or careful consideration.
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อย่ามองปัญหาอย่างตื้นเขิน yàa mɔɔŋ panhǎa yàaŋ tʉ̂ʉn khə̌ən Do not look at the problem superficially. อย่ามองปัญหาอย่างตื้นเขิน details
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บทวิเคราะห์นี้ค่อนข้างตื้นเขิน bòt wíkhrɔ́ níi khɔ̂ɔn khâaŋ tʉ̂ʉn khə̌ən This analysis is rather superficial. บทวิเคราะห์นี้ค่อนข้างตื้นเขิน details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea is a lack of the depth that would normally be expected. In its physical sense, it commonly describes a river, canal, pond, or similar body of water that has become shallow because of sediment buildup. It often implies a change for the worse or a condition that interferes with water flow, drainage, or navigation. Figuratively, it criticizes thoughts, knowledge, understanding, or analysis for lacking depth. In the form อย่างตื้นเขิน, it functions adverbially and means “shallowly” or “superficially.”
Usage
The physical sense is common in discussions of dredging, river and canal management, flood prevention, irrigation, and navigation. The figurative sense is used when criticizing the depth of an idea, article, argument, study, or analysis. It occurs in both everyday conversation and more formal commentary.
Caution
For water that is simply shallow, น้ำตื้น or ตื้น is usually more natural. ตื้นเขิน is especially appropriate when a river or canal has become shallow through sediment buildup. The figurative use is critical. Applying it directly to a person can sound like an insult to their intelligence or character, so it is generally less confrontational to apply it to a thought, argument, or analysis.
Differences from similar words
1 shallow (of a waterway) synonyms
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ตื้น is the general word for “shallow.” ตื้นเขิน more specifically suggests that a waterway has become shallow, often through sediment buildup and with resulting practical problems.
2 shallow (in thought or knowledge) synonyms
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ผิวเผิน means superficial or cursory and often describes limited observation, understanding, or involvement. ตื้นเขิน likewise indicates a lack of depth, but can more strongly criticize the quality of someone's thinking or knowledge.