a pinch
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 a pinch
- 2 a mere handful、a very small number
It describes an amount small enough to pick up with the fingertips and, figuratively, a very small number within a larger group.
a pinch
A small amount of a substance that can be picked up between the fingertips.
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เกลือหนึ่งหยิบมือ klʉa nʉ̀ŋ yìp mʉʉ a pinch of salt เกลือหนึ่งหยิบมือ details
a mere handful、a very small number
Figuratively describes only a tiny number of people or things within a larger whole.
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มีผู้สนับสนุนแค่หยิบมือเดียว mii phûu sanàpsanǔn khɛ̂ɛ yìp mʉʉ diaw There are only a handful of supporters. มีผู้สนับสนุนแค่หยิบมือเดียว details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word combines หยิบ, “to pick up,” with มือ, “hand,” and originally refers to an amount that can be picked up with the fingertips. หนึ่งหยิบมือ and หยิบมือหนึ่ง mean “one pinch,” while หยิบมือเดียว stresses “just a pinch” or, figuratively, “only a handful.” It is an approximate amount, not a precise unit of measurement.
Usage
It is used in cooking when adding a small amount of salt, sugar, or spices. It also appears in statements about only a tiny number of people, such as those who know something, support a cause, or have been selected.
Caution
For precise recipes, use measurements such as กรัม “gram” or ช้อนชา “teaspoon.” In its figurative use, หยิบมือ emphasizes scarcity; it is not a general classifier for counting people.
Differences from similar words
1 a pinch synonyms
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กำมือ is a handful—an amount held in a closed hand. หยิบมือ is a pinch held between the fingertips and is normally much smaller.