sharp-eared
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 sharp-eared、quick to hear sounds、keen of hearing
- 2 quick to pick up news or gossip
Describes someone or an animal that notices sounds easily, and by extension someone who quickly picks up news or conversations.
sharp-eared、quick to hear sounds、keen of hearing
Describes someone or an animal whose ears quickly pick up even faint sounds.
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หมาตัวนี้หูไวมาก mǎa tua níi hǔu way mâak This dog has very sharp ears. หมาตัวนี้หูไวมาก details
quick to pick up news or gossip
Describes someone who quickly hears about news, rumors, or conversations.
Learning notes
Explanation
หู means “ear,” and ไว means “quick” or “sensitive,” so the expression literally suggests ears that react quickly. It can describe keen hearing in a literal sense or, figuratively, someone who quickly picks up conversations, news, or rumors. It is used for both people and animals and can function directly as a predicate, as in เขาหูไว.
Usage
It is commonly used for a person or animal that reacts quickly to faint or distant sounds. It is also used when someone already knows a piece of news or has overheard something unusually quickly, often with surprise or light teasing.
Caution
It does not mean “to listen attentively”; ตั้งใจฟัง is used for that. When applied to news or conversations, หูไว may mildly suggest that someone listens in or is especially alert to gossip, depending on context.