จระเข้
crocodile
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 crocodile、alligator
This is the everyday Thai word for a crocodile and can also refer more broadly to alligators and other crocodilians.
crocodile、alligator
A large reptile with tough, scaly skin, powerful jaws, and a long tail, typically found in or near water.
Learning notes
Explanation
จระเข้ is a neutral animal name used in everyday conversation, wildlife descriptions, and news reports. Its main translation is “crocodile,” though it can also be used broadly for crocodilians, including alligators. The classifier is ตัว: จระเข้สองตัว means “two crocodiles,” and จระเข้ตัวนี้ means “this crocodile.”
Usage
Use it when talking about animals at zoos or crocodile farms, or discussing sightings and warnings near rivers and ponds. It also appears in descriptions of leather goods as หนังจระเข้ (crocodile leather) and food as เนื้อจระเข้ (crocodile meat).
Caution
Do not confuse จระเข้ with จะเข้, a traditional Thai zither with a different spelling. Also, ว่านหางจระเข้ means “aloe vera” as a whole; จระเข้ alone does not mean aloe.