กาง
spread
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 spread 、stretch out
- 2 open (an umbrella, book, etc.)、unfold (a map, etc.)
Describes moving something outward from a closed, folded, or gathered position. Depending on the object, it can mean “spread,” “open,” or “set up.”
spread 、stretch out
To move body parts, wings, or similar parts outward and apart.
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กางแขนออก kaaŋ khɛ̌ɛn ɔ̀ɔk spread one's arms out กางแขนออก details
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นกกางปีก nók kaaŋ pìik The bird spreads its wings. นกกางปีก details
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กางขา kaaŋ khǎa spread one's legs กางขา details
open (an umbrella, book, etc.)、unfold (a map, etc.)
To unfold or open a folded or closed object so that it can be used or viewed.
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กางร่ม kaaŋ rôm open an umbrella กางร่ม details
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กางแผนที่ดู kaaŋ phɛ̌ɛnthîi duu unfold a map and look at it กางแผนที่ดู details
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ทุกคนช่วยกันกางเต็นท์ thúk khon chûay kan kaaŋ ten Everyone works together to set up the tent. ทุกคนช่วยกันกางเต็นท์ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image is outward expansion from a closed, folded, or gathered position. The usual pattern is กาง followed by the object being spread, as in กางแขน “spread one’s arms,” กางร่ม “open an umbrella,” and กางเต็นท์ “put up a tent.” กางออก makes the outward direction explicit, while กางไว้ indicates leaving something open or spread out. It is a neutral, everyday verb used in both speech and writing. A rare noun referring to a tree also appears in some dictionaries but is not useful for most learners.
Usage
Common in instructions to spread the arms, legs, or fingers; when opening an umbrella; and when unfolding a map or opening a book on a surface. It is also used when putting up tents and mosquito nets or unfurling sails.
Caution
Use เปิด, not กาง, for ordinarily opening a door, window, or lid. Also, กางร่ม describes opening an umbrella for use; simply holding an umbrella is ถือร่ม.