เล็ง
aim at
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 aim at、take aim
- 2 have one's eye on、target、consider as a candidate
This word describes fixing on a specific target and directing something toward it. It is used both for physically taking aim and for having your eye on something you want.
aim at、take aim
To fix on a physical target and carefully direct a weapon, tool, or action toward it.
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เล็งให้ดีก่อนยิง leŋ hây dii kɔ̀ɔn yiŋ Aim carefully before you shoot. เล็งให้ดีก่อนยิง details
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เขาเล็งปืนไปที่เป้า khǎw leŋ pʉʉn pay thîi pâw He aimed the gun at the target. เขาเล็งปืนไปที่เป้า details
have one's eye on、target、consider as a candidate
To single out something desirable—such as a product, position, or recruit—as a likely choice or target.
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เขาเล็งตำแหน่งผู้จัดการไว้ khǎw leŋ tamnɛ̀ŋ phûu càt kaan wáy He has his sights set on the manager position. เขาเล็งตำแหน่งผู้จัดการไว้ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image is that of identifying a particular target and fixing one's aim or intention on it. The literal use refers to taking aim with a gun or another tool; the figurative use extends to products, positions, places, or people one hopes to obtain or choose. A very common conversational pattern is เล็ง + object + ไว้. Here, ไว้ suggests keeping that object in mind, so the phrase often means “to have one's eye on” or “to be considering as a likely choice.” เล็งเห็น is an established compound meaning to recognize or appreciate something after consideration, especially its importance or benefits. It has a more formal tone and often appears in institutional or administrative writing.
Usage
It is used when aiming in shooting or target-based activities. Figuratively, it commonly appears when someone has their eye on a product, is considering a restaurant or destination, wants a particular position, or when an organization is targeting a potential recruit.
Caution
Do not use เล็ง as a general verb meaning “look” or “see.” Use ดู for watching or looking generally, มอง for directing one's gaze, and จ้อง for staring. เล็งไว้ usually means that something is still under consideration; it does not by itself mean that a final decision has been made.
Differences from similar words
1 aim at synonyms
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จ้อง means to stare steadily at something. เล็ง focuses on taking aim at a target, usually with a specific intended result.