เล็บ
fingernail
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 fingernail、toenail、claw; talon
- 2 [classifier for nails]
This is the everyday word for the hard covering at the end of a human or animal digit, including a fingernail, toenail, claw, or talon.
fingernail、toenail、claw; talon
The hard part at the end of a human or animal digit, ranging from a fingernail or toenail to a claw or talon.
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ตัดเล็บ tàt lép cut one's nails ตัดเล็บ details
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เล็บยาวแล้ว lép yaaw lɛ́ɛw Your nails have grown long. เล็บยาวแล้ว details
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แมวกางเล็บ mɛɛw kaaŋ lép The cat extends its claws. แมวกางเล็บ details
[classifier for nails]
A classifier used when counting individual nails.
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เล็บหนึ่งเล็บ lép nʉ̀ŋ lép one nail เล็บหนึ่งเล็บ details
Learning notes
Explanation
เล็บ is a neutral, everyday term covering both human nails and animal claws. Use เล็บมือ for a fingernail and เล็บเท้า for a toenail when the distinction matters. Common beauty-related expressions include ทาเล็บ, “apply nail polish,” and ร้านทำเล็บ, “nail salon.” Frequent combinations include ตัดเล็บ, “cut one’s nails,” กัดเล็บ, “bite one’s nails,” and เล็บหัก, “a nail breaks.” เล็บ can also serve as its own classifier when individual nails are counted, though speakers often identify the relevant finger or toe instead.
Usage
It is common in conversations about grooming, manicures, nail pain or injuries, and nail care. It is also used to describe animal features and actions, such as a cat extending its claws or a bird gripping a branch with its talons.
Caution
เล็บ refers to a human or animal nail, claw, or talon. It does not mean a metal nail used in construction; that is ตะปู.
Differences from similar words
1 fingernail synonyms
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กรงเล็บ specifically emphasizes the sharp claws or talons of an animal or bird of prey. เล็บ is the broader everyday term and also covers human nails.