white of the eye
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 white of the eye
- 2 cowardly、faint-hearted
This word literally refers to the white of the eye. When used to describe a person, it means cowardly or easily frightened and usually sounds critical.
white of the eye
The visible white area of the eyeball surrounding the colored part of the eye.
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ตาขาวของเขาแดงมาก taa khǎaw khɔ̌ɔŋ khǎw dɛɛŋ mâak The whites of his eyes are very red. ตาขาวของเขาแดงมาก details
cowardly、faint-hearted
Describes someone who shrinks from danger or difficulty because they are afraid, usually with a critical or mocking tone.
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เธอขี้ขลาดตาขาว ไม่กล้าแม้แต่จะพูดความจริง thəə khîi khlàat taa khǎaw mây klâa mɛ́ɛ tɛ̀ɛ cà phûut khwaam ciŋ She's a coward who doesn't even dare to tell the truth. เธอขี้ขลาดตาขาว ไม่กล้าแม้แต่จะพูดความจริง details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word is formed from ตา (“eye”) and ขาว (“white”). As a noun, it refers to the visible white part of a human or animal eye. When it describes a person or their behavior, it means “cowardly” or “faint-hearted.” It generally does more than state that someone is afraid: it criticizes them for lacking courage or backing down. คนตาขาว means a cowardly or easily intimidated person.
Usage
In its literal sense, it is used when discussing redness, discoloration, injuries, or other conditions affecting the white of the eye. In its figurative sense, it is used to criticize someone who backs down from danger or a challenge, or to tease a friend for being afraid—for example, of staying alone.
Caution
The figurative use questions a person's courage and may sound insulting. Avoid using it toward superiors or people you do not know well. To say neutrally that someone is afraid, use กลัว.
Differences from similar words
2 cowardly synonyms
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ขี้ขลาด strongly condemns someone as cowardly and can imply a lack of moral courage. ตาขาว also criticizes a lack of courage but is often used conversationally to tease someone for being scared.