blue swimming crab
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 blue swimming crab
This word refers to the blue swimming crab, a common edible sea crab in Thailand.
blue swimming crab
An edible sea crab with a bluish shell and paddle-shaped legs, commonly sold and eaten in Thailand.
Learning notes
Explanation
Although the word consists of ปู “crab” and ม้า “horse,” it is an established name for a particular crab species; it does not literally mean “horse crab” in everyday use. It is a common term in Thai seafood markets and restaurants. It often appears in dish names such as ปูม้านึ่ง “steamed blue swimming crab” and ยำปูม้า “spicy blue swimming crab salad.” ตัว is the usual classifier for individual crabs, as in ปูม้าสองตัว “two blue swimming crabs.”
Usage
It is commonly used at seafood markets, in restaurants, and when discussing a crab’s price, freshness, or preparation. It frequently appears on menus at seafood restaurants and in coastal areas.
Caution
This is not a general word for all crabs; use ปู for “crab” in general. It should also not be treated as interchangeable with every kind of sea crab.