ตะกุย
claw at
Native recording
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- 1 claw at、scratch at、dig at (with claws, paws, or hands)
Describes repeatedly scraping, scratching, or digging at something with claws, paws, hands, or feet.
claw at、scratch at、dig at (with claws, paws, or hands)
To repeatedly claw, paw, or scrape at a surface, often digging or disturbing it in the process.
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แมวตะกุยประตู mɛɛw takuy pratuu The cat claws at the door. แมวตะกุยประตู details
Learning notes
Explanation
ตะกุย evokes repeated pulling or scraping movements made with claws, paws, hands, or feet. It is especially common for animals scratching the ground for food, pawing dirt aside, or clawing at a door. It usually suggests repeated, somewhat forceful movement rather than one light scratch. In the expression ตะกุยตะกาย, it describes scrambling, struggling, or desperately climbing with the hands and feet.
Usage
Commonly used when an animal repeatedly scratches or paws at dirt, sand, a floor, or a door. The form ตะกุยตะกาย is also used when a person or animal scrambles up a slope or struggles frantically with the hands and feet.
Caution
Use ข่วน when the main point is scratching or marking a surface, and ขุด for ordinary digging, especially with a tool. For the figurative idea of struggling or clawing one's way forward, ตะกุยตะกาย is generally more natural than ตะกุย alone.
Differences from similar words
1 claw at synonyms
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ข่วน focuses on scratching skin or a surface with claws, often leaving a mark. ตะกุย emphasizes repeated clawing or pawing, sometimes to dig or move material.
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ขุด is the general verb for digging, including digging deliberately with tools. ตะกุย suggests a rough, repeated scraping motion with claws, paws, hands, or feet.
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คุ้ย commonly means rummaging through or turning something over to search inside it. ตะกุย more vividly describes the repeated physical action of clawing or pawing.