คาย
spit out (something in the mouth)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 spit out (something in the mouth)
- 2 release (heat, moisture, etc.)、discharge (electricity)
- 3 divulge (a secret)、give up (withheld information)
คาย means to let something out, especially to spit something out of the mouth. It also describes releasing heat or moisture and giving up concealed information.
spit out (something in the mouth)
To push or spit something out of your mouth instead of swallowing it.
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คายออกมา อย่ากลืน khaay ɔ̀ɔk maa yàa klʉʉn Spit it out. Don't swallow it. คายออกมา อย่ากลืน details
release (heat, moisture, etc.)、discharge (electricity)
To release heat, moisture, electrical charge, or another substance from within.
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พืชคายน้ำทางใบ phʉ̂ʉt khaay náam thaaŋ bay Plants release water through their leaves. พืชคายน้ำทางใบ details
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วิศวกรตรวจสอบอัตราการคายประจุของแบตเตอรี่ wítsawakɔɔn trùat sɔ̀ɔp àttraa kaan khaay pracù khɔ̌ɔŋ bɛ̀ɛttəərîi The engineer checks the battery’s discharge rate. วิศวกรตรวจสอบอัตราการคายประจุของแบตเตอรี่ details
divulge (a secret)、give up (withheld information)
To give up a secret or information that someone has been withholding, often under pressure.
Learning notes
Explanation
The basic pattern is คาย followed by whatever is being expelled. ออก or ออกมา is often added to emphasize movement outward. When the object is understood, คายออกมา can simply mean “Spit it out.” The physical image extends from removing something from the mouth to releasing heat or moisture, and then to giving up secrets. Learn the release sense through common combinations such as คายความร้อน, “give off heat.” The word itself is not vulgar. However, commanding someone to คายออกมา when you want information sounds forceful and confrontational.
Usage
Use it when spitting out seeds or unwanted objects, or telling a child to remove something from their mouth. It also appears in explanations of plant transpiration, heat release, and battery discharge. With secrets or information, it fits questioning, interrogation, and confrontational conversations.
Caution
For vomiting, use อาเจียน or the informal อ้วก. For breathing out, use หายใจออก; for spitting saliva, use ถ่มน้ำลาย. Use บอก for simply telling someone something. คาย is also not a general replacement for every use of “release” or “emit”; its naturalness depends on what is being released.
Differences from similar words
1 spit out (something in the mouth) synonyms
2 release (heat, moisture, etc.) synonyms
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ปล่อย is a broad word for releasing something or letting it go, including releasing gases and other substances. คาย occurs in more specific combinations for giving off heat, losing moisture, or discharging electricity.
3 divulge (a secret) synonyms
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เปิดเผย is a neutral word for revealing information or making facts public and works in formal contexts. คาย is more vivid and suggests giving up information someone was reluctant to share.