บ่ายเบี่ยง
evade
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 evade、dodge (a question or issue)、shirk (a responsibility)
It describes evading an uncomfortable question, duty, or responsibility by deflecting, making excuses, or refusing to deal with it directly.
evade、dodge (a question or issue)、shirk (a responsibility)
To avoid dealing with a question, issue, or obligation directly, often by deflecting or making excuses.
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เขาบ่ายเบี่ยงไม่ยอมตอบคำถาม khǎw bàay bìaŋ mây yɔɔm tɔ̀ɔp kham thǎam He evades the question and refuses to answer. เขาบ่ายเบี่ยงไม่ยอมตอบคำถาม details
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เขาพยายามบ่ายเบี่ยงความรับผิดชอบ khǎw pháyaayaam bàay bìaŋ khwaam ráp phìt chɔ̂ɔp He tried to shirk responsibility. เขาพยายามบ่ายเบี่ยงความรับผิดชอบ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image is of turning aside instead of facing something directly. It is used when someone gives an evasive answer, diverts attention from the main issue, or tries to escape an obligation through excuses or indirect behavior. It implies more than simply saying no: the person avoids giving a clear answer or taking the expected action. The word is usually critical. Common combinations include บ่ายเบี่ยงคำถาม “evade a question,” บ่ายเบี่ยงประเด็น “dodge the issue,” and บ่ายเบี่ยงความรับผิดชอบ “shirk responsibility.”
Usage
It is commonly used when someone will not answer a direct question, diverts a discussion from the real issue, or tries to escape responsibility, payment, or another obligation. It occurs in everyday conversation as well as news reports and formal public discussion.
Caution
It is not normally used for physically avoiding an obstacle or staying away from danger; หลบ or หลีกเลี่ยง is more appropriate in those cases. Because บ่ายเบี่ยง can accuse someone of deliberate evasion, it may sound unfairly harsh when the person simply does not know the answer or has openly and legitimately refused.
Differences from similar words
1 evade synonyms
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หลีกเลี่ยง is a broad, relatively neutral word for avoiding anything from danger to inconvenience. บ่ายเบี่ยง specifically suggests evasively dodging a question, issue, or obligation and is usually critical.
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เฉไฉ is a conversational word for talking around a matter or changing the subject when challenged. บ่ายเบี่ยง is broader and can also describe attempts to evade duties or responsibility.