คู
ditch
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 ditch、moat、trench
- 2 [classifier for ditches and moats]
This word refers to a long, narrow ditch or moat dug into the ground and also serves as the classifier for such features.
ditch、moat、trench
A long, narrow channel dug into the ground for drainage, water storage, marking a boundary, or defense.
[classifier for ditches and moats]
The classifier used when counting individual ditches or moats.
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ขุดคูสองคู khùt khuu sɔ̌ɔŋ khuu dig two ditches ขุดคูสองคู details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image of คู is a long, narrow hollow dug into the ground. It can be a drainage ditch, a roadside ditch, a boundary ditch, or a moat surrounding a fortified place. The noun itself also functions as its classifier, as in คูหนึ่งคู, “one ditch.”
Usage
It is used when discussing roadside or residential drainage, water management on farmland, property boundaries, and defensive moats. Common expressions include คูข้างถนน “roadside ditch” and คูระบายน้ำ “drainage ditch.”
Caution
คลอง generally refers to a larger canal or waterway than คู. For a small constructed drain, especially one made of concrete, รางระบายน้ำ is often more natural.
Differences from similar words
1 ditch synonyms
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คลอง usually refers to a canal or a relatively large waterway and may be navigable. คู is typically narrower and is dug for purposes such as drainage, marking boundaries, or defense.
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ร่อง is a broader term for a groove, furrow, or narrow depression in a surface. คู specifically describes a substantial ditch or moat dug into the ground.