แก่น
core
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 core、essence、gist
- 2 heartwood、woody core
- 3 mischievous and headstrong、unruly
This word usually refers to the firm inner core of something, especially the heartwood of a tree, and by extension to the essential point or substance of an idea. It can also describe a child as headstrong or mischievous.
core、essence、gist
The most important underlying idea or substance of a story, problem, or concept.
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แก่นของเรื่อง kɛ̀n khɔ̌ɔŋ rʉ̂aŋ the heart of the matter แก่นของเรื่อง details
heartwood、woody core
The hard, usually darker wood at the inner part of a tree trunk.
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แก่นไม้ kɛ̀n máay heartwood แก่นไม้ details
mischievous and headstrong、unruly
Describes a child—traditionally often a girl—as mischievous, headstrong, and difficult to control.
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เด็กคนนี้แก่นมาก dèk khon níi kɛ̀n mâak This child is very headstrong and mischievous. เด็กคนนี้แก่นมาก details
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ชินจังจอมแก่น chincaŋ cɔɔmkɛ̀n Mischievous Shin-chan ชินจังจอมแก่น details
Learning notes
Explanation
As a noun, แก่น carries the image of a firm inner core beneath an outer layer. It literally refers to the heartwood of a tree and figuratively to the essential idea or substance of a story, problem, or theory. A useful abstract pattern is แก่นของ + noun, meaning “the core of …,” as in แก่นของเรื่อง, “the heart of the matter,” and แก่นของปัญหา, “the core of the problem.” Its adjectival use is best learned as a separate sense. In phrases such as เด็กแก่น, it describes a lively, mischievous, and headstrong child.
Usage
In discussions of trees or timber, it refers to the hard inner wood. Figuratively, it is common in lessons, meetings, criticism, literary analysis, and problem-solving when identifying what matters beneath surface details. The personality sense appears mainly in everyday conversation and character descriptions, especially for lively, strong-willed children.
Caution
In the sense of “core,” แก่น is not interchangeable with กลาง. กลาง refers to the middle or center as a location, while แก่น refers to the essential or defining center of something. When describing personality, แก่น can imply that someone is disobedient or difficult to control. Avoid using it directly about an unfamiliar adult, as it may sound judgmental.