เฉไฉ
evade (a question)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 evade (a question)、talk around the point
It describes avoiding the point of a question or issue by giving an indirect answer or shifting the conversation elsewhere.
evade (a question)、talk around the point
To avoid answering directly by being vague, making excuses, or steering the conversation away from the main point.
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image of เฉไฉ is verbally moving sideways instead of facing a question or issue directly. It may involve bringing up something irrelevant, giving a vague reply, or offering excuses. It often implies deliberate evasion and usually carries a critical tone. A common pattern is อย่ามาเฉไฉ, meaning “Stop dodging the question.” Some dictionaries also record senses such as “indirectly” or “to dawdle,” but learners will get the most practical value from the common conversational sense “to evade the point.”
Usage
It is commonly used when someone is questioned about an uncomfortable subject—such as money, a mistake, responsibility, or a personal matter—and avoids giving a direct answer. It often appears in conversations, arguments, interviews, and descriptions of questioning where the speaker criticizes evasive behavior.
Caution
It is not normally used merely because someone speaks at length or accidentally goes off topic. It suggests deliberate avoidance of the main point. When said directly to someone, it can sound accusatory, so use it carefully in polite situations.
Differences from similar words
1 evade (a question) synonyms
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บ่ายเบี่ยง is a somewhat more formal and broader term for evading questions, duties, responsibility, or demands. เฉไฉ focuses more on dodging the point during a conversation.
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อ้อมแอ้ม describes speaking hesitantly or indistinctly, often from uncertainty or discomfort. เฉไฉ puts more emphasis on intentionally avoiding the point.
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เลี่ยง is the general verb “avoid” and can apply to people, places, actions, or problems. เฉไฉ specifically suggests using words to evade a question or the main issue.