ตุง
bulge from being full
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 bulge from being full、be overstuffed
- 2 Lanna ceremonial banner、northern Thai decorative flag
It describes something bulging outward because it is tightly filled. In northern Thai culture, it also refers to a long, narrow ceremonial banner.
bulge from being full、be overstuffed
Describes a bag, pocket, belly, or similar container bulging outward because it is very full.
Lanna ceremonial banner、northern Thai decorative flag
A long, narrow traditional banner displayed at temples and festivals in the Lanna culture of northern Thailand.
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ตุงล้านนา tuŋ láannaa a traditional Lanna banner ตุงล้านนา details
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ชาวบ้านประดับตุงที่วัด chaawbâan pradàp tuŋ thîi wát The villagers decorated the temple with ceremonial banners. ชาวบ้านประดับตุงที่วัด details
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แขวนตุง khwɛ̌ɛn tuŋ Hang a ceremonial banner. แขวนตุง details
Learning notes
Explanation
As a state verb, ตุง evokes a bag, pocket, or similar container being so full that its contents push the surface outward. กระเป๋าตุง therefore literally describes a bulging bag or pocket. When money is understood as the contents, กระเป๋าตุง can figuratively mean being flush with cash. This is a common extension of the physical image rather than a completely separate meaning. As a noun, ตุง belongs mainly to the cultural vocabulary of northern Thailand, especially Lanna traditions. It refers to the long, narrow banners displayed at temples, ceremonies, and festivals.
Usage
In everyday language, it is used for an overfilled bag, a stuffed pocket, or a belly distended with food. กระเป๋าตุง also appears as a lively expression for having plenty of money, especially after receiving a bonus or making a profit. The noun is encountered when discussing temples, festivals, traditional crafts, and tourism in northern Thailand, particularly around Chiang Mai and other areas associated with Lanna culture.
Caution
ตุง is not the general choice for everything that inflates or swells. It is especially suited to something bulging because it is packed with contents. Do not use the noun ตุง for an ordinary flag or a national flag; use ธง instead.
Differences from similar words
1 bulge from being full synonyms
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พอง is a general word for swelling or puffing up, including from air, moisture, or heat. ตุง emphasizes an outward bulge caused by the contents packed inside.
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โป่ง broadly describes something protruding or swelling outward. ตุง more specifically suggests that a bag, pocket, or similar container is bulging because it is packed full.
2 Lanna ceremonial banner synonyms
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ธง is the standard general word for flags, including national and signal flags. ตุง refers specifically to the typically long, vertical banners associated with northern Thai traditions and ceremonies.