คุ้ย
scratch around in
Native recording
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- 1 scratch around in、rummage through、dig through
- 2 dig into (information or private matters)、dig up (the past)、pry into
This verb describes disturbing or moving things aside to reach what is underneath. It is used both for physically rummaging or scratching around and for digging into hidden information or the past.
scratch around in、rummage through、dig through
To scratch through, turn over, or rummage among things in order to reach or find something underneath or inside.
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อย่าคุ้ยถังขยะ yàa khúy thǎŋ khayà Don't rummage through the trash can. อย่าคุ้ยถังขยะ details
dig into (information or private matters)、dig up (the past)、pry into
To dig into hidden information, private matters, or past events, often with a sense of exposing something that was buried or best left alone.
Learning notes
Explanation
The core image is of disturbing the surface and working through it to reach something underneath or inside. In its literal use, คุ้ย describes actions such as a chicken scratching the soil, an animal rummaging through garbage, or someone digging through a pile of papers. A common pattern is คุ้ย + place or contents + หา + the item being sought. The same physical image extends figuratively to digging up information, exposing secrets, or bringing old problems back into discussion. It is more vivid than a general verb meaning “search” and suggests going beneath the surface.
Usage
It commonly appears when animals scratch through soil or garbage and when someone rummages through a bag, drawer, or pile of documents. Figuratively, it is used for investigative reporting, prying into someone’s private affairs, or bringing up an old dispute again.
Caution
Unlike the general search verb หา, คุ้ย suggests disturbing contents or going beneath the surface. It is therefore unsuitable for a simple visual search with no rummaging involved. When used with someone’s past or private life, it can imply intrusive or unwelcome prying.
Differences from similar words
1 scratch around in synonyms
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ขุด primarily means to dig into the ground, often with a tool. คุ้ย emphasizes scratching things aside or rummaging through their contents.
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ค้น is a general verb for searching or examining and does not necessarily involve disturbing anything. คุ้ย vividly suggests rummaging through or turning things over while searching.
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ตะกุย emphasizes repeated scratching or clawing. คุ้ย more often presents that movement as a way of searching through or uncovering something.
2 dig into (information or private matters) synonyms
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สืบค้น refers to systematic research or information retrieval and is relatively formal and neutral. คุ้ย is more vivid, suggesting that buried material is being dug up, and it can sound intrusive.