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Thai

ขบขัน

Components

ขบ
ขัน

Pronunciation

khòpkhǎn

ขบขัน

khòpkhǎn

be amused (by something)

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  1. 1 be amused (by something)、find (something) funny
  2. 2 amusing、humorous、comically absurd

This word describes either feeling amused by something or something having a humorous or faintly ridiculous quality. It sounds somewhat more literary and descriptive than the everyday word ตลก.

1

be amused (by something)、find (something) funny

Verb⭐️3 Common

Describes feeling amused by something, whether or not the person actually laughs aloud.

2

amusing、humorous、comically absurd

Adjective⭐️3 Common

Describes a story, action, or situation as amusing, humorous, or comically absurd.

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Learning notes

Explanation

The core idea of ขบขัน is that something creates a feeling of amusement. With a person as the experiencer, it means “to be amused.” When it describes a story, action, or situation, it means “amusing,” “humorous,” or sometimes “comically absurd.” Common patterns include รู้สึกขบขัน “feel amused,” เรื่องขบขัน “a funny story,” and น่าขบขัน “amusing or ridiculous.” In ordinary conversation, ตลก is more common. ขบขัน occurs more often in writing, storytelling, news reports, and measured descriptions.

Usage

It is used when introducing a humorous story or describing an amusing expression, action, or situation. It can also criticize an excuse or claim as so unreasonable that it is laughable.

Caution

น่าขบขัน may be warmly humorous or critically “laughable,” depending on context. Applying it directly to a person can sound mocking or condescending. Use หัวเราะ when you specifically mean the physical act of laughing.

Differences from similar words

1 be amused (by something) synonyms

2 amusing synonyms

  • ชวนหัว usually suggests something entertaining that makes people laugh. ขบขัน can also describe something laughably absurd and therefore carry a critical tone.

Component words

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