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Thai

สีซอ

Components

สี

Pronunciation

sǐi sɔɔ

สีซอ

sǐi sɔɔ

play the ซอ

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  1. 1 play the ซอ、fiddle [Thai bowed instrument]

This verb means to play a Thai bowed string instrument called a ซอ. It is also important in an idiom meaning that explaining something to someone who will not understand is pointless.

1

play the ซอ、fiddle [Thai bowed instrument]

Verb⭐️1 Rarely used

To play a ซอ, a traditional Thai bowed string instrument, by drawing a bow across its strings.

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Learning notes

Explanation

สีซอ is made from สี plus ซอ, but สี here does not mean “color.” In this word it refers to playing a string instrument with a bow. ซอ is a traditional Thai bowed string instrument. A key expression to know is สีซอให้ควายฟัง, literally “play the ซอ for a buffalo to hear,” used when good explanations or valuable things are wasted on someone who will not understand or appreciate them.

Usage

In the literal sense, it is used when talking about Thai traditional music, instrument practice, skill at playing, or the sound of a performance. Figuratively, it appears in the idiom สีซอให้ควายฟัง when someone feels it is useless to explain something to a person who will not listen or understand.

Caution

By itself, สีซอ normally means “to play the ซอ.” For the idiomatic meaning, use the full expression สีซอให้ควายฟัง. The idiom can sound dismissive or insulting, so it should be used carefully, especially when speaking about someone directly.

Component words

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