ปัก

Explanation

The basic image of ปัก is pushing a pointed object into something and leaving it firmly embedded. Typical objects include flags, stakes, and posts. This image extends naturally to fixed expressions. ปักหมุด means to place a pin on a map and can also mean to pin digital content to the top of a page. ปักหลัก develops from the image of driving in a stake and means to settle somewhere or establish a base. The embroidery sense is also very common. It comes from repeatedly passing a needle through fabric, as in ปักชื่อ “embroider a name” and ปักลาย “embroider a pattern.” In expressions with หัว, ปัก can describe falling with the head or front end pointed downward.

Usage

It is used when setting flags, stakes, or posts in the ground; inserting seedlings or cuttings into soil; and embroidering clothing. ปักหมุด is also common in map apps for sharing a location and on social platforms for pinning content. หัวปัก appears when describing an aircraft nosediving or a person falling headfirst.

Caution

ปัก is not the general equivalent of every kind of “stab” or “prick.” แทง is normally used for stabbing a person with a weapon, จิ้ม for poking or lightly pricking, and ฉีด for giving an injection. ปัก usually suggests that the inserted object remains embedded or fixed. For planting in general, use ปลูก. ปัก is appropriate when emphasizing the physical insertion of a seedling or cutting into the soil.

1 drive (something) into synonyms

• ทิ่ม

  thîm poke (with a pointed object)

  ทิ่ม broadly means to poke or jab with a pointed object. ปัก more strongly suggests driving something in and leaving it embedded or fixed there.

• ปลูก

  plùuk plant (seeds or plants)

  ปลูก is the general verb for planting and growing plants. ปัก focuses on the physical action of inserting a seedling or cutting into the soil.

2 embroider synonyms

• เย็บ

  yép sew

  เย็บ is the general verb for sewing pieces or edges together. ปัก refers specifically to decorating fabric with stitched lettering or designs.