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Thai

ต่อย

Pronunciation

tɔ̀y

ต่อย

tɔ̀y

punch

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  1. 1 punch、hit with one’s fist
  2. 2 sting

This verb describes either punching someone with a fist or an animal such as a bee or scorpion attacking with its stinger. Both uses involve striking a target with a projecting body part.

1

punch、hit with one’s fist

Verb⭐️3 Common

Describes striking a person or object with a closed fist, especially when talking about fights or physical violence.

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2

sting

Verb⭐️3 Common

Describes a bee, wasp, scorpion, or similar animal attacking by driving its stinger into a target.

Show more (1)

Learning notes

Explanation

The subject and context determine the meaning. With a person as the subject, ต่อย usually means “punch”; with a bee, wasp, scorpion, or similar animal, it means “sting.” ต่อยกัน means “fight by punching each other,” while โดนต่อย can mean either “get punched” or “get stung.” ต่อยมวย is a common expression meaning “box” or “practice boxing or Muay Thai.”

Usage

It is common when discussing fights and physical violence, boxing or Muay Thai, and the danger of being stung by bees, wasps, or scorpions.

Caution

Do not use ต่อย for every insect attack. Mosquitoes and animals that attack with their mouths or teeth normally take กัด, as in ยุงกัด “a mosquito bites.” ต่อย is used primarily for attacks with a stinger.

Differences from similar words

1 punch synonyms

  • ชก also means “to punch” and is especially common in boxing and Muay Thai contexts. ต่อย is widely used for ordinary fights and other everyday situations as well.

  • ตี is the broader verb for hitting or beating with a hand, stick, or other object. ต่อย specifically focuses on striking with a closed fist.

2 sting synonyms

  • กัด is used when a mosquito, ant, dog, snake, or similar animal bites with its mouth or teeth. ต่อย is used when an animal such as a bee or scorpion attacks with a stinger.

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