ดิ้น
wriggle
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 wriggle、writhe、thrash about
- 2 struggle to get out of something、try to evade blame or punishment
- 3 dance energetically
- 4 flexible、not fixed
- 5 metallic embroidery thread、decorative metallic braid
This word primarily describes writhing or struggling with forceful body movements. It can also refer to struggling to escape a difficult situation or, informally, dancing energetically. As a noun, it means metallic decorative thread used in embroidery.
wriggle、writhe、thrash about
Describes forcefully twisting, writhing, or thrashing the body because of pain, discomfort, restraint, or distress.
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ปลาดิ้นอยู่บนพื้น plaa dîn yùu bon phʉ́ʉn The fish is thrashing about on the floor. ปลาดิ้นอยู่บนพื้น details
struggle to get out of something、try to evade blame or punishment
Informally describes struggling to escape blame, restraint, punishment, or another difficult situation, often with an implication of desperation.
dance energetically
Informally means to dance energetically, especially to popular or dance music.
flexible、not fixed
Informally describes a rule, criterion, or interpretation that is not fixed and can be adjusted or interpreted flexibly.
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หลักเกณฑ์นี้ดิ้นได้ làkkeen níi dîn dâay This criterion can be interpreted flexibly. หลักเกณฑ์นี้ดิ้นได้ details
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ภาษาไทยดิ้นได้ phaasǎa thay dîn dâay Thai is a flexible language. ภาษาไทยดิ้นได้ details
metallic embroidery thread、decorative metallic braid
Metallic decorative thread, traditionally made with gold-, silver-, or copper-colored material and used in embroidery or ornamental clothing.
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ปักด้วยดิ้นเงิน pàk dûay dîn ŋən Embroider it with silver-colored metallic thread. ปักด้วยดิ้นเงิน details
Learning notes
Explanation
As a verb, the core image is of someone or something unable to stay still, twisting the body or moving forcefully from side to side. It is commonly used for a fish out of water, a child resisting being held, or a person writhing in pain. This physical image extends metaphorically to desperate attempts to escape responsibility, punishment, or an unfavorable situation. When the intended meaning is striving through hardship, the compound ดิ้นรน is much more common than ดิ้น alone. In informal speech, ดิ้น can also mean dancing energetically at a club or party. In the pattern ดิ้นได้, it describes a rule or criterion that can be adjusted or interpreted flexibly. The noun ดิ้น has a separate meaning: metallic decorative thread used in embroidery on traditional clothing, uniforms, and other textiles.
Usage
In everyday conversation, it is used for a fish thrashing out of water, a child squirming to avoid being held, or someone writhing in pain. Figuratively, it often appears when someone is desperately trying to escape blame or the consequences of clear evidence. The dancing sense is mainly used in casual conversations about clubs and parties. The noun is used when discussing embroidery, sewing, traditional dress, uniforms, or stage costumes.
Caution
Do not normally use ดิ้น by itself for neutral, positive effort. It may suggest desperate resistance or an attempt to escape responsibility. Use พยายาม for ordinary effort and ดิ้นรน for striving through hardship. The dancing sense is informal; เต้น is the neutral general term. The flexible sense, especially in ดิ้นได้, is also colloquial. In formal contexts, ยืดหยุ่น or ไม่ตายตัว is usually clearer.
Differences from similar words
1 wriggle synonyms
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กระเสือกกระสน emphasizes struggling through hardship or desperately trying to survive. ดิ้น more directly describes forceful twisting or thrashing of the body.
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สั่น means to shake or tremble, often from cold, fear, or vibration. ดิ้น involves larger, more forceful twisting or thrashing movements.
2 struggle to get out of something synonyms
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หลบเลี่ยง neutrally describes avoiding or evading a duty, rule, or obstacle. ดิ้น suggests a desperate attempt to escape after being cornered and can sound critical.