พิง
lean against
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 lean against、prop (something) against
This verb describes letting a wall, backrest, shoulder, or similar surface support part of a person’s or object’s weight. It commonly means “lean against” or “prop against.”
lean against、prop (something) against
To rest a person’s or object’s weight partly against something that provides support.
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นั่งพิงพนักเก้าอี้ nâŋ phiŋ phanák kâwîi sit leaning against the back of the chair นั่งพิงพนักเก้าอี้ details
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วางไม้กวาดพิงผนังไว้ waaŋ máaykwàat phiŋ phanǎŋ wáy Leave the broom propped against the wall. วางไม้กวาดพิงผนังไว้ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central image is physical contact with a support that bears part of someone’s or something’s weight. With a person as the subject, พิงกำแพง means “lean against a wall,” while พิงไหล่ means “lean against someone’s shoulder.” With an object, Thai often uses เอา or วาง followed by the object, พิง, and the supporting surface—for example, วางไม้กวาดพิงผนัง, “prop a broom against the wall.” Although English may use either “lean” or “prop,” both uses share the same physical-support sense in Thai.
Usage
It is common when someone leans against a wall or post, rests against a chair back, or leans on another person’s shoulder. It is also used when a broom, ladder, bicycle, or similar object is left propped against a wall.
Caution
พิง implies that the supporting surface bears some weight, not merely that two things touch. It is also not normally used by itself for abstract reliance on a person or organization; พึ่งพา or พึ่งพิง is appropriate in that sense.
Differences from similar words
1 lean against synonyms
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พึ่งพา means to rely or depend on a person, organization, or resource. พิง normally refers to physical support gained by leaning a body or object against something.
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อิง can also mean to lean against, but it extends readily to abstract meanings such as being based on a source. พิง more directly describes physically resting weight against a supporting surface.