มัว

Explanation

The core image is a loss of clarity. As an adjective, it describes something visually indistinct, as in ตามัว “have blurred vision” or กระจกมัว “a cloudy mirror.” Before an action verb, it indicates being occupied with that action; the very common pattern มัวแต่ + verb means “keep doing nothing but…” It often carries criticism, though it can also simply explain why something was delayed or forgotten. Figurative ideas of a clouded mind or impaired judgment occur mainly in established combinations such as มัวหมอง and มัวเมา.

Usage

Use it when a mirror or window is cloudy, vision is blurred, or a photo or video is indistinct. The pattern มัวแต่ + verb is common in everyday reminders and complaints—for example, when someone keeps playing or using a phone instead of studying—as well as in explanations such as being so busy with work that one forgot to eat.

Caution

มัวแต่ + verb does not simply mean “focus on.” It usually implies continuing one activity while something else that should be done is neglected. Also distinguish มัว from มั่ว: มัว means “cloudy” or “keep doing,” while มั่ว means doing something randomly, carelessly, or indiscriminately.

1 cloudy synonyms

• ขุ่น

  khùn murky

  ขุ่น commonly describes a liquid that is murky or not transparent. มัว more broadly describes a view, mirror, or image that looks cloudy or indistinct.

• พร่ามัว

  พร่ามัว specifically emphasizes vision or an image being blurred and difficult to make out. มัว is broader and can also describe cloudy glass or indistinct colors and light.

2 be occupied with doing synonyms

• ตั้งใจ

  ตั้งใจ describes deliberate, focused effort and is usually positive or neutral. มัว often implies that too much attention is being given to one activity while something else is neglected.

• หมกมุ่น

  หมกมุ่น suggests deep, often obsessive preoccupation with a thought or activity. มัว, especially in มัวแต่, focuses on continuing one action while other things are left undone.