กระต่าย
rabbit
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 rabbit、hare
- 2 coconut grater
This is the everyday word for a rabbit or hare. It also names a traditional coconut grater.
rabbit、hare
A general name for rabbits and hares, including pets and wild animals.
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กระต่ายน้อยนอนอยู่ในกรง kratàay nɔ́ɔy nɔɔn yùu nay kroŋ The little rabbit is sleeping in its cage. กระต่ายน้อยนอนอยู่ในกรง details
coconut grater
A traditional coconut grater with a toothed metal head attached to a low seat or wooden base.
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ยายใช้กระต่ายขูดมะพร้าว yaay cháy kratàay khùut máphráaw Grandma uses a coconut grater to grate coconut flesh. ยายใช้กระต่ายขูดมะพร้าว details
Learning notes
Explanation
The animal meaning is the one to learn first. กระต่าย is a neutral everyday word used in both speech and writing. It does not specifically mean a baby rabbit; that is ลูกกระต่าย. Use the classifier ตัว when counting the animals: กระต่ายสองตัว means “two rabbits,” and กระต่ายตัวนี้ means “this rabbit.” The Thai word covers both rabbits and hares, so the appropriate English translation depends on the animal. For the kitchen tool, the fuller name กระต่ายขูดมะพร้าว makes the meaning clear. ขูด means “to scrape or grate,” and มะพร้าว means “coconut.” The user sits on the base and presses the inside of a halved coconut against the toothed metal head.
Usage
The animal meaning is common when talking about pets, zoo animals, and children's stories. กระต่ายกับเต่า is the Thai title of “The Tortoise and the Hare.” The tool meaning comes up in home coconut preparation and discussions of traditional kitchen equipment.
Caution
The standard Thai zodiac name for the Year of the Rabbit is ปีเถาะ. Learn this separately from the everyday animal name.