Main Translations

English: mouse

Thai Primary Translation: หนู (nǔu)

Phonetic: Pronounced as "nǔu" (with a rising tone on the "u"), which sounds like "noo" but with a gentle upward inflection.

Explanation: In Thai, "หนู" primarily refers to the small rodent, similar to a house mouse, and is a common word in everyday life. It carries a sense of familiarity and humility—Thais often associate it with being small, quick, and sometimes pesky, evoking images of rural farm life or urban pest control. Emotionally, it's neutral but can be endearing; for instance, Thai women (especially in formal or polite settings) use "หนู" as a humble way to refer to themselves, like saying "I'm just a little mouse" to show modesty. This self-referential use is deeply rooted in Thai culture, reflecting values of humility and social harmony. In daily life, you'll hear it in casual conversations about animals or as a term of endearment for children.

Secondary Translations:

• For the computer device: เมาส์ (maas) – Pronounced like the English word "mouse" but with a Thai accent. This is a direct loanword from English, commonly used in tech contexts since the rise of computers in Thailand.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "mouse" as an animal ("หนู") is often mentioned in everyday contexts like farming, home life, or folklore, where it's seen as a clever but troublesome creature. Urban areas like Bangkok use it more metaphorically or in pest-related discussions, while rural regions, such as Chiang Mai, might reference it in stories about agriculture or traditional beliefs (e.g., mice in folktales symbolizing resourcefulness). For the computer mouse ("เมาส์"), it's prevalent in modern, tech-savvy settings across the country, with no major regional differences—Bangkok's business districts use it frequently in offices, whereas rural areas might encounter it less due to limited access to technology. Overall, both meanings highlight Thailand's blend of traditional and contemporary life.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "mouse" in different contexts. We've selected scenarios that are most relevant: everyday conversation for the animal, business for the device, and a practical travel phrase to tie it together.

Everyday Conversation

English: I saw a mouse in the kitchen last night; it was so fast!

Thai: ฉันเห็นหนูในครัวเมื่อคืน มันวิ่งเร็วมาก! (Chăn hěn nǔu nai khrua mêua kèun, man wîng reo mâak!)

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like complaining about household pests. In Thailand, people in rural areas might share similar stories with a laugh, as mice are common in homes. It's a great way to practice humble language, as "หนู" can also imply something cute or harmless.

Business Context

English: Could you pass me the mouse? I need to click on this file during the presentation.

Thai: คุณช่วยส่งเมาส์ให้ฉันหน่อยไหม ฉันต้องคลิกไฟล์นี้ในการนำเสนอ (Khun chûai sòng maas hâi chăn nòy mǎi, chăn dtông klik fai nêe nai gaan nâa sĕn)

Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up when sharing a screen in a tech-driven office. Thais value politeness, so starting with "คุณช่วย" (khun chûai) softens the request, making it more harmonious.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Excuse me, is there a mouse for this computer at the hotel desk?

Thai: ขอโทษค่ะ ที่นี่มีเมาส์สำหรับคอมพิวเตอร์ที่เคาน์เตอร์โรงแรมไหม (Khǎa thôot kâ, thîi nî mee maas sǎm ráb kòm pîu ter thîi khao nter rohng raem mǎi?)

Travel Tip: When traveling in tourist spots like Phuket or Chiang Mai, hotels often have shared computers for guests. Using this phrase shows respect by adding "ค่ะ" (kâ) if you're a woman, which is a cultural norm for politeness. It's handy for checking emails, and staff will appreciate your effort to speak Thai—tip: pair it with a smile to build rapport.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• หนูท่อ (nǔu thoo) – This refers specifically to a rat or larger mouse-like rodent. Use it when discussing urban pests in places like Bangkok, where it's more common in sewers or markets, adding a layer of specificity to "mouse".
• เม้าส์ไร้สาย (maas rai sǎai) – A wireless mouse. Thais might use this in tech conversations to emphasize modern gadgets, especially in e-commerce or online work settings.

Common Collocations:

• หนูในบ้าน (nǔu nai bâan) – Meaning "mouse in the house," often used in everyday Thai talk about home infestations. For example, in rural villages, people might say this while sharing remedies like traps.
• เมาส์คอมพิวเตอร์ (maas kòm pîu ter) – Simply "computer mouse," a staple in professional Thai environments. You'd hear this in IT support calls, reflecting Thailand's growing digital economy.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, "mouse" as "หนู" isn't just an animal—it's woven into folklore and social customs. In traditional stories, mice symbolize cleverness and survival, much like in the Thai version of Aesop's fables. However, the self-referential use of "หนู" by women (e.g., in phrases like "หนูไม่รู้ค่ะ" meaning "I don't know") stems from historical norms of modesty, influenced by Buddhist values of humility. For the computer mouse, it's a symbol of Thailand's rapid modernization, especially post-2000s, when tech boomed in cities. Interestingly, in rural areas, people might still prefer traditional tools over digital ones, highlighting a cultural divide.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, avoid overusing "หนู" as self-reference unless you're a woman in a formal context—it could come off as overly submissive. In business, stick to "เมาส์" for tech talks to sound professional. Etiquette tip: Always pair requests with polite particles like "ค่ะ" or "ครับ" to show respect, as Thais prioritize harmony in conversations.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "หนู" (nǔu) for the animal, think of it as sounding like "new" but with a rising tone—like a mouse scurrying "new-ly" away. For "เมาส์" (maas), visualize a computer mouse as a "mass" of technology invading traditional Thai life. This visual association can make it stick, especially if you practice with Thai apps or flashcards.

Dialect Variations: In northern Thailand, like Chiang Mai, "หนู" might be pronounced with a softer tone, almost like "noo" with a drawl, due to the local Lanna dialect influence. In the south, such as in Phuket, it's similar but spoken faster in casual chats. For "เมาส์," it's fairly consistent nationwide as it's a borrowed word, but rural areas might anglicize it more heavily.

This entry provides a balanced, engaging look at "mouse" in English-Thai contexts, drawing from real Thai cultural nuances to help you use the word confidently. For more translations, explore our SEO-friendly resources on English to Thai dictionary terms!