จิ้งจก
jîng-jòk/t͡ɕiŋ˥˩.t͡ɕok̚˨˩/
The Thai word for lizard is จิ้งจก (jîng-jòk).
While it translates to lizard, จิ้งจก specifically refers to the common house gecko often found on walls in Thai homes, rather than all types of lizards.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: jîng-jòk. The IPA transcription is /tɕiŋ˥˩.tɕok̚˨˩/.
Did you know?
- The term ตัวเงินตัวทอง for larger lizards literally translates to 'silver body gold body', which ironically refers to wealth despite the animals being feared.
- In Thai culture, if a จิ้งจก chirps while you are making a decision or speaking, it is often seen as a sign that what you said is true or will happen.
- The word จิ้งจก is actually an imitation of the sound the animal makes. It is an onomatopoeic term designed to mimic the clicking or chirping noises geckos produce.
Examples in context
- จิ้งจกตัวนี้สีเขียวjing-jok tua nee see khiaoThis lizard is green.
- ฉันเห็นจิ้งจกบนผนังchan hen jing-jok bon pha-nangI saw a lizard on the wall.
- จิ้งจกกำลังวิ่งหนีไปjing-jok kam-lang wing nee paiThe lizard is running away.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are in a living room.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritมีจิ้งจกอยู่บนเพดานครับmee jing-jok yu bon phe-dan khrapThere is a lizard on the ceiling.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanช่วยไล่มันออกไปหน่อยค่ะchuay lai man ok pai noi khaPlease drive it away.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritจิ้งจกตัวนั้นน่ากลัวไหมครับjing-jok tua nan na klua mai khrapIs that lizard scary?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanไม่กลัวหรอกค่ะ แค่ตกใจmai klua rok kha khae tok-chaiI'm not scared, just startled.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry จิ้งจก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries จิ้งจก, CC BY-SA 4.0.
