The Thai saying " Playing a Saw for the Buffalo to Hear " is a metaphor used by Thai people for a long time when they want to express that explaining or advising someone ends up with the other party not understanding or refusing to listen, thus wasting time.
Many may misunderstand this saying as an insult to " buffaloes " when in fact, the original meaning was not intended to disparage this animal but to compare the inappropriateness between the " speaker " and the " listener ".
The Royal Institute Dictionary explains the saying " Playing a Saw for the Buffalo to Hear " as teaching or advising a foolish person is often ineffective and a waste of time.
Currently, this saying is also used in a broader sense, such as explaining reasons to people who are closed-minded or trying to communicate with those uninterested in what we say.
buffalo " and the musical instrument " saw "? The term "
Playing a Saw " means performing on the saw, a Thai musical instrument with a pleasant sound used in royal courts and traditional Thai orchestras, which requires listeners who appreciate its value. But if played for a buffalo, no matter how beautifully it is performed, the buffalo cannot perceive or appreciate the music. This is due to the animal's nature, not because the buffalo is "stupid."
Playing a Saw for the Buffalo to Hear " aims to compare that communication is effective only when the listener is ready to receive the message. If the listener does not understand or is closed-minded, no matter how well the speaker explains, the effort may be fruitless—just like music that, no matter how beautiful, the listener cannot appreciate. Did you know the saying "Playing a Saw for the Buffalo to Hear" is not meant to insult the buffalo?
Buffaloes have long been part of Thai agricultural life, used for plowing and farm work, so they often appear as characters in various sayings. In reality, " buffaloes
" have good memories, can learn commands, and recognize their owners. Therefore, this saying should not be seen as disrespectful to buffaloes but rather as an example to help understand the meaning clearly.