พริก
prík/pʰrik̚˦˥/
In Thai, the phrase for "chilli pepper" is พริก (prík).
The word พริก is a generic term used to describe various types of chillies, ranging from mild to extremely spicy. It is used when referring to the fruit in a general sense as a vegetable or seasoning.
Which one should you use?
While พริก is the general term, you can be more specific depending on the variety. Use พริกขี้หนู (prík khîi nǔu) to specify the small, very spicy bird's eye chilli common in Thai cuisine. In the northern region of Thailand, the term prik num is often used to refer to chilli peppers, specifically describing a common green chilli pepper.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is prík. The IPA is /pʰrik̚˦˥/.
Did you know?
- The term พริกขี้หนู for small chillies translates literally to 'mouse faeces chilli', a name inspired by the fruit's tiny size and shape.
- The word พริก shares a common ancient root with the English word 'pepper', as both can be traced back to the Sanskrit word marica.
- In Thai culture, the word พริก is used metaphorically to describe a person with a sharp, fiery or assertive personality.
Examples in context
- ฉันชอบกินพริกมาก.chan chop kin phrik mak.I like eating chilli peppers very much.
- พริกเม็ดนี้เผ็ดมากเลย.phrik met ni phet mak loei.This chilli pepper is very spicy.
- คุณจะใส่พริกในส้มตำไหม?khun cha sai phrik nai som tam mai?Will you put chilli peppers in the papaya salad?
Example conversation
Thanakrit and Sirin are preparing dinner together.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritสิรินทร์ ช่วยหยิบพริกให้หน่อยSirin chuay yip phrik hai noiSirin, please hand me the chilli peppers.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinได้ค่ะ จะเอาพริกกี่เม็ดคะdai kha cha ao phrik ki met khaSure, how many chilli peppers do you want?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritขอแค่สองเม็ดพอkho khae song met phoJust two are enough.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinนี่ค่ะ พริกสองเม็ดni kha phrik song metHere they are, two chilli peppers.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry พริก, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries พริก, CC BY-SA 4.0.
