หล่อ
lɔ̀ɔ/lɔː˨˩/
The English word 'handsome' is translated into Thai as หล่อ (lɔ̀ɔ).
หล่อ is an adjective used to describe an attractive man.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While หล่อ specifically refers to being handsome, the term เท่ describes someone who is not only good-looking but also stylish and trendy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
หล่อ is a colloquial term. The related term เท่ is considered informal.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is lɔ̀ɔ. The IPA is /lɔː˨˩/.
Did you know?
- The word หล่อ originates from the process of casting or melting metal in a furnace. It suggests that a person's features are as perfectly shaped and smooth as a piece of cast metal.
- In modern slang, calling a specific action หล่อ means that the move was 'smooth' or 'classy' regardless of the person's actual looks.
- Thai friends may use หล่อ ironically to tease someone who is acting vain or overly confident about their appearance.
Examples in context
- ทอมหล่อมากTom is very handsome.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of หล่อ to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #8817779 by pastelite, translation #1024770 by CK
- คุณหล่อมากYou are very handsome.
- เธอหล่อมากเลยYou are so handsome!
- เขาหล่อมากจริง ๆkhao lo mak ching chingHe is really handsome.
- คนนั้นหล่อดีนะkhon nan lo di naThat person is quite handsome.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sirin is talking to Teerapat about a new coworker.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinเพื่อนร่วมงานคนใหม่หล่อไหมคะphuean ruam ngan khon mai lo mai khaIs the new coworker handsome?
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatใช่ครับ เขาหล่อจริงๆchai krap khao lo jing jingYes, he is really handsome.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinอยากเห็นหน้าเขาจังเลยค่ะyak hen na khao jang loei khaI really want to see his face.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatเดี๋ยวผมแนะนำให้รู้จักนะครับdiao phom nae nam hai ru jak na krapI will introduce you to him soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handsome” translations and entries หล่อ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries หล่อ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
