หัว
hǔua/hua̯˩˩˦/
The English word 'head' is translated into Thai as หัว (hǔua). If unsure, use หัว. Wiktionary also lists ศีรษะ (sǐi-sà).
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| หัว | hǔua | /hua̯˩˩˦/ |
| ศีรษะ | sǐi-sà | /siː˩˩˦.saʔ˨˩/ |
หัว is the common word for the part of the body. In colloquial Thai, it is also frequently used as a prefix to mean 'top' or 'leader' of something, such as in the word for leader or boss.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
หัว is the common, everyday word for 'head' used in most spoken contexts. In contrast, ศีรษะ is the formal or medical term used in official documents, news or polite speech.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is hǔua. The IPA is /hua̯˩˩˦/.
Did you know?
- In Thai culture, the หัว is considered the most sacred part of the body, and touching someone else's head without permission is often seen as an offensive or disrespectful gesture.
- The word หัว has a linguistic connection to the Chinese word for 'head', written as 頭 (MC duw).
- Because of the high status of the หัว, there are specific polite verbs used when referring to the head of a monk or a member of the royal family.
Examples in context
- หัวฉันปวดMy head aches.This sentence is useful for saying your หัว aches.Tatoeba #7878409 by pastelite, translation #280125 by CK
- หัวของคุณเจ็บไหม?Does your head hurt?This sentence is useful for asking if someone's หัว hurts.Tatoeba #8715723 by pastelite, translation #958903 by CM
Example conversation
Witawat and Pimon are walking through a doorway with a low ceiling.
- วิทวัส Witthawatพิมล ระวังหัวนะPimon ra-wang hua naPimon, watch your head.
- พิมล Pimonขอบคุณที่เตือนค่ะkhop khun thi tuean khaThank you for warning me.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเกือบชนแล้วใช่ไหมkueap chon laeo chai maiYou almost hit it, right?
- พิมล Pimonใช่ค่ะ เกือบโดนหัวเลยchai kha kueap don hua loeiYes, it almost hit my head.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries หัว, ศีรษะ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ศีรษะ, หัว, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
