ความหึงหวง
khwam heung huang
The English word 'jealousy' is translated into Thai as ความหึงหวง (khwam heung huang).
In Thai, ความหึงหวง is used almost exclusively in the context of romantic relationships and possessiveness over a partner.
Meaning: a resentment towards someone for a perceived advantage or superiority they hold (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the prefix ความ (khwam), which turns verbs or adjectives into abstract nouns and หึงหวง (heung huang), which specifically refers to romantic jealousy or possessiveness.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish ความหึงหวง from ความอิจฉา (khwam it-cha). While ความหึงหวง is used for romantic jealousy, ความอิจฉา is used for the jealousy/envy one feels toward someone else's success or possessions.
How do you pronounce it?
khwam heung huang
Did you know?
- In Thai culture, ความหึงหวง is often viewed as a sign of love and care rather than a negative trait, provided it remains within certain social boundaries.
- Using ความหึงหวง to describe professional rivalry or a sibling's competition might inadvertently suggest a romantic attraction between the parties.
- The root verb หึง (heung) within ความหึงหวง carries a nuance of 'guarding' or 'protecting' a partner, reflecting a territorial aspect of the emotion.
Examples in context
- อิจฉาจังเลยครับ/ค่ะI am so jealous!
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their relationship problems.
- วิทวัส Witthawatพิมล คุณกำลังรู้สึกมีความหึงหวงใช่ไหมPimon khun kam lang ru sueak mi khwam hueng huang chai maiPimon, you are feeling jealousy, right?
- พิมล Pimonใช่ค่ะ วิทวัส ฉันรู้สึกแบบนั้นจริงๆchai kha Witthawat chan ru sueak baep nan ching chingYes, Witthawat, I really feel that way.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเราต้องคุยกันเรื่องความหึงหวงนี้rao tong khui kan rueang khwam hueng huang niWe need to talk about this jealousy.
- พิมล Pimonตกลงค่ะ เรามาหาทางออกกันเถอะtok long kha rao ma ha thang ok kan thoeAgreed. Let's find a way out together.
