หัวหอม
hǔua-hɔ̌ɔm/hua̯˩˩˦.hɔːm˩˩˦/
The English word "onion" can be translated into Thai as หัวหอม (hǔua-hɔ̌ɔm) or หอมใหญ่.
Meaning: bulb (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| หัวหอม | hǔua-hɔ̌ɔm | /hua̯˩˩˦.hɔːm˩˩˦/ |
| หอมใหญ่ | hɔ̌ɔm-yài | /hɔːm˩˩˦.jaj˨˩/ |
Both terms refer to the onion bulb, though they are used in slightly different contexts depending on the specific type of onion you are describing.
What does it mean word for word?
The term หัวหอม is composed of หัว (hǔua), meaning 'head' or 'bulb' and หอม (hɔ̌ɔm), meaning 'fragrant' or 'scented'.
Which one should you use?
หัวหอม is a general term for onions. หอมใหญ่ specifically refers to large, common bulb onions, such as yellow or white onions, often used in cooking. To distinguish these from shallots, Thai speakers use the term หอมแดง (hɔ̌ɔm-daeng), which literally means 'red onion'.
How do you pronounce it?
hǔua-hɔ̌ɔm
Did you know?
- The word หอม (hɔ̌ɔm) is used for both 'onion' and the general adjective 'fragrant'. While English speakers associate onions with a pungent smell, Thai linguistically categorizes them as 'scented'.
- In Thai, the word หัว (hǔua) meaning 'head' is used for the bulb of an onion, as well as for garlic and ginger. This treats the root of the plant as the 'head' of the vegetable.
- While หอมใหญ่ refers to the large bulb onion, it is often considered a foreign ingredient. In traditional Thai cuisine, the smaller หอมแดง (shallot) is far more common and essential.
Examples in context
- ฉันชอบใส่หัวหอมในสลัด.chan chop sai hua-hom nai salad.I like to put onions in salad.
- ช่วยซื้อหัวหอมให้หน่อยได้ไหม?chuai sue hua-hom hai noi dai mai?Can you please buy some onions?
- หัวหอมนี้มีกลิ่นแรงมาก.hua-hom ni mi klin raeng mak.This onion has a very strong smell.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing dinner.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเราต้องใช้หัวหอมกี่หัวครับ?rao tong chai hua-hom ki hua khrap?How many onions do we need to use?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanใช้แค่สองหัวก็พอค่ะ.chai khae song hua ko pho kha.Two onions will be enough.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเดี๋ยวผมจะไปหั่นหัวหอมเอง.diao phom cha pai han hua-hom eng.I will go chop the onions myself.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanระวังอย่าให้แสบตาด้วยนะ.rawang ya hai saep ta duai na.Be careful not to let them sting your eyes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onion” translations and entries หัวหอม, หอมใหญ่, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
