รุ้ง
rúng/ruŋ˦˥/
The English word 'rainbow' is translated into Thai as รุ้ง (rúng). Wiktionary also lists สายรุ้ง (sǎai-rúng).
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| รุ้ง | rúng | /ruŋ˦˥/ |
| สายรุ้ง | sǎai-rúng | /saːj˩˩˦.ruŋ˦˥/ |
The term refers to the multicolored arch visible in the sky.
What does it mean word for word?
In the form สายรุ้ง, the part สาย means a line, string or strip.
Which one should you use?
While รุ้ง can stand alone to mean rainbow, สายรุ้ง is more descriptive, emphasizing the rainbow as a 'strip' or 'arc' of color. Additionally, the phrase รุ้งกินน้ำ, which literally translates to 'the rainbow eats water', is another common way to refer to a rainbow.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is rúng. The IPA is /ruŋ˦˥/.
Did you know?
- In ancient Thai belief, the word รุ้ง was not just a color phenomenon but was thought to represent a mythical creature.
- Thai uses the classifier สาย (line or string) for rainbows, the same word used for long, thin objects like electrical cables or necklaces.
Examples in context
- พี่เห็นรุ้งสวยๆ ที่สวนสาธารณะไหม?Did you see the beautiful rainbow at the public park, sis?
- ฉันเห็นรุ้งบนท้องฟ้าchan hen rung bon thong faI see a rainbow in the sky.
- รุ้งมีสีสวยมากrung mi si suay makThe rainbow has very beautiful colors.
- หลังฝนตกมักจะมีรุ้งlang fon tok mak cha mi rungThere is often a rainbow after it rains.
Example conversation
Kanokwan and Thanakrit are walking outside after a rain shower.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanธนกฤต ดูรุ้งสิ สวยมากเลยThanakrit du rung si suai mak loeiThanakrit, look at the rainbow! It's so beautiful.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritจริงด้วย สีสันชัดเจนมากching duai si san chat chen makYou're right, the colors are very clear.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanรุ้งกินน้ำมาทางนี้แล้วrung kin nam ma thang ni laeoThe rainbow has come this way.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritรีบถ่ายรูปไว้เร็วrip thai rup wai reoHurry up and take a photo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries รุ้ง, สายรุ้ง, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries รุ้ง, สายรุ้ง, CC BY-SA 4.0.
