ห้องน้ำ
hɔ̂ng-náam/hɔŋ˥˩.naːm˦˥/
In Thai, the English phrase 'restroom' is translated as ห้องน้ำ (hɔ̂ng-náam).
The term ห้องน้ำ is the standard and most common way to refer to a restroom, toilet or bathroom in almost any setting.
Meaning: public room containing a toilet (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of hɔ̂ng (room) and náam (water).
Which one should you use?
While ห้องน้ำ is the standard term, you may encounter ห้องสุขา, which can be used to refer to a restroom in both formal and informal contexts. For a more blunt way to refer specifically to a toilet or latrine, the term ห้องส้วม is used, often in more casual or rural contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is hɔ̂ng-náam.
Did you know?
- In Thailand, you will often find a small handheld sprayer or a 'bum gun' next to the toilet. Because of this, the ห้องน้ำ is designed for washing rather than just using toilet paper.
- The word สุขา used in the formal ห้องสุขา is derived from a word relating to 'happiness' or 'well-being', suggesting a more refined way to discuss bodily functions.
- Historically, the word ส้วม for a toilet refers to the act of 'digging' or 'hollowing out'. This reflects the era of pit latrines and open-air facilities common in rural areas.
Examples in context
- ขอฉันไปห้องน้ำได้ไหม?May I go to the restroom?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use the ห้องน้ำ.Tatoeba #8715768 by pastelite, translation #517399 by CK
- ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน?Where is the restroom?
- ฉันต้องการไปห้องน้ำI need to use the restroom.
- ห้องน้ำสะอาดมากhong-nam sa-at makThe restroom is very clean.
Example conversation
At a shopping mall, Chonlasit is looking for the facilities.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitคุณณิชาครับ ห้องน้ำไปทางไหนครับ?khun Nicha khrap, hong-nam pai thang-nai khrap?Ms. Nicha, which way is the restroom?
- ณิชา Nichaเดินตรงไปแล้วเลี้ยวซ้ายค่ะdoen trong pai laeo liao sai khaWalk straight ahead and turn left.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitขอบคุณครับkhop khun khrapThank you.
- ณิชา Nichaยินดีค่ะyin-di khaYou're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ห้องน้ำ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
