นุ่ม
nûm/num˥˩/
The English word "soft" can be translated into Thai using นุ่ม (nûm) or นิ่ม.
Meaning: easily giving way under pressure (adj)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| นุ่ม | nûm | /num˥˩/ |
| นิ่ม | nîm | /nim˥˩/ |
In Thai, different words for "soft" are chosen based on whether you are describing the density of an object or its flexibility. You can also use compound forms to describe more specific qualities like being gentle or supple.
Which one should you use?
นุ่ม is typically used for things that are soft due to their substance or density, such as a pillow, bread or a sponge. In contrast, นิ่ม is used for things that are soft because they are supple, flexible or easily yielding, like skin or a soft piece of fabric.
How do you pronounce it?
nûm (/num˥˩/)
Did you know?
- The root of นุ่ม is shared with the Lao word ນຸ່ມ and the Shan word ၼုမ်ႇ, showing the word's deep roots across the Tai language family.
- While นุ่ม and นิ่ม both mean 'soft', Thai speakers often combine them into the phrase นุ่มนิ่ม to describe something exceptionally squishy or cuddly.
- In Thai, the concept of being 'soft-hearted' or 'gentle' uses a derivative of นุ่ม, linking physical softness to emotional kindness.
Examples in context
- อากาศนั้นนุ่มและดินนั้นชื้นThe air is soft, the soil moist.This sentence uses นุ่ม to describe the texture of the air.Tatoeba #2177592 by regambit, translation #18237 by AlanF_US
- ข้าวตังนี่กินแล้วละมุนปากWhen I eat these roasted rice, it feels soft in my mouth.
- หมอนใบนี้มีผิวสัมผัสนุ่มมากmôn bai ni mi phiu sam phat num makThis pillow has a very soft texture.
- ขนมปังนี้ยังนุ่มอยู่เลยkha nom pang ni yang num yu loeiThis bread is still soft.
Example conversation
Witawat and Kanokwan are at a bakery looking at bread.
- วิทวัส Witthawatขนมปังนี่ดูนุ่มดีนะkha nom pang ni du num di naThis bread looks soft.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanใช่ค่ะ ลองกดดูสิคะchai kha long kot du si khaYes, try pressing it.
- วิทวัส Witthawatจริงด้วย มันนุ่มมากจริงๆching duai man num mak ching chingYou're right, it really is very soft.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanงั้นเราซื้อกลับบ้านกันเถอะค่ะngan rao su klap ban kan thoe khaThen let's buy some to take home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soft” translations and entries นุ่ม, นิ่ม, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries นิ่ม, นุ่ม, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
