จิ๋ว
jǐu/t͡ɕiw˩˩˦/
In Thai, the English phrase "tiny" is translated as จิ๋ว (jǐu). If unsure, use จิ๋ว. Wiktionary also lists จี๊ด (jíit) and นิด (nít).
Meaning: very small (adj)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| จิ๋ว | jǐu | /t͡ɕiw˩˩˦/ |
| จี๊ด | jíit | /t͡ɕiːt̚˦˥/ |
| นิด | nít | /nit̚˦˥/ |
The word is used to describe things that are very small. While จิ๋ว focuses on physical scale or miniature size, the informal term เล็กๆ can also be used to express the concept of being tiny by emphasizing smallness.
Which one should you use?
The different forms in Thai express different nuances of smallness. จิ๋ว is used to describe something that is physically tiny or miniature in scale, such as in the phrase ของจิ๋ว which refers to miniature collectibles. In contrast, นิด is used to describe a small amount or degree of something rather than the physical dimensions of an object. จี๊ด is another form provided for this concept.
How do you pronounce it?
jǐu (/tɕiw˩˩˦/)
Did you know?
- If someone says they feel 'jied' (from จี๊ด), it might actually mean they feel a 'tiny' sharp pain in their heart or a sudden pang of jealousy.
- The word จิ๋ว is often used in the term จิ๋วแต่แจ๋ว, which literally means 'tiny but great'. It is a common compliment for someone who is small in stature but possesses immense talent or power.
- The word นิด is so versatile that it is frequently used as a nickname for people, implying they were 'tiny' or precious as infants.
Examples in context
- ต้นไม้เล็กSmall tree
- เด็กสองคน เด็กตัวเล็กTwo children, a small child
- งูเล็กตัวหนึ่งOne small snake
- แมวตัวนี้ตัวจิ๋วมากเลยmaeo tua ni tua jio mak loeiThis cat is very tiny.
- ฉันชอบกระเป๋าใบจิ๋วใบนี้chan chop kra-pao bai jio bai niI like this tiny bag.
- เขามีรถของเล่นจิ๋วหลายคันkhao mi rot khong len jio lai khanHe has many tiny toy cars.
Example conversation
Sirin and Witthawat are looking at a gift shop window.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinดูตุ๊กตาตัวจิ๋วนั่นสิdu tu-ka tua jio nan siLook at that tiny doll.
- วิทวัส Witthawatมันน่ารักดีนะman na-rak di naIt is quite cute.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinวิทวัสอยากซื้อไหมwit-thawat yak sue maiDo you want to buy it, Witthawat?
- วิทวัส Witthawatไม่ล่ะ มันเล็กเกินไปmai la man lek koen paiNo, it is too small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiny” translations and entries จิ๋ว, จี๊ด, นิด, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
