ต้นไม้
dtôn-máai/ton˥˩.maːj˦˥/
The English word "tree" is translated into Thai as ต้นไม้ (dtôn-máai). Wiktionary also lists เฌอ (chəə) and พฤกษา (prʉ́k-sǎa).
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ต้นไม้ | dtôn-máai | /ton˥˩.maːj˦˥/ |
| เฌอ | chəə | /t͡ɕʰɤː˧/ |
| พฤกษา | prʉ́k-sǎa | /pʰrɯk̚˦˥.saː˩˩˦/ |
The term refers to a large woody plant.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ต้นไม้ (dtôn-máai) is composed of the classifier ต้น (dtôn), meaning 'trunk' or 'stem' and ไม้ (máai), meaning 'wood'.
Which one should you use?
While ต้นไม้ (dtôn-máai) is the common word for any tree, พฤกษา (prʉ́k-sǎa) is a more formal, high-register term often used in literature or formal botanical contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ต้นไม้ is the standard term used in everyday situations. พฤกษา is a high-register term used in formal contexts or literature, and เฌอ (chəə) is an archaic and poetic term that is rarely used in daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Within the word ต้นไม้, the component ต้น (dtôn) also functions as a common classifier for many types of plants and trees.
How do you pronounce it?
dtôn-máai
Did you know?
- The classifier ต้น used in ต้นไม้ is also used to count other things that stand vertically, such as utility poles or candles.
- While เฌอ is archaic, it survives today primarily in proper nouns, such as the names of luxury hotels or boutiques to evoke an air of elegance.
- The poetic word เฌอ is actually a linguistic guest from Cambodia, originating from Old Khmer.
Examples in context
- ต้นไม้ล้มลงThe tree fell down.Tatoeba #8850927 by pastelite, translation #323574 by CK
- แอปเปิ้ลหล่นลงมาจากต้นไม้An apple fell off the tree.Tatoeba #8717352 by pastelite, translation #29637 by CK
- ต้นไม้ต้นนี้สูงมากton mai ton ni sung makThis tree is very tall.
Example conversation
Nicha and Witthawat are walking in a park.
- ณิชา Nichaเรามานั่งใต้ต้นไม้นี้กันเถอะrao ma nang tai ton mai ni kan thoeLet's sit under this tree.
- วิทวัส Witthawatได้ครับ มีร่มเงาดีด้วยdai khrap mi rom ngao di duaiOkay, it has good shade too.
- ณิชา Nichaวิทวัส ดูนกบนต้นไม้สิwitthawat du nok bon ton mai siWitthawat, look at the bird on the tree.
- วิทวัส Witthawatสวยมากเลยครับsuai mak loei khrapIt is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations and entries ต้นไม้, เฌอ, พฤกษา, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ต้นไม้, พฤกษา, เฌอ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
