เผ็ดมาก
phet mak
In Thai, "very spicy" is said as เผ็ดมาก (phet mak).
This phrase is used to describe the sensation of heat from chilies rather than the presence of many different spices like cumin or cinnamon.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of เผ็ด (phet), meaning "spicy" and มาก (mak), meaning "very".
Which one should you use?
While เผ็ดมาก is the standard way to express the idea, เผ็ดสุดๆ can be used to mean "spicy" or "extremely spicy" and เผ็ดแรงสุดๆ is used specifically for "extremely spicy". For a more colloquial feel, you can use เผ็ดจัด to mean "very spicy" or "intensely spicy".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Thai, you can add emphasis by repeating the word มาก as มาก ๆ (mak mak), resulting in เผ็ดมาก ๆ to mean "extremely spicy".
How do you pronounce it?
phet mak
Did you know?
- The word เผ็ด (phet) is sometimes used metaphorically in slang to describe a person who is 'spicy' in terms of being sassy, bold or sexually attractive.
- Thai speakers use the word ฉุน (chun) rather than เผ็ด (phet) to describe the stinging sensation caused by raw onions or strong vinegar.
- To counter the effects of เผ็ดมาก (phet mak), locals typically reach for sugary drinks or sweet fruits because sugar helps neutralize capsaicin more effectively than water.
Examples in context
- อาหารจานนี้เผ็ดมากa-han chan ni phet makThis dish is very spicy.
- แกงเผ็ดมากจนกินไม่ได้kaeng phet mak chon kin mai daiThe curry is so very spicy that I can't eat it.
- ส้มตำร้านนี้เผ็ดมากจริงๆsom tam ran ni phet mak ching chingThe papaya salad at this shop is truly very spicy.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Nicha and Witthawat are trying a new Thai dish.
- ณิชา Nichaวิทวัส กินได้ไหมคะ?wit-tha-wat kin dai mai kha?Witthawat, can you eat it?
- วิทวัส Witthawatมันเผ็ดมากเลยครับman phet mak loei khrapIt is very spicy.
- ณิชา Nichaเผ็ดมากจนต้องดื่มน้ำไหม?phet mak chon tong duem nam mai?Is it so very spicy that you need to drink water?
- วิทวัส Witthawatใช่ครับ ขอน้ำหน่อยครับchai khrap, kho nam noi khrapYes, can I have some water, please?
