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ข้าว — meaning in English: rice

khao · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for rice
ข้าว
khao
ประตู
pratu
วิจารณ์
wíja rān
สารสนเทศ
sarasonthet
ความไม่แน่นอน
khwām mâi nɛ̂n nɔ̄n
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word ข้าว (khao) during meals, especially when talking about food preferences or ordering in restaurants. For instance, someone might say, 'I’d like to have ข้าว with my curry' or 'Are you having ข้าว for dinner tonight?'
Synonyms & nuances
While ข้าว (khao) specifically refers to cooked rice, other terms like ข้าวสาร (khao san) denote uncooked rice. You would use ข้าว when discussing meals or cooked dishes, whereas ข้าวสาร would be used in contexts related to cooking or purchasing rice.
Culture
The word ข้าว (khao) is deeply embedded in Thai culture, as rice is a staple food that represents nourishment and life. Interestingly, the etymology of ข้าว traces back to the Old Mon language, showing how integral rice has been in Southeast Asian cultures for centuries, often referred to in phrases like 'ข้าวเจ้า' (khao jao), meaning 'rice for the king.'
FAQ
Q.What does the Thai word ข้าว mean?
The Thai word ข้าว (khao) means 'rice' in English. It is a fundamental part of Thai cuisine and culture, often served with various dishes.
Q.How is ข้าว used in Thai cuisine?
ข้าว is commonly served with almost every meal in Thailand. It can be paired with curries, stir-fries, or even eaten on its own with a variety of condiments.
Q.Are there different types of ข้าว in Thailand?
Yes, there are several types of ข้าว in Thailand, including ข้าวหอมมะลิ (khao hom mali), or jasmine rice, which is highly prized for its fragrance and flavor, and ข้าวเหนียว (khao niew), or sticky rice, often used in desserts.
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Thai Vocabulary