ข้าวเหนียว
sticky rice
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 sticky rice、glutinous rice
This word refers to sticky (glutinous) rice, either as uncooked grain or as the cooked rice served with meals and used in desserts.
sticky rice、glutinous rice
Sticky rice as a type of grain or as cooked rice ready to eat.
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ซื้อข้าวเหนียวหนึ่งกิโล sʉ́ʉ khâaw nǐaw nʉ̀ŋ kìloo Buy one kilogram of glutinous rice. ซื้อข้าวเหนียวหนึ่งกิโล details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word combines ข้าว “rice” with เหนียว “sticky” and literally means “sticky rice.” It can refer both to the uncooked grain and to sticky rice that has been steamed or otherwise prepared for eating. It is an especially important staple in northern and northeastern (Isan) Thailand, where people often take a small portion by hand, shape it into a ball, and eat it with dishes such as som tam, grilled chicken, or larb. Uncooked rice is usually measured by weight, such as กิโล “kilogram.” Prepared sticky rice may be counted by its packaging or container, using words such as ห่อ “packet” or กระติ๊บ “small woven bamboo rice basket.”
Usage
It is common in everyday meals, at markets and street-food stalls, and when ordering northern Thai or Isan food. It also appears in dessert names such as ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง, mango sticky rice.
Caution
ข้าวเหนียว normally means the rice grain or cooked sticky rice, not mochi or another specific rice cake. It is not necessarily sweet. Also, the English term “glutinous rice” refers to its glue-like texture; the rice does not contain gluten.