ผัว
husband [informal]
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- 1 husband [informal]
An informal, direct word for a husband or a man regarded as someone’s husband. It can sound affectionate in close conversation, but rough or disrespectful in other settings.
husband [informal]
Refers informally and directly to a woman’s husband or a male partner in a husband-like relationship.
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ผัวฉันทำงานอยู่กรุงเทพฯ phǔa chǎn tham ŋaan yùu kruŋthêep My husband works in Bangkok. ผัวฉันทำงานอยู่กรุงเทพฯ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ผัว is a colloquial and very direct word for “husband.” Some speakers use it naturally or affectionately among family and close friends, while in other contexts it can sound rough, dismissive, or intrusive. It does not always require a legal marriage. It may also refer to a man treated as someone’s husband, such as a long-term live-in partner. The usual classifier for counting people is คน.
Usage
It is common in conversations among family or close friends, discussions of relationships, television drama, and social media. In introductions, workplaces, customer-facing situations, and other polite settings, สามี is the safer choice.
Caution
Do not casually use ผัว for an ordinary boyfriend: it can imply cohabitation, a sexual relationship, or a husband-like commitment. It is also best avoided when referring to the husband of someone you do not know well or need to address respectfully.
Differences from similar words
1 husband [informal] synonyms
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สามี is the neutral, standard word for “husband” and is suitable in polite or formal contexts. ผัว is more colloquial and direct, and may sound rough outside close, informal conversation.
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แฟน means a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner without necessarily implying marriage. ผัว specifically presents a man as a husband or husband-like partner and suggests a more established relationship.