มะลิ
jasmine
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 jasmine
This word refers to jasmine, especially Arabian jasmine, known for its fragrant white flowers.
jasmine
It names the jasmine plant or its flowers, usually Arabian jasmine in everyday Thai.
-
ปลูกมะลิไว้หน้าบ้าน plùuk malí wáy nâa bâan There is jasmine planted in front of the house. ปลูกมะลิไว้หน้าบ้าน details
Learning notes
Explanation
มะลิ can refer to the plant or its flowers. Use ดอกมะลิ when referring specifically to the flowers and ต้นมะลิ for the plant. The classifier for individual flowers is ดอก, while plants are counted with ต้น: ดอกมะลิสามดอก means “three jasmine flowers,” and ต้นมะลิสองต้น means “two jasmine plants.” In Thailand, jasmine is commonly used in floral garlands and symbolizes Mother's Day. มะลิ is also used as a personal name or nickname.
Usage
You will encounter this word at flower shops, in gardening conversations, and when describing floral scents. It also appears in discussions of garlands, offerings, Mother's Day, tea, and scented products.
Caution
ข้าวหอมมะลิ names a naturally fragrant type of rice. It does not mean rice mixed with or scented using jasmine flowers.