ถ่ม
spit
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 spit、spit out (something in the mouth)
Describes deliberately and forcefully expelling saliva or something else from the mouth.
spit、spit out (something in the mouth)
Means to forcefully expel saliva or another object from the mouth, and is especially common when talking about spitting.
Learning notes
Explanation
ถ่ม is a verb for deliberately and forcefully expelling saliva or another object, such as a seed, from the mouth. Its most common collocation is ถ่มน้ำลาย, “to spit.” ใส่ introduces the person or thing targeted: ถ่มน้ำลายใส่เขา means “spit at/on him.” When directed at a person, the act expresses strong contempt or hostility.
Usage
Used in everyday descriptions of spitting, public prohibition signs, and hygiene warnings. It can also describe spitting out an object such as a fruit seed.
Caution
Do not use this word for vomiting stomach contents; use อาเจียน instead. Also, ถ่มน้ำลายใส่ followed by a person describes a highly offensive and aggressive act.
Differences from similar words
1 spit synonyms
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คาย neutrally means to let out or remove something held in the mouth. ถ่ม emphasizes spitting it out with some force.
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ถุย is a more colloquial and vivid word for spitting. ถ่ม is also suitable in neutral descriptions and prohibition signs, and can be used for expelling things other than saliva.
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บ้วน is commonly used for rinsing the mouth and spitting out water after gargling or brushing. ถ่ม usually refers to forcefully spitting out saliva or a solid object.