เผ็ด
spicy-hot
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 spicy-hot
- 2 hot; sexy [slang]、bold and striking [slang]
This word primarily describes the burning heat of chili peppers. In casual slang, it can also describe someone or something as bold, sexy, and striking.
spicy-hot
Describes food or another substance that produces the burning sensation associated with chili peppers.
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ฉันไม่กินเผ็ด chǎn mây kin phèt I don't eat spicy food. ฉันไม่กินเผ็ด details
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ขอกะเพราเผ็ดน้อยจานนึงครับ khɔ̌ɔ kaphraw phèt nɔ́ɔy caan nʉŋ khráp I'd like a plate of pad kra pao, not too spicy, please. ขอกะเพราเผ็ดน้อยจานนึงครับ details
hot; sexy [slang]、bold and striking [slang]
Describes a person, outfit, or look as boldly sexy and visually striking.
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ลุคนี้เผ็ดมาก lúk níi phèt mâak This look is seriously hot. ลุคนี้เผ็ดมาก details
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ทั้งสวยทั้งเผ็ด tháŋ sǔay tháŋ phèt She's both beautiful and hot. ทั้งสวยทั้งเผ็ด details
Learning notes
Explanation
The core meaning is the burning heat produced by chili peppers. Its degree can be modified in expressions such as เผ็ดมาก (“very spicy”), เผ็ดน้อย (“mild”), and ไม่เผ็ด (“not spicy”). In a phrase such as ฉันกินเผ็ดได้, กินเผ็ด means “to be able to eat spicy food.” The idea of intense stimulation also gives rise to a slang use meaning boldly sexy or striking. For harsh words, heated debate, or fiery subject matter, the compound เผ็ดร้อน is more common than เผ็ด alone.
Usage
It is extremely common when discussing how spicy food is or requesting a preferred heat level at a restaurant or food stall. In casual conversations about fashion, celebrities, or appearance, it may also be used to praise a bold, sexy look.
Caution
เผ็ด refers to burning chili heat, not a strongly salty taste; use เค็ม for “salty.” A request for ไม่เผ็ด may not guarantee zero heat if chili is already present in a curry paste or other prepared ingredient. Calling a person เผ็ด can also carry a sexual undertone, so it is best avoided in formal settings or with people you do not know well.
Differences from similar words
1 spicy-hot synonyms
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แซ่บ, originally an Isan word, can mean delicious or intensely flavorful and is also used colloquially for something exciting or attractive. เผ็ด is the standard word specifically describing chili heat.
2 hot; sexy [slang] synonyms
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เซ็กซี่ is a direct loanword meaning sexually attractive. เผ็ด is more figurative and playful, suggesting not only sexiness but also boldness and strong visual impact.