toothpick
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 toothpick
This everyday word refers to a toothpick, a small pointed stick used to remove food caught between the teeth.
toothpick
A small, thin, pointed stick used to remove bits of food from between the teeth.
Learning notes
Explanation
ไม้จิ้มฟัน is the standard everyday word for a toothpick used at home or in a restaurant. It is formed from ไม้, referring here to a stick-like object, จิ้ม, meaning “to poke,” and ฟัน, meaning “tooth” or “teeth.” The usual classifier for individual toothpicks is อัน: ไม้จิ้มฟันหนึ่งอัน means “one toothpick.” Use กล่อง when counting boxes of toothpicks.
Usage
It is commonly used when looking for or requesting a toothpick after a meal, especially at restaurants, food stalls, or at home. It is also the normal term used on product labels and when shopping.
Caution
ไหมขัดฟัน means “dental floss,” while ไม้เสียบ is a skewer used for holding food. Neither is interchangeable with ไม้จิ้มฟัน.