ตุ้มหู

Explanation

ตุ้มหู is formed from ตุ้ม, referring to a rounded or hanging ornament, and หู, meaning “ear.” Despite the image suggested by its components, the modern word covers earrings of various shapes, including small studs. A pair is counted with คู่: ตุ้มหูหนึ่งคู่ means “one pair of earrings.” ข้าง is used when referring to one side or one earring from a pair. The material normally follows the noun, as in ตุ้มหูทอง “gold earrings” and ตุ้มหูเงิน “silver earrings.”

Usage

This word is commonly used when shopping for jewelry, describing someone's appearance, or talking about putting on and removing earrings. Typical combinations include ใส่ตุ้มหู “wear earrings,” ถอดตุ้มหู “take off earrings,” and ซื้อตุ้มหู “buy earrings.”

Caution

ตุ้มหู does not normally specify whether an earring is for pierced ears or attaches with a clip. Add a description of the type or fastening method when that distinction matters.

1 earring synonyms

• ต่างหู

  ต่างหู is another very common general word for an earring and is usually interchangeable with ตุ้มหู. Although ตุ้มหู may suggest a hanging ornament from its word structure, everyday usage is not limited to dangling earrings.