inhaler
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 inhaler、menthol inhaler、smelling salts [Thai-style]
A small inhaler or smelling remedy held near the nose to breathe in a menthol-like scent and feel refreshed. It is a very common everyday item in Thailand.
inhaler、menthol inhaler、smelling salts [Thai-style]
A small product used by inhaling its scent through the nose, often for nasal stuffiness, dizziness, motion sickness, or a quick refreshing feeling.
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ขอยาดมหน่อย khɔ̌ɔ yaa dom nɔ̀ɔy Can I borrow your inhaler for a moment? ขอยาดมหน่อย details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word combines ยา “medicine” and ดม “to smell/sniff,” so the basic image is “medicine you sniff.” In Thailand it is widely sold in convenience stores and pharmacies and is used casually in situations such as heat, crowds, motion sickness, dizziness, or sleepiness. In everyday use, it often feels closer to a pocket refreshment item than a serious medicine. It is commonly counted with อัน, as in ยาดมหนึ่งอัน “one inhaler.”
Usage
It is commonly used while commuting, at school or work, in buses or cars, outdoors in hot weather, or in crowded places when someone feels dizzy or uncomfortable. Asking ขอยาดมหน่อย, “Can I use your inhaler for a moment?” sounds natural in casual situations.
Caution
It is not something you drink. Also, “smelling salts” can suggest ammonia-based salts used to revive someone, so “Thai menthol inhaler” is often clearer when explaining ยาดม in English.
Differences from similar words
1 inhaler synonyms
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ยาหม่อง is a balm applied to the skin, often for aches, bites, or mild discomfort. ยาดม is not applied to the skin; it is sniffed through the nose.