บัว
lotus
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 lotus、water lily
- 2 decorative molding、trim
This word mainly refers to lotus and water-lily plants. In architecture and interior design, it also refers to decorative molding whose shape resembles lotus petals.
lotus、water lily
An aquatic plant of the lotus or water-lily group, especially one with broad floating leaves and showy flowers.
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ในสระมีดอกบัวเยอะ nay sà mii dɔ̀ɔk bua yə́ There are many lotus flowers in the pond. ในสระมีดอกบัวเยอะ details
decorative molding、trim
A raised or shaped decorative strip used along floors, ceilings, walls, pillars, or furniture, traditionally associated with a lotus-petal design.
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บัวพื้น bua phʉ́ʉn baseboard บัวพื้น details
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บัวเพดาน bua pheedaan ceiling molding บัวเพดาน details
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ติดบัวรอบห้อง tìt bua rɔ̂ɔp hɔ̂ŋ Install molding around the room. ติดบัวรอบห้อง details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central meaning is a lotus or water-lily plant. Everyday Thai does not always follow strict botanical distinctions, so บัว can cover plants from both groups. More specific names, such as บัวหลวง for the sacred lotus, are used when the exact type matters. ดอกบัว explicitly refers to the flower. Flowers are counted with ดอก, as in ดอกบัวหนึ่งดอก, “one lotus flower.” In Thailand, lotus flowers are closely associated with purity and Buddhism and are commonly presented as offerings at temples. Because of the resemblance to lotus petals, บัว also refers to decorative architectural trim. In this sense, it usually appears with a word identifying its location, as in บัวพื้น “baseboard” and บัวเพดาน “ceiling molding.”
Usage
It commonly appears in conversations about ponds, gardens, flowers, food ingredients, and floral offerings at temples. Its architectural sense is used when discussing construction, home renovation, interior materials, and installation work.
Caution
Do not assume that บัว always means a true lotus; depending on the species and context, it may refer to a water lily. Also, ฝักบัว means “showerhead,” but บัว alone does not normally carry that meaning.