Many of the flowers, or ดอกไม้ (dɔ̀ɔk mái), in Thailand have represented certain meanings, and feelings, or held significance for thousands of years. For example, one flower might be commonly used in weddings, while another flower for funerals. Indeed, you don’t want to get these flowers mixed up if you’re planning on getting married in Thailand!
In this post, you will not only learn about flowers in Thai for how to say certain flowers but learn about their broader significance in Thai culture.
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Flowers In Thai You Need To Know
Flowers in Thai are often referred to by first adding the word ดอก (dɔ̀ɔk) before the actual name of the flower. This is to specify that you’re talking about the flower itself. Let’s explore the different flowers you’ll commonly see in Thailand.
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1. กุหลาบ (Gù Làap) – Rose
ดอกกุหลาบ (dɔ̀ɔk gù làap)
Meaning: romance, love, passion
Red roses represent love and passion in Thai culture, just as everywhere else in the world. But, did you know that the meaning of roses can vary depending on their color? We’ve laid it all out for you below!
- White roses: purity, innocence
- Pink roses: elegance, sweetness
- Yellow roses: jealousy, breakup
- Blue roses: nobility, spirituality
2. มะลิ (Má Lí) – Jasmine
ดอกมะลิ (dɔ̀ɔk má lí)
Meaning: pure love, purity, compassion
White jasmine represents purity and the bond between a mother and child. That’s why jasmine is the most preferred gift for Mother’s Day in Thailand and is used as decoration in religious ceremonies.
Although jasmine is not native to Thailand, it has been naturalized there for hundreds of years!
3. กล้วยไม้ (Glûai Mái) – Orchid
ดอกกล้วยไม้ (dɔ̀ɔk glûai mái)
Meaning: grace, purity, innocence
Currently, there are over a thousand different orchid species native to Thailand, and there are many orchid farms in the country that export these orchids all over the world!
There is even a special kind of Thai orchid that is battered and fried for food, known as dendrobium orchids. Thai orchids are also used for the infamous logo of Thai Airways.
4. ลีลาวดี (Lii Laao Dii) – Plumeria
ดอกลีลาวดี (dɔ̀ɔk lii laao dii)
Meaning: bad luck, connected with spirits
Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a common flower in Thailand since it grows easily in tropical soil. Some Thai people believe that spirits and ghosts seek shelter within these flowers, so it’s often associated with bad luck. Keep in mind that this flower comes in both white and purple, but each color is equally associated with bad luck.
5. ทานตะวัน (Taan Dtà Wan) – Sunflower
ดอกทานตะวัน (dɔ̀ɔk taan dtà wan)
Meaning: positivity, good luck, happiness
Sunflowers can be seen in central and northern Thailand. Even though they are beautiful flowers, Thai people don’t prefer to be given them in bouquets.
6. ดอกบัว (Dɔ̀ɔk Bua) – Lotus
ดอกบัว (dɔ̀ɔk bua)
Meaning: enlightenment, rebirth
The lotus flower is considered sacred in Thai culture. This flower lives in the water with its roots growing under the river while the petals and leaves appear on the surface. The lotus is commonly associated with Buddhism, the major religion in Thailand.
7. ชบา (Chá Baa) – Hibiscus
ดอกชบา (dɔ̀ɔk chá baa)
Meaning: youth, beauty, femininity
Hibiscus, also known as roselle or rose mallow, is a native flower in northern Thailand. The petals and fruits of hibiscus are even used as an ingredient in many teas and herbal treatments.
8. เดซี (Dee Sii) – Daisy
ดอกเดซี (dɔ̀ɔk dee sii)
Meaning: humility, friendship, happiness
Daisies often represent joy and happiness. Not to mention, the larger flower family includes edible and ornamental daisies that can be found in many Thai gardens.
9. กวักทรัพย์ (Gwàk Tá Ráp) – Lilies
ดอกกวักทรัพย์ (gwàk tá ráp)
Meaning: respect, rebirth
Lilies are one of many flowers that grow from bulbs. In some cultures, lilies are seen as a symbol of a pure environment because they will only grow near clean water.
In Thailand, lilies are commonly gifted during the spring holidays.
10. โบตั๋น (Boo Dtǎn) – Peony
ดอกโบตั๋น (dɔ̀ɔk boo dtǎn)
Meaning: happy marriage
There are 33 different species of peonies! The large, fluffy blooms are the perfect choice for wedding bouquets and floral arrangements for special events.
11. กำมะหยี (Gam Má Yǐi) – Marigold
ดอกกำมะหยี (dɔ̀ɔk gam má yǐi)
Meaning: God’s perfect light
When King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand passed away in 2016, the country started a campaign to plant golden marigolds across the land to glorify the King’s soul.
Marigolds have golden yellow or orange blooms, which represent God’s perfect light. These make the flowers perfect decorations during religious events.
12. ต้นจูหลัน (Dtôn Juu Lǎn) – Magnolia
ดอกต้นจูหลัน (dɔ̀ɔk dtôn juu lǎn)
Meaning: purity, nobility
There are a number of species of magnolia that are native to Thailand. Most magnolias are white, but some can be found in orange or pink. These beautiful flowers are known for their strong fragrance.
13. ทิวลิป (Tiu Líp) – Tulip
ดอกทิวลิป (dɔ̀ɔk tiu líp)
Meaning: perfect love, charity
Tulips are popular flowers renowned for their vertical petals. There is a tulip species native to Thailand, known as the Siam Tulip, which has a festival held in its honor every summer in Northern Thailand.
14. ดาหลา (daa lǎa) – Torch Ginger
ดอกดาหลา (dɔ̀ɔk daa lǎa)
Meaning: everlasting love
Torch ginger has many other names among locals, some of which are the red ginger lily, wild ginger, porcelain rose, wax flower, and torch lily.
In Thailand, this flower is commonly used in salads.
15. ราชพฤกษ์ (Râat Chá Prʉ́k) – The Golden Shower Tree
ดอกราชพฤกษ์ (dɔ̀ɔk râat chá prʉ́k)
Meaning: royal tree, the national flower of Thailand
Although Thailand chose the golden shower tree as its national flower in 2001, the tree also grows in countries such as India, Pakistan Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Part of the reason why the ratchaphruek was chosen as Thailand’s national flower is for its bold yellow color. Yellow is commonly associated with Buddhism, the country’s major religion. Yellow is also seen as the color of glory, harmony, and unity.
How Do You Say “Flowers” In Thai?
The word for ‘flowers’ in Thai is ดอก (dɔ̀ɔk) , or ดอกไม้ (dɔ̀ɔk mái) . The word ดอก (dɔ̀ɔk) specifically refers to the action of blossoming.
Vocabulary Related To Flowers In Thai
Now that you’ve learned the terms for the different flowers in Thai, it’s best to add the below vocabulary to your repertoire just for that extra conversational edge. Use these when referring to anything flower or plant-related:
| English | Thai | Pronunciation | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florist | คนขายดอกไม้ | kon kǎai dɔ̀ɔk mái | |
| Flower shop | ร้านขายดอกไม้ | ráan kǎai dɔ̀ɔk mái | |
| Seed | พืช | pʉ̂ʉt | |
| To plant | ปลูก | bplùuk | |
| Bouquet | ช่อดอกไม้ | chɔ̂ɔ dɔ̀ɔk mái | |
| Garden | สวน | sǔan | |
| To water | รดน้ำ | rót náam | |
| Carnation | คาร์เนชั่น | kaa nee chân | |
| Geranium | เจอราเนียม | jəə raa niam | |
| Daffodil | แดฟโฟดิล | dɛ̀ɛf foo din | |
| Lilac | ไลแล็ค | lai lɛ́k | |
| Azalea | อะซาเลีย | à saa lia | |
| Pansy | แพนซี | pɛɛn sii | |
| Snapdragon | สแนปดรากอน | sà nɛ̂ɛp dà râak on | |
| Iris | ไอริซ | ai rís | |
| Violet | ไวโอเล็ต | wai oo lét | |
| Butterfly pea | อัญชัน | an chan | |
| Cherry blossom | ซากุระ | saa gù rá |
You can also learn more related Thai phrases and vocabulary using the Ling app!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Word For ‘Flower’ In Thai?
The word for ‘flower’ in Thai is ดอก (dɔ̀ɔk) or ดอกไม้ (dɔ̀ɔk mái). ดอก (dawk) by itself means ‘flower’ or ‘to blossom,’ while ไม้ (mái) translates to ‘wood’ or ‘plant.’ Together, they combine form the meaning of ‘flower.’
2. What Do Flowers Mean In Thailand?
Flowers are symbolic in Thai culture, often representing concepts such as purity, respect, and love. Jasmine, for example, symbolizes motherhood and are often given as gifts during Mother’s Day in Thailand. Flowers typically have their own meaning, and are used in various ceremonies such as weddings, religious gatherings, and Thai cultural festivals.
3. What Is A Thai Flower?
The quintessential ‘Thai flower’ refers to the ratchaphruek or Golden Shower Tree (ต้นราชพฤกษ์ or Ton dtôn râat chá prʉ́k), the national flower of Thailand. Known for its vibrant yellow blossoms, it symbolizes glory, harmony, and unity, and is often associated with the monarchy and religious celebrations in Thailand.
Learn More About Thai Culture!
Learning about the different flowers in Thai culture is one step to fully grasping the rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, customs, and the Thai way of life. From the exquisite Thai food you can find on the streets of Bangkok, to the beautiful beaches that surround the Thai coastline, what better than to learn the Thai language to fully immerse yourself in the country of Thailand?
