Ever wondered why your Thai side of the family is so particular about colors—why they insist on wearing certain shades on specific days or believe some colors bring good or bad luck?
This blog is here to clear up your confusion and help you understand why color holds such deep cultural significance in Thai traditions.
For heritage seekers looking to reconnect with their roots, knowing the names of colors in Thai goes beyond vocabulary—it’s about understanding the traditions that have been passed down for generations. Take สีเหลือง (sǐi lʉ̌ang) – yellow, for example.
It represents Mondays and is deeply tied to King Rama IX, making it a symbol of respect and loyalty. Meanwhile, สีแดง (sǐi dɛɛng) – red is not only the color for Sundays but also a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for Thailand’s independence.
By learning these meanings, you’re not just memorizing words—you’re immersing yourself in the cultural fabric of your Thai heritage.
Now, let’s explore six essential names of colors in Thai and why they matter!
Table Of Contents
The 6 Names Of Colors In Thai You Need To Know
1. Red (สีแดง, sǐi dɛɛng)
สีแดงIn Thailand, red symbolizes Sunday, but it holds a deeper meaning beyond the Thai calendar.
It represents bravery, strength, and patriotism, a tribute to the Thai people who fought to defend their land.
You’ll often see red decorations during national celebrations to honor the country’s resilience.
2. Yellow (สีเหลือง, sǐi lʉ̌ang)
สีเหลืองYellow is the official color of Monday and has a strong connection to Thailand’s beloved King Rama IX, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was born on this day.
Many Thais wear yellow on Mondays or during royal ceremonies to symbolize loyalty and devotion.
If you visit Thailand on special national holidays, you’ll notice entire crowds dressed in yellow to pay respect to the late king.
3. Blue (สีน้ำเงิน, sǐi nám ngən)
สีน้ำเงินBlue represents Friday and is associated with Queen Sirikit, who was born on this day.
It’s also the color of the Thai royal family, often appearing in royal flags and official events.
Historically, blue was used to show Thailand’s solidarity with its allies during World War I.
4. Green (สีเขียว, sǐi kǐao)
สีเขียวGreen is the color of Wednesday, linked to the planet Mercury and the day’s guardian deity in Thai astrology.
Thai folklore tells of Phra Isuan gifting 17 green-wrapped Thai elephants to a king as a symbol of wisdom and prosperity.
Interestingly, as the evening arrives, the color for Wednesday changes to shades of grey, orange, or red, influenced by the celestial movements of the Hindu god Rahu.
5. Pink (สีชมพู, sǐi chom puu)
สีชมพูPink is the color of Tuesday and gained royal significance when King Rama IX wore a pink shirt after his astrologer recommended it for good health.
Since then, pink has been associated with positivity and well-being, and it’s often worn as a lucky color.
6. White (สีขาว, sǐi kǎao)
สีขาวWhite symbolizes purity, peace, and Buddhism.
Traditionally, it was used in mourning ceremonies before black became the dominant color for grief.
Even today, white is the preferred color for religious rituals, prayers, and sacred events in Thai culture.
Tips: The Four Levels of Embracing Thai Colors to Honor Your Roots
If you’ve ever noticed your Thai relatives carefully choosing their outfits based on the day of the week, it’s not just a fashion choice—it’s a tradition rooted in astrology, history, and even royal influence.
Colors in Thai culture are more than just aesthetic; they symbolize protection, luck, and respect for celestial guardians.
Understanding this practice can help you connect more deeply with your heritage and show your Thai family that you appreciate the customs they hold dear.
Level 1: Identify Your Lucky and Unlucky Colors
Start by learning which colors are considered lucky or unlucky for each day of the week.
Understanding this basic knowledge is a significant first step in embracing the color traditions of Thailand.
For example, yellow for Monday and pink for Tuesday are key to showing respect for Thai culture.
| Day | Lucky Color | Unlucky Color |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Yellow | Red |
| Tuesday | Pink | Yellow or White |
| Wednesday (Daytime) | Green | Pink |
| Wednesday (Nighttime) | Gray | Orange-Red |
| Thursday | Orange or Brown | Purple |
| Friday | Light Blue | Dark Blue or black |
| Saturday | Purple or Black | Green |
| Sunday | Red | Blue |
Level 2: Discover the Significance Behind Your Lucky and Unlucky Colors
Dive deeper into why these colors are tied to specific days.
In Thai tradition, each day of the week is associated with a protective deity, and these celestial beings have their own symbolic colors.
Wearing the right shade on the right day is believed to bring good fortune while avoiding unlucky colors helps ward off bad luck.
For example, Monday (wan jan) is ruled by the Moon, making yellow the most auspicious color.
This is why King Rama IX, born on a Monday, became closely associated with yellow, and Thais continue to wear it in his honor.
Level 3: Apply These Colors to Your Daily Life
Integrate these colors into your daily routine.
Wearing your lucky color and avoiding your unlucky color on specific days or events helps you connect with Thai traditions and the practices your grandparents followed.
It’s an easy and meaningful way to show respect for your roots.
Level 4: Embrace Your Birth Color
Beyond daily colors, many Thais also have personal birth colors based on the day they were born.
These colors are considered their luckiest and are often worn on significant occasions for extra blessings.
Understand your personal birth color and its special significance.
It can guide you in making important life decisions, like important conversations, or when you need a little extra good fortune.
Embrace this color as a part of your personal connection to Thai culture.
By embracing these levels, you’ll honor your Thai heritage, honor your family’s traditions, and strengthen the bond with your roots, all while learning to communicate with your grandparents in their cultural language.
The Names Of Colors In Thai Summarized For You
| English | Thai | Transliteration | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | สี | sǐi | สี |
| Red | สีแดง | sǐi dɛɛng | สีแดง |
| Blue | สีน้ำเงิน | sǐi nám ngən | สีน้ำเงิน |
| Yellow | สีเหลือง | sǐi lʉ̌ang | สีเหลือง |
| Green | สีเขียว | sǐi kǐao | สีเขียว |
| Orange | สีส้ม | sǐi sôm | สีส้ม |
| Purple | สีม่วง | sǐi mûang | สีม่วง/Speechword] |
| Brown | สีน้ำตาล | sǐi nám dtaan | สีน้ำตาล |
| Pink | สีชมพู | sǐi chom puu | สีชมพู |
| Black | สีดำ | sǐi dam | สีดำ |
| White | สีขาว | sǐi kǎao | สีขาว |
| Light | อ่อน | ɔ̀ɔn | อ่อน |
| Dark | เข้ม | kêm | เข้ม |
| My favorite color is… | สีที่ฉันชอบคือ… | sǐi tîi chǎn chɔ̂ɔp kʉʉ | สีที่ฉันชอบคือ |
| What’s your favorite color? | คุณชอบสีอะไร? | kun chɔ̂ɔp sǐi à rai | คุณชอบสีอะไร? |
You may have also noticed that Thai color names often start with สี (sǐi), which means “color.”
To describe shades, you can add อ่อน (ɔ̀ɔn) for light and เข้ม (kêm) for dark.
For example, dark blue is สีน้ำเงินเข้ม (sǐi nám ngən kêm).
How Do You Say ‘Colors’ In Thai?
The general Thai word for ‘color’ is sǐi (สี) สี.
To specify the color, you simply add the color word to the end of the word.
For example, sǐi dɛɛng (สีแดง) สีแดง means ‘red.’
sǐi (สี) is a simple yet essential term that you’ll often encounter, whether you’re discussing the clothing, nature, or even the symbolism behind various hues in Thai culture.
Understanding how to use it is a fundamental part of connecting with your Thai roots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Names Of Colors In Thai
What Is The Royal Color Of Thailand?
The royal color of Thailand is yellow, or "สีเหลือง" (sǐi lʉ̌ang). This color is deeply associated with the Thai royal family, particularly with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was born on a Monday, the day linked to the Moon and its yellow hue. For those looking to honor their Thai roots and understand royal traditions, knowing the significance of yellow helps connect you to Thai history and the monarchy’s cultural importance. This knowledge can also enrich your conversations with family members and make you feel more tied to your heritage.
What Is The Color Theory In Thailand?
In Thailand, color theory is not just an artistic concept but a cultural practice rooted in astrology and ancient beliefs. Each day of the week is associated with a specific color, linked to celestial bodies and gods that protect each day. For example, Mondays are marked by yellow ("สีเหลือง", sǐi lʉ̌ang) (the color of the Moon), while Fridays are connected to light blue ("สีน้ำเงิน", sǐi nám ngən) (the color of Venus).
What Does Purple Mean In Thailand?
In Thailand, purple ("สีม่วง", sǐi mûang) is often associated with respect and mourning. It’s a color that symbolizes profound honor, especially during funerals or ceremonies remembering the deceased. Purple’s significance in Thai culture goes beyond simple aesthetics; it reflects respect for elders and ancestors, which can be especially meaningful for those reconnecting with their family heritage.
Apply Thai Colors to Honor Your Family’s Roots Now!
As we’ve explored today, learning about the 6 Names of Colors in Thai You Need to Know is not just about memorizing terms but understanding the rich cultural significance behind each hue.
By applying the Four Levels of Embracing Thai Colors to Honor Your Roots, you can deepen your connection to your Thai heritage: from Level 1: Identify Your Lucky and Unlucky Colors, Level 2: Discover the Significance Behind Your Lucky and Unlucky Colors, Level 3: Apply These Colors to Your Daily Life, to Level 4: Embrace Your Birth Color.
Finally, we answered some key questions, like What Is The Royal Color Of Thailand?, so you’re fully equipped with the knowledge to speak confidently and connect more deeply with your Thai roots.
Now, when you’re ready to explore these colorful customs with your grandparents, you’ll have the knowledge to appreciate the deeper stories behind them.
Ready To Enhance Your Understanding Of Thai Traditions?
Understanding the names of colors in Thai is a powerful way to connect with your cultural heritage and honor your family’s traditions.
By embracing the significance of colors like yellow, red, and blue, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture and bring yourself closer to your roots.
To fully embrace your heritage, Learn Thai language with Ling.
Strengthen your bond with loved ones, preserve traditions, and rediscover the beauty of your heritage, all while improving your Thai skills.
4 Responses
This was such an enlightening read! I loved learning about the cultural significance behind each color in Thai tradition. It’s fascinating how colors can hold such deep meanings and influence everything from art to daily life. Thanks for sharing this insightful perspective!
What a fascinating exploration of Thai colors and their meanings! I never realized how much cultural significance they hold. The symbolism behind each color adds a deeper layer to the vibrant Thai heritage. Thank you for sharing this insightful information!
This was such an enlightening read! I had no idea that colors held such deep symbolism in Thai culture. The way you linked each color to its significance really brought the heritage to life. I especially loved learning about the importance of yellow. Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight!
This post beautifully highlights the rich symbolism behind colors in Thai culture! I had no idea that specific colors held such deep meanings. Thank you for sharing these insights—it’s a great way to connect with Thai heritage!