Want to know how to tell someone they are handsome in Thai? Just like in English, the word handsome is used when referring to a man. A different word is used to call a woman beautiful. (The Thai word for cute is more versatile and can be used for both sexes, animals and more).
In today’s lesson we’ll teach you how to say handsome in Thai.
หล่อจัง
Handsome in Thai – LAWH ( หล่อ)
Quick Answer: The Thai word for handsome is:
- หล่อ (lawh)
This is a handy word to know in Thailand. It’s common to comment on whether a man is handsome or a woman is beautiful.
Thai Culture Tip
Thai people speak more directly about physical appearance than Westerners. For example, it’s not uncommon for a Thai person to tell a friend they look like they’ve put on weight. It’s usually not meant as an insult.
How To Say “You’re Handsome” in Thai
The Formal Way (Not Recommended)
If you search Google or look in phrasebooks, you’ll see “you’re handsome” translated as:
-
คุณหล่อ (khun lawh)
- คุณ (khun) means “you” but is too formal for most situations. It has a feeling of “Mr” or “Mrs.” While not wrong, it’s unnatural.
The Natural Way
Thai people address each other based on age relationships. The language has built-in friendliness and respect. Thais will call family, friends, colleagues and strangers as auntie, older brother, little sister etc.
Common pronouns you’ll hear:
พี่ (pii) – older brother/sister
- Use with people older than you (up to your parents’ age)
น้อง (nawg) – little brother/sister
- Use with anybody younger than you
Example: Telling Someone Older They’re Handsome
- พี่หล่อมาก (pii lawh maak)
Thai Grammar Tip: No “To Be” Verb
In English we say “he IS handsome” or “you ARE handsome.” In Thai, the verb “to be” is not used. We just say “he handsome” or “handsome.”
More examples without “to be”:
- อันนี้แพง (an nii paeng) – this is expensive (literally: this item expensive)
- รองเท้าคู่นี้น่ารักจัง (rong tao kuu nii naa-rak jang) – These shoes are cute (literally: shoes this pair so cute)
- กาแฟที่นี้อร่อย (gaa-fae tii nii aroy) – The coffee here is delicious! (literally: coffee this place delicious)
- วันนี้อากาศร้อน (wan nii aagaad rawhn) – Today the weather is hot (literally: today weather hot)
How To Say “He’s Handsome”
Talking with your Thai friend about the handsome guy from work? You need the word เขา (khao) – “he” (also used for “she”).
Pronunciation note: The official spelling gives it a rising tone. But in everyday Thai it’s usually pronounced with a high tone เค้า (khao). You’ll often see this colloquial spelling online.
Examples:
- เค้าหล่อมาก (khao lawh maak) – He’s so handsome!
See a handsome guy at the bar? Point and tell your friend:
- คนนั้นหล่อ (kon nan lawh) – that guy is handsome!
Very Handsome! in Thai
Seen a really attractive guy? Add emphasis with these words:
Option 1: จัง (jang) – Really
- หล่อจัง (lawh jang) – really handsome
Option 2: มาก (maak) – Very
- หล่อมาก (lawh maak) – very handsome
Option 3: Super Emphasis
- หล่อมากๆ เลย (lawh maak maak leoi) – So very very handsome!
Example Sentences
- เค้ามากับผู้ชายหล่อ (khao maa gap puu-chai lawh) – She came with a handsome guy
- แฟนของเค้าหล่อมาก (faen kong khao lawh maak) – Her boyfriend is so handsome
- คนนั้นหล่อที่สุด (kon nan lawh tii sud) – That guy is the most handsome
Bonus: Impress Your Boyfriend
Show your love with this sweet phrase:
- สุดหล่อของฉัน (sud lawh kong chan) – My handsome man
Conclusion – Go Tell People They are Handsome
Now you know how to say handsome in Thai! You can start telling every guy you see that they are หล่อ (lawh).
Want more Thai lessons? Try these: