Food and drink ข้าวเหนียว kâao-nǐaw
sticky rice noun
- kâao falling
- nǐaw rising
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
Parts: ข้าวkâao rice เหนียวnǐaw sticky, chewy
The everyday rice of the North and Isan, eaten with your fingers; ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วงkâao-nǐaw má-mûang is mango sticky rice.
Taught in Unit 15 · Lesson 1: Meals and Northern food of the free course.
Practise it freeOther spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- khao niao
- khao niew
- khao neow
- kao niao
- khao niaow
- kao neeo
- khaoniao
More food and drink in Thai
All food and drink
Learn this word in Unit 15, free
Unit 15 · Have you eaten yet? · Meals and Northern food. Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones