Koh

Koh is a term that appears in several languages and contexts, and does not refer to a single concept. It is used as a place-name element, a personal surname in some communities, and a chemical abbreviation in science.

In Thai, koh (often transliterated as ko in English) means island. It is a common element in the names of islands, and appears at the start of well-known locations such as Ko Phi Phi and Ko Samui.

As a surname, Koh is found among East and Southeast Asian communities, with romanization varying by dialect and language. It may correspond to different family names depending on the community and country.

In chemistry, KOH denotes potassium hydroxide, a strong base widely used in industry, laboratory work, and chemical synthesis.

Beyond these, Koh occurs in other place names and in cultural contexts as a given name or surname, reflecting its cross-cultural reach. The specific meaning and pronunciation can vary by language and region, so context is important when interpreting the term.