Useful Thai Phrases

Even if you are only in Thailand for a few weeks, if you can learn a few words of the Thai language it can be amazing the difference it can make to your interaction with the locals.

The words I’ve chosen are useful in a number of situations and can be picked up quite easily by the casual visitor. They also have the advantage that even if they are mispronounced slightly, the Thai person should be able to understand what you are saying. If you are spending a longer time in Thailand, I recommend investing in a pocket-sized Thai phrasebook or take Thai lessons with us:). The best way to learn is to listen to a Thai person; don’t be afraid to ask a native speaker how you say something in Thai.

1. Sà-wàtdii

Many of you may know this word already but for who that  haven’t please have a read. It’s a greeting that can be used to say hello, good day, good morning, good afternoon and goodbye, so it’s a useful word to learn. And good Thais always put ‘the sugar on top’ at the end of every phase so when you say sà-wàtdii always say it in conjunction with the polite article: males say “sà-wàtdii kráp” and females say “sà-wàtdii kà”.

2. Kráp and Kà

This is a polite syllable that has no real direct translation in English. Men say Kráp (but sometimes in everyday speech it usually becomes káp) and women say Kà. If you listen to Thai people speak you will hear it frequently at the end of sentences. Its use denotes manners and respect, so get in the habit of using it if you are learning any Thai even if it’s just for your 2 week holiday or vacation. There is a Thai word for please, but it isn’t used in the same context as it is in English. For example, if you are at a restaurant and you want to say ‘the bill please’ you would say ‘kep tang kráp’ (if you are a man) and ‘kep tang kà’ if you are a woman.

(Just to confuse matters slightly for women, kà has two different tones (kà and ká). It’s used with a falling tone unless you are using it at the end of a question when it becomes a high tone. The difference can be difficult to pick up, but listen enough to Thai women and you will spot it.)

3. Sà-baai dii

Another greeting you will hear a lot is Sà-baai dii. A person may ask you ‘Sà-baai dii mai?’ (’How are you/Are you well?’). And again we put sugar on top so you may hear ‘Sà-baai dii mai kráp/kà?’ Respond by saying ‘Sà-baai dii kráp/kà’ (’I am well thank you/I’m fine thank you’). Of course you can always say ‘mai sabai’ (’not well’), but then expect the follow up question, ‘tam-mai mai sà-baai ?’ (’why aren’t you well?’). If you’re confident that you can convey the fact that you’ve got a hangover or you spent half the night sitting on the toilet after eating that extra spicy green curry, then go ahead. Responding with Sà-baai dii kráp/kà is usually easier.

4. kͻ́ɔb-­kun

“Kͻ́ɔb khun” means “Thank you”. Please remember to say Kà at the end of the sentence if you are a woman and Kráp if you are a man, so woman say “Kͻ́ɔb kun kà” and men say “Kͻ́ɔb kun kráp”.

When you want to say “Thank you ” against something, “sǎm-ràb ” (for …) is used in Thai language.

For example: thank you for a gift = Kͻ́ɔb kun  sǎm-ràb kɔ̌ɔng-kwǎn (gift) kráp/kà

Like anywhere in the world people love to hear that you appreciate for what they did for you, especially when you say it in their language they will be touched.

5. kɔ̌ɔ-tôt

“kɔ̌ɔ-tôt” means “I am sorry”. Once again I would like to remind you that please remember to say kráp/kà at the end of the sentence.

Please note that the last “t” of “tôt ” you almost can’t hear the sound of “t”.

No one is saying that the Thai language is an easy for beginners, but people will respect you for trying. They may even try to guide you and help by correcting your pronunciation 🙂

Prae
Thai Language Teacher