If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, we strongly recommend making a small endeavor to pick up a few essential Thai phrases for travelers. Mastering the language of the country you reside in or visit is the most effective means to connect with and comprehend its culture. It unlocks opportunities and fosters genuine connections. Moreover, the way locals treat you transforms significantly; speaking the language proficiently makes them perceive you as less of a stranger and more like a familiar face from their own community.
It is not possible for us to claim fluency in the language of a country we will be visiting for a short period of a few weeks or months. However, we can make an effort to learn some fundamental vocabulary, which will undoubtedly prove beneficial. This knowledge can help us display respect, engage in humorous conversations, and establish a rapport with the locals. In places like rural areas or countries such as China, it can be immensely valuable and almost necessary. Truly, investing time in learning Thai language for travelers yields significant advantages!
In my view, when you embark on learning a foreign language, you do not merely gain a means of communication, but also a fresh perspective on things and a deeper comprehension of the heritage and essence of the culture within which that language has been conceived and utilized for several centuries.
Did you know that Thais typically utilize the verb “eat” followed by the term “rice” in 90% of cases? They use the expression “Kin kao” (literally meaning “eat rice”) even when referring to consuming other food items. This seemingly trivial fact provides evidence of the significant role rice has played throughout the history of Thailand and its culture.
Despite that, I recommend attempting to speak a few words of Thai when you visit Thailand. I can guarantee that it will be rewarded with a big smile.
Introduction to Thai
The Thai language has around 20 million native speakers due to the prevalence of different dialects and languages spoken in Thailand. Nonetheless, all Thais are proficient in Central Thai, which is taught in schools and widely used in the media. Additionally, in Laos, a substantial number of individuals can comprehend and communicate in Thai since Lao and Thai share significant similarities. Altogether, there are an estimated 60-75 million speakers of the Thai language.
Thai is characterized as a tonal language, consisting of 5 distinct tones. In essence, this signifies that a single word can convey 5 different meanings based on the specific tone utilized during pronunciation (medium, low, high, ascending, and descending).
The word ‘mai’ can have five completely different meanings depending on its tone, be it medium, low, high, ascending, or descending.
Is it possible for silk to burn without being ignited by wood?
Consisting of 44 consonants and 15 vowels (which combine to form 28), Thai possesses its very own alphabet.
It is thought that the language originated in southern China, with its script being adapted from the Khmer script of Cambodia, which in turn originated from southern India.
Curiosities about Thai
In Thai language, khap (for male speakers) or kha (for female speakers) is consistently appended to the ends of sentences. It does not possess a specific meaning, but it serves to demonstrate politeness and respect.
For males, the subject pronoun ‘I’ is referred to as phom, while for females, it is known as dichan.
– When writing in Thai, there are no spaces to separate words, which makes it challenging to determine the boundaries of each word.
Instead of asking “How are you?”, Thais typically inquire if you have eaten yet by saying “Have you eaten yet?” (kin khao reu yang).
In addition, they do not possess any particular expressions for bidding farewell. Occasionally, they opt for the English phrase bye-bye (although they do have one, lakon, it denotes farewell for an extended period).
Just like in Spanish, Thai often omits the use of subject pronouns such as Yo (I), tú (you), etc.
Useful Thai Phrases For Travel
Thai Greetings
Hello (sir/ma’am), the word “sa wad dee” (??????) is the customary greeting in Thailand and can be used at any time. It is commonly accompanied by the Wai (????) gesture, which is the Thai equivalent of shaking hands.
It is crucial to incorporate the word krub/ka into every sentence you utter when conversing with individuals who are unfamiliar to you, in order to enhance politeness.
If you’re a woman, you’d use “Sa Wad Dee Ka” (????????), while if you’re a man, you’d use “Sa Wad Dee krub” (??????????), regardless of the recipient’s gender. It’s important to note that the choice of krub/ka depends on your own gender, not the gender of the person you’re addressing.
Remembering this golden rule will enable you to easily utilize the krub/ka words on other phrases listed in order to enhance the sentence’s fluidity and politeness for Thai listeners.
Expressing gratitude in Thai is done by saying “khob khun” or “khob khun krap” for males, and “khob khun ka” for females.
Kob Khun (krub/ka) is a straightforward way to express gratitude in Thailand. When you use this phrase to thank someone, they will respond in kind.
When you purchase street food and want to thank the vendor, simply say “Kob Khun (krub/ka)” and they will reciprocate. This word is a wonderful way to initiate friendly conversation and share a few smiles with the locals.
Is it a “Yes” or “No” in Thai?
Chai / Mai (krub/ka): It’s quite fascinating that there’s an alternative word you can utilize instead of the translated term. In Thai, the word for yes is Chai (krub/ka), but you can also conveniently employ the word “krub/ka” to express agreement. Isn’t that clever?
For instance, as a woman, when someone inquires if the scooter belongs to you, you can respond with “chai ka” or simply “ka”. Similarly, men can use “krub” instead of “chai krub” as a response.
The Thai word for no is simply “mai (krub/ka)”, and there is no equivalent synonym like the word yes, which is actually advantageous.
What is the amount in Thai?
Tao Rai (krub/ka): The phrase to use when you want to ask how much things are is “Tao Rai (krub/ka)” together with you pointing to the item you want to know the price of.
When you are at a market and want to inquire about the price of an item, you can use this phrase. After asking, you will need to either point or display the specific item you are interested in purchasing.
If the price is too high, you can request a discount by using the phrase “Lode Dai Mhai (krub/ka),” initiating the negotiation process. By saying “Paeng Pai (krub/ka)” to express that it is too costly, you are likely to receive a greater discount.
What is the way to say “How are you” in Thai?
Sabai Dee Mhai (krub/ka): When you want to inquire about someone’s well-being in Thailand, you can utilize the phrase “Sabai Dee Mhai (krub/ka).” And to respond affirmatively when they ask you the same, you can simply reply with “Sabai Dee (krub/ka)” to indicate that you are well.
There is no issue in the Thai language.
Mai Pen Rai (krub/ka) is a fantastic Thai term with the literal translation of “No Problem.” It is commonly used as a response to express gratitude, but its usage extends beyond that and may be challenging for non-Thais to comprehend fully. For instance, Thais utilize this phrase to gracefully handle their mistakes or in various other contexts.
The phrase “Mai Pen Rai” holds various interpretations, but what’s important to note is that it is a response used when someone thanks you. You can reply with “Mai Pen Rai (krub/ka)”
When you are in Thailand, there are two common situations where you would use “Mai Pen Rai (krub/ka).” The first is when you want to kindly reject someone’s offer, such as when a tuk-tuk driver asks if you need a taxi. These are the two scenarios you would most likely encounter while traveling in Thailand.
I am called by my name in Thai.
If you want to introduce yourself, simply use the phrase “Rao Chue” followed by your name and “krub/ka”. “Rao” is a word for referring to oneself in a gender-neutral manner, while “chue” means name in Thai. For example, if your name is Pete, you would say “Rao Chue Pete krub”. It’s a simple and straightforward process, right?
Pardon me in Thai
Kho Tode (krub/ka): In situations where someone unintentionally obstructs your path (believe me, this occurs more often than you might expect, particularly with slow walkers in Bangkok!), you can politely say Kho Tode (krub/ka). This expression can also be used to offer an apology.
If you happen to be the final person boarding the bus, with everyone waiting on you, you may choose to say “Kho Tode (krub/ka)” and simply seclude yourself from the curious onlookers among the Thai people.
Farewell/Best of luck in Thai.
To bid farewell or extend good luck to someone in Thai, you can use the phrase “Choke Dee (krub/ka).” This expression functions as a versatile term that can be used to convey both goodbye and good luck.
If you have had the opportunity to spend time with your host in Thailand and it is now time for farewells, you can bid adieu with a hug and a wave, while saying “Choke Dee (krub/ka)”.
Thai people say “Cheers” in their language.
Chon Kaew is the perfect way to break the ice with Thais, as it involves having a drink together, raising glasses, and cheering with the phrase “Let’s clink our glass together,” in Thai.
If you’re looking to connect with new people from the area at a club or a pub, using this word can be incredibly beneficial. Thai people have a strong affinity for tourists, and if you request them to Chon Kaew, they will gladly join you. It’s an effortless way for us to make friends.
I omitted the word “krub/ka” at the end intentionally as it is typically utilized in informal contexts. Therefore, it is unnecessary to add the word “krub/ka” to maintain formality.
In Thai, it is incredibly stunning!
If you wish to acknowledge the beauty of something like a scenic view or a guesthouse, you can exclaim “Suay Mak!”. This informal expression is used to appreciate the attractiveness of something or someone, which is why it does not require the addition of krub/ka at the end.
If you want to acknowledge a woman’s attractiveness, you can express it by saying “Khun Suay Mak!” However, to acknowledge a man’s appeal, you would need to say “Khun Lor Mak!” which conveys “Very Handsome.” This is similar to how English uses “beautiful” for women and “handsome” for men, as these terms are typically gender-specific.
I would like it non-spicy in Thai cuisine.
When ordering food in Thailand, it is recommended to inform the chef that you prefer your food without spice by using the phrase “Khor Mai Ped krub/ka,” which means “Can I have it non-spicy please.”
In case you are tolerant of spice, you should make use of “Ped Nid Noi (krub/ka)” instead, as “Khor Mai Ped” indicates a complete aversion to spice. So, it is essential to remember this when utilizing the mentioned phrase.
Thai translates to “Just a little bit.”
You may have already gathered the meaning of Nid Noi from the information provided above. Nid Noi translates to “just a little bit” and can be applied in various contexts.
If you wish for your food to have a slight kick, you can say “Ped Nid Noi krub/ka”. When someone inquires if you can speak Thai, you can respond by saying “Nid Noi krub/ka”, indicating that you possess a basic understanding of the language.
Essentially, this phrase can be used with other Thai words to express a small, inconsequential, or unimportant amount. For instance, when you wish to convey that you are slightly hungry in Thai, you would say “Hew Nid Noi”, with “Hew” indicating hunger.
