The ideal app for learning Thai varies from person to person, based on their specific goals and current level of familiarity with the language.
In this post, I’ll provide you with clear guidance on the most suitable app for each specific situation, considering the aforementioned thoughts.
The best app to learn Thai for traveling in Thailand
Based on my experience, if your goal is to learn Thai for traveling in Thailand, the most effective app is undoubtedly Pimsleur.
I suggest using Pimsleur mainly for two reasons:
- You actually practice speaking Thai and the repetition of speaking the phrases over and over helps you memorize them and makes it easier to speak the phrases in real life when you need them.
- You learn phrases and words before Thai grammar and other difficult concepts. These phrases are carefully chosen by Pimsleur based on their unique “Pimsleur Method” which focuses on learning the most common words in a language via their appropriate context in phrases.
Advantages of using the Pimsleur app for learning Thai
Consider the given text carefully and alter its wording sequentially without introducing any fresh details or eliminating existing information, as it remains pertinent to your actual experiences.
In what way does this app assist in learning Thai? To begin with, the material you learn in Pimsleur lessons can be directly put into practice during your travels in Thailand. The Thai vocabulary and expressions you acquire will have practical significance since they will be necessary for your everyday experiences.
While repetition may be the father of learning, the most essential factor in maintaining your consistency and motivation when acquiring a new language is relevancy.
If you begin learning a language by studying subjects unrelated to your daily life, it will be even harder to stay motivated in your lessons and keep pushing yourself.
When using the Pimsleur app to learn Thai, one of the great advantages is that all the lessons are focused on relevance, so there is no feeling of time or energy being wasted, which sets it apart from other language learning apps.
What are the drawbacks of Pimsleur Thai?
The most common ways of expressing ideas in Thai are not always observed.
One drawback I have noticed is that the Thai vocabulary taught in Pimsleur courses, as well as other languages, may not always reflect the language used by native speakers in everyday conversations.
Frequently, you may come across phrases that are highly formal or not commonly employed by Thai locals. When inquiring with native Thai speakers about such phrases, they will mention, “Though you can use them and we will comprehend, a native speaker would seldom use those phrases.”
You will only be able to identify the words or phrases from the Pimsleur Thai courses once you arrive and begin speaking Thai to native speakers.
Think step by step and rephrase the text while keeping the same meaning and not adding or removing any information.
Sometimes, the lack of grammar explanation in the early sections of Pimsleur courses can be a disadvantage. However, this is beneficial for individuals who are specifically interested in learning basic Thai and prefer this approach.
If you are aiming to learn a language more thoroughly or quickly, it can be frustrating at times when you lack understanding of why certain phrases are expressed differently. However, this frustration can be alleviated if you use Pimsleur as a foundation and supplement it with other techniques or applications.
There are not many opportunities for corrections or feedback.
When using the Pimsleur app to learn Thai, you interact solely with your headphones or Bluetooth speaker, with no one present to listen to you or provide feedback on any errors you might make.
The speaking coach feature can be utilized, and although it is sometimes effective, it is separate from the main lessons. While it provides assistance, it does not compare to the presence of a real teacher who can correct your errors in real-time.
The most fun app to learn Thai
Ling – Thai language gamification app
Ling, which means “monkey” in Thai, is an app that originated in Thailand and is highly popular for learning the Thai language.
The Ling app covers not only vocabulary but also grammar, the Thai alphabet, writing, and speaking. It also incorporates gamification to make the learning process feel more enjoyable compared to other language learning methods.
Given that Duolingo is not yet available for Thai, Ling can serve as a suitable alternative for acquiring new vocabulary and familiarizing oneself with Thai sentence structure.
Additionally, the content of their material guides you in realistic Thai conversations that can occur in your everyday life, including grammar aspects like word order and others that are not commonly found in basic vocabulary lists.
What stands out about Ling
I want to emphasize that Ling is more than just a simple app for learning basic phrases and Thai vocabulary.
Ling has definitely put in more effort compared to many apps that use a profit-centric, standard approach for foreign language learning in their Thai app.
If you are learning Thai and are determined to use an app instead of a tutor or a course, it is highly recommended to check out Ling.
Apps for speaking Thai
ThaiTongue – Your Personal Thai Tutor
Features that are important or distinctive.
ThaiTongue provides interactive lessons that concentrate on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. The app utilizes speech recognition technology to guarantee precise pronunciation practice.
Personalized learning is the process of tailoring education to the individual needs and preferences of each student.
ThaiTongue personalizes learning paths according to your proficiency level and learning pace, ensuring that it suits your individual needs. The ability to track progress ensures motivation and keeps you on track towards mastery.
Insights about culture
Enhance your communication skills and foster cultural appreciation by immersing yourself in Thai culture, incorporating integrated cultural insights. The understanding of language context and customs further aids in the process.
SpeakThai – Your Speaking Companion
Please sequentially evaluate and rephrase the provided text: Key Features of the product
SpeakThai, a program that focuses on real-life conversations, aims to equip learners with practical conversational skills so that they can effectively communicate with native Thai speakers in various everyday scenarios.
The app’s sophisticated voice recognition system assesses your pronunciation and offers immediate feedback to assist you in enhancing your spoken Thai skills.
Even if you have connectivity issues, you can still learn without obstacles with SpeakThai’s offline mode. With this feature, you can engage with lessons and practice materials even without an internet connection.
Best app for learning to write Thai
ThaiScript – Mastering Thai Script
If you want to make progress in learning Thai, one of the most difficult aspects to conquer is the Thai alphabet. Without mastering it, your progress will be limited. The alphabet is essential for understanding the distinct sounds and pronunciation of Thai words. Consequently, it is advisable to begin learning the Thai alphabet promptly and cease relying on the Romanized system to enhance your learning experience.
Important Features
Thai Writing Practice: ThaiScript is committed to instructing learners in the skill of Thai script writing. The application provides clear guidance and abundant chances to practice writing every character in a systematic manner.
When learning Thai script, it is crucial to master the correct stroke order. ThaiScript offers animated stroke order guides for each character to ensure accuracy.
The app contains character recognition exercises that aim to enhance your fluency in reading Thai script by reinforcing your ability to recognize characters.
Good app for overall learning
FluentThai – Mastering Thai Made Easy
FluentThai offers Thai courses with an interesting user experience that emphasizes comprehensive learning. It presents an effective method for learners to gain exposure to various aspects of the language.
Key features, when considering a thought process of breaking things down and analyzing them, involve rephrasing the following text while preserving its original meaning. It is essential to refrain from introducing extra details and eliminating any existing information.
FluentThai’s curriculum is comprehensive as it covers a wide range of topics, from basic expressions to advanced conversation. The lessons are carefully planned to build upon the knowledge gained in previous lessons.
FluentThai utilizes a combination of audio and visual materials to accommodate diverse learning styles. Your learning experience is enriched through the inclusion of audio exercises, flashcards, and multimedia lessons.
Learning Thai can be made enjoyable and habit-forming with the inclusion of gamification elements in the app. By earning rewards, overcoming challenges, and engaging in friendly competition, users can maintain their motivation.
More apps for learning to Thai
Pocket Thai Master (PTM) by Evan Winget
The Apple App Store | Google Play
The price is zero.
If you were to download only one Thai language app, it should be Evan Winget’s Pocket Thai Master. It is a comprehensive text-based course that covers both the practical Thai language and Thai culture. In my opinion, it is one of the best resources available for learning Thai.
Winget has evidently dedicated much effort to this task, and he possesses a talent for elucidating the processes and principles of the Thai language in a clear manner.
- Many courses just teach you words – Evan Winget teaches you the nuances, everyday use patterns, and cultural context of the words, making it much more useful than most language apps.
- For example: how to greet people of different ages and statuses, words that are taught but no one actually uses, when to wai, etc.
- It’s like a living textbook – all Thai words can be tapped to play a pronunciation audio
- Builds from the basics up to more complex grammatical structures
- Includes cultural lessons tied to the language lessons on topics such as Religion, Politics, Holidays
If you are not someone who enjoys reading and prefer a flashcard or dictionary-style app, this is not suitable for you.
Thai-English Dictionary
The only store for Apple apps is the Apple App Store.
The content is available for free, with the option to unlock all content for a fee of $10.
It is very beneficial for gaining knowledge about the proper use of words in different situations, and an additional advantage is that it does not require an internet connection.
Nemo Thai (Thai by Nemo)
The Apple App Store and Google Play
The cost for this content is free, but unlocking all of it requires a payment of $10.
When it comes to Thai language apps, the first one you should download is Nemo. Nemo is specifically designed to help you confidently start speaking the most essential words in Thai right away.
- Easy to use interface. You can get started immediately with flashcard-type lists that teach speaking and writing
- Multiple settings:
- flashcard mode
- voice mode where you record your voice and then compare it to the native speaker’s recording
- accent mode that does the same thing but in slow motion
- My pronunciation got much better using the voice mode. Thai tones are notoriously difficult for Westerners to learn.
- Many word lists for specific contexts. Easy to brush up on lists when you need them, for example, the Food list when you are at a restaurant.
Drawbacks: The app includes certain words that are outdated and seldom used. For instance, the word tok loong is included in the app, which translates to “OK”. Thai individuals usually prefer using the term ‘OK’ instead of tok loong. If you are uncertain about any words, it is advised to confirm their usage with your Thai friends or teacher.
Mondly – Learn 33 Languages
Apple App Store | Google Play
The cost includes a 7-day trial period, after which access to all languages is available for $9.99 per month.
When considering the sequence of thoughts, alter the following text without changing the meaning. Do not introduce new information and do not omit any information. Mondly is a vocabulary and repetition-centered learning tool designed in a quiz-style format. It is suggested that Mondly can serve as a helpful review tool for individuals who have already acquired some knowledge of the Thai language. Beginners, however, might experience frustration as it does not commence with fundamental language elements like the alphabet.
Mondly possesses numerous features that are extremely useful.
- Daily lesson: gives you an interactive quiz around a certain vocabulary word or concept.
- Core Vocabulary: Lengthy quiz-style lessons to teach you core vocabulary
- Thematic Vocabulary: Quiz-style lessons about topics like romance, travel, and public transportation.
One of the drawbacks is that it is challenging to determine the initial step. Although the lessons can be followed in a sequential manner, I have the impression that the app strongly promotes jumping between lessons.
