Thai, also referred to as Siamese or Ayutthaya, is the official language of Thailand and has a speaker population of more than 20 million individuals. It is the official language of Thailand, a country that is highly welcoming to tourists and often recognized as the land of smiles. Acquiring proficiency in Thai might pose a challenge for English speakers due to considerable linguistic disparities. English is as distinct from Thai as it is from numerous other Asian languages, featuring intricate pronunciation and rules that can be daunting (yet worthwhile) to master. Nevertheless, this should not deter you from learning a few essential phrases in preparation for your visit to Thailand. In this article, I will provide an overview of basic Thai expressions that will enable you to communicate effectively with taxi drivers, vendors at night markets, and street food stalls, as well as navigate public transportation with ease.
Why You Should Learn To Speak Thai
There are numerous motives for wanting to learn Thai.
The person you are in a relationship with is Thai.
As you acquire a new language such as Thai, you concurrently gain insights into the associated culture. Progressing in language proficiency also leads to a deepening understanding of your partner.
If you reside or are employed in Thailand
It is possible to live in Thailand without learning any Thai language. Numerous expats have resided in the country for a decade or two without being able to confidently communicate even their coffee preferences. Such individuals may advise against learning Thai or claim that it is unachievable for foreigners.
If you intend to spend time in Thailand, familiarize yourself with the culture, gain acceptance from locals, and potentially marry a Thai person, it is essential to have a good command of the Thai language, including reading and writing.
You have intentions to explore Thailand.
If you venture beyond the touristy regions, your ability to communicate in English may diminish. However, if you are able to converse with locals in Thai, your experience will be greatly enhanced. Native Thai individuals typically do not anticipate foreigners speaking their language, so even basic communication skills will impress and charm them, often resulting in invitations for social activities and a deeper immersion into the authentic Thailand.
You have a great fondness for Thai culture.
Why wouldn’t you love it? With friendly locals, incredible cuisine, and stunning temples, learning the Thai language will provide a more profound understanding of this captivating culture.
Do I need to learn to read and write the Thai Alphabet?
To become proficient in speaking Thai, it is crucial to prioritize learning the Thai script. It is the only effective method for comprehending the accurate pronunciation of consonants and vowels. Since numerous Thai sounds are unfamiliar to English speakers, mastering the script is essential to truly understand and reproduce these sounds.
Is it possible to manage without learning it? Sort of, but your pronunciation will always be terrible and it will be challenging, if not impossible, for most individuals to comprehend you.
Improve your vocabulary
Mastering the Thai sound system is crucial for acquiring new vocabulary and phrases in Thai as well as distinguishing between similar sounds. Although learning a new script like this might appear daunting initially, dedicating a small amount of time to it is definitely worthwhile. Once you grasp the sound system, all other aspects of learning Thai will become significantly easier.
In addition to convenience…
Acquiring knowledge of the Thai script will significantly simplify your everyday life in Thailand. It will enable you to perceive a wider array of opportunities – you will have the ability to decipher Thai menus and comprehend signage and labels.
Is Thai Hard To Learn?
The probable answer to this question relies on several factors, including your native language and any prior experience with learning a second language. For instance, individuals have reported that having previously learned Chinese can be advantageous in acquiring Thai due to similarities in tones and grammar.
English speakers may find the following things unfamiliar.
- Thai script
Thai script is distinct from English, which can be daunting initially. However, by dedicating a little time to learning it, those unfamiliar symbols on the page will eventually become comprehensible. Moreover, inadequate transliteration systems make it challenging to accurately pronounce words if one is unable to read Thai script.
- Tones
The Thai language is characterized by tones. When a word is spoken with the wrong tone, its meaning can be altered or lost entirely. For instance, the word “maa” means “dog” when spoken with a rising tone, but it means “horse” when spoken with a high tone. This means that if you mispronounce the tone, you might mistakenly convey that you enjoy riding dogs (although the intended meaning can usually be understood from the context). Thai has five tones: mid-tone, low tone, falling tone, high tone, and rising tone.
- Pronunciation
Native English speakers may not be familiar with some consonants and vowel sounds found in the Thai language, although they may unknowingly use some of these sounds in English.
Take, for instance, the Thai consonant ?, which produces a sound similar to “ng”. In English, we commonly hear this sound at the end of words like sing, wing, running, and so on. Conversely, in Thai, there are words that commence with this sound, like the word for money – ???? (ngoen). Give it a try: say the word “sing” and sustain the “ng” sound at the end. You’ll notice that you create this sound by pushing the middle of your tongue towards the back of your palate. Initially, it may feel odd to produce this sound at the beginning of a word, but with practice, it will become more natural.
In addition, there are consonants that are not aspirated. Place your hand in front of your mouth and utter the English word…
Excessive
Pay attention to the fact that when pronouncing the sound “t”, air is expelled.
Now go ahead and utter the word…
Cease.
Take note that the “t” sound in this case lacks aspiration. This sound, lacking aspiration, is reminiscent of the sound produced by the Thai consonant ?.
Give this another attempt using the subsequent words (ensure your hand is placed in front of your mouth)…
Please provide the text that needs to be rephrased.
When you pronounce the sound “p”, you should experience a gust of air.
Please go ahead and say…
“Expectorate”
The lack of aspiration in the sound of the “p” in the word “spit” is comparable to the unaspirated Thai consonant ?.
It’s not entirely challenging…
Indeed, certain elements of the Thai language are comprehensible and straightforward to grasp.
- No complicated tenses
Thankfully, Thai does not have complex tenses like English, so you do not have to worry about understanding the Thai equivalents of the past perfect or future perfect continuous. In Thai, the tense is frequently understood from the context or indicated by straightforward “time words.”
- No verb conjugation
The verb form in English undergoes changes based on the subject or tense of the sentence, such as “I go” or “she goes”. Conversely, in Thai, the verb remains uninflected, meaning that its form remains unchanged regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence.
- No plural nouns
Similar to not needing to modify verb forms in Thai, there is also no need to alter noun forms when referring to multiple entities. In English, we say “one person” or “two people,” whereas in Thai, the noun remains unchanged regardless of plurality.
Brief Overview of the Various Thai Phrases
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with greetings, acquire some basic phrases for navigation, and consider learning more sophisticated yet vital expressions to distinguish yourself from other tourists. It is important to note that these phrases are written using the English alphabet, allowing for at least an approximate pronunciation.
Thai Greetings
Greeting and parting ways.
- Hello / Hi – Sawadee ka / khrup
- How are you? – Sabai dee mai ka / khrup
- Doing well – Sabai dee
- Not doing well – Mai sabai
- Relaxed / chill – Sabai sabai
- Good Bye – La gorn ka / khrup
Local Thais exhibit great respect and politeness by utilizing the traditional gesture known as the “wai” to greet others. This form of Thai salutation involves joining both hands together and slightly bowing the head, representing a significant aspect of Thai culture. As a foreigner, there is no expectation for you to perform this gesture, as its intricacies might elude you. A simple smile and nod of your head in response would be more than enough.
Essential Thai Phrases
First words: phrases that can be handy for everyday use.
- Yes – Chai ka / khrup
- No – Mai chai ka / khrup
- Cannot – Mai dai
- Thank you – Khop khun ka / khrup
- You’re welcome – Yindee ka / khrup
- Sorry / excuse me – Khor tot ka / khrup
- I don’t understand – Mai Khao Jai
- I understand – Khao Jai
- Do you understand? – Khao jai mai?
- Please – Pord ka / khrup
- Where is the bathroom? – Hong nam yoo tee nai khrup/ka?
- How much does it cost? –Ra ka tao rai khrup/ka?
- Delicious – Aroy
- I need a doctor- Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa khrup/ka
- Never mind / It’s nothing – Mai pen rai / Mai bpen rai
Common Thai Phrases
As you explore the city, most likely by riding a Tuk-Tuk, these frequently used words and phrases will come in handy for your everyday interactions.
- Turn Left – Leo sai
- Turn Right – Leo kwaa
- Yut – Stop
- Bai – Go
- Slow down – Slow down
- Are you having fun? – Sanuk mai
- Where is the restroom? – Hong naam yoo tee nai?
- Do you speak English? – Khun put pasah anggrit dai mai?
- Foreigner, typically of European decent – Farang
- Good luck/cheers – Chok dee
Thai Phrases when Eating Out
In Thailand, especially in the northern region, spicy cuisine is famous. You can definitely request the intensity of spiciness to be adjusted according to your preference. Here are a few alternative ways to convey this message to your waiter:
- Spicy – Phet
- A litte – Mai phet
- Chili – Phrik
- Fish sauce – Nam plaa
- Not spicy – Mai phet
- Water – Nam
You may also use additional phrases when dining at a restaurant.
- I’m thirsty – Pom/ deechan hiw nahm
- I’m hungry – Pom / deechan hiw
- Do you have an English menu? – Rahy ahahn phasah angkrit mee mai?
- Can I have the check please? – Chek bin?
Essential Thai Expressions for Shopping
- How much is this? – Ni tao rai?
- Expensive – Paeng
- Very expensive – Paeng mak mak
- Cheap – Tuk
- I will take it / I want it – Ao
- I don’t want it – Mai ao
Three Steps To Learn Basic Thai
First step: Basic Thai phrases and the Thai script for beginners.
The duration of the activity is between 15 and 30 hours, and it will be completed within a period of 2 to 4 weeks.
While you are tackling the first step of learning the Thai script, which involves the real work, take a moment to familiarize yourself with beginner Thai phrases. This will provide you with an engaging element to keep you interested. Additionally, revisit the Thai script used in the initial phrases as you acquire new letter knowledge and identify those you can recognize.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with more than 50 basic sentence patterns that are commonly used.
Within a period of one to three months.
Instead of memorizing lists of Thai words, it is more effective to dedicate your time to practicing brief, commonly used sentence patterns. By doing so, you will be able to engage in simple Thai conversations right away, enabling you to reach the enjoyable part more quickly. It is advisable to focus on both asking and responding to everyday questions initially. This approach also provides an opportunity to refine your pronunciation skills while simultaneously improving your ability to effortlessly produce these concise sentences.
Step 3: Engage in conversations with Thai individuals (and also incorporate some reading!)
If you have the opportunity to interact with Thai individuals, it is advisable to practice these Thai sentences on a daily basis. In the case that you are not located in Thailand or do not have any Thai acquaintances, there are still alternatives available to you. Is there a Thai eatery in your vicinity? Attempt to dine there once or twice a week and engage in conversation with the staff during their non-peak hours. If no Thai individuals are present within a considerable distance, consider exploring tutoring platforms like Italki.
Resources to Learn Thai
I suggest considering these resources for practicing Thai before your trip to the country.
- Youtube: I love using this platform to learn almost everything. Relevant to learning Thai, YouTube is great for finding videos that allow you to hear the accurate pronunciation of words.
- Textbook-based learning: There are plenty of textbook resources that you can purchase on sights like Amazon to get more structured practice. If you go this route, you should certainly aim to learn the Thai alphabet first.
- Fluent in 3 Months: Although the name is somewhat gimmick, this site does a great job of rounding up the best language learning resources.
- iTalki: Practicing is really key to feeling comfortable using a new language. You can practice with a real person by using iTalki. On this site, you can practice with a tutor, formal teacher, or others just seeking to do a language exchange (for free!). The paid lessons have very cheap options, with some as low as $5 an hour. Before you know it, you’ll be able to practice the Thai vocabulary you’ve picked up while visiting places like Phuket!
