Top Basic Thai Phrases To Know

Learning a few crucial Thai phrases while traveling in Thailand can significantly enhance your experience, particularly in smaller towns or the countryside, despite the presence of numerous English-speaking Thai individuals in major cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.

If you’re unsure about what you should learn, we have compiled a reliable compilation of Thai phrases and words that will prove to be valuable during your travels in Thailand.

Thai Pronunciations and Phonetic Spelling

We have compiled a brief explanation on pronunciations since our content does not contain voice recordings, and due to the uniqueness of the Thai language script.

It is important to note that there are multiple official phonetic transcription styles, along with numerous spelling variations found on various websites and YouTube channels, totaling at least three styles and numerous options.

Here’s a guide to pronouncing the vowels and consonants in our American English phonetic transcription, using letter combinations that you should already know.

are speech sounds produced by the vocal cords without any obstruction of the airflow, which is perceived as the most sonorous part of a syllable.

The letter “aw” sounds like “raw,” “eh” sounds like “get,” and “oh” sounds like “toe.”

Could you please stop? I want to talk to the child, so now is a good time.

The letter “ai” sounds similar to the word “eye,” “ee” sounds similar to the word “need,” and “uh” sounds similar to the word “what.”

The sound “ae” is pronounced similarly to the word “air,” while the sound “oo” is pronounced similar to the word “you.”

The text cannot be rephrased as it is just a single word.

G as in go, K as in kite, TH as in tan.

I enjoy jam, ch sounds like charm, and ph sounds like pet.

Furthermore, the emphasis frequently lies on the final syllable, as illustrated by the pronunciation of Angela. In American English, it is pronounced AEN-jeh-la, whereas in Tinglish it is pronounced un-ji-llAAaah.

In conclusion, the final consonant (such as the ‘t’ in cat or the ‘k’ in book) in Thai words is seldom pronounced. Despite shaping your lips and tongue for the ‘t,’ ‘p,’ or ‘k’ sound at the word’s end, you refrain from releasing any air. Visualizing the letter as incredibly small at the word’s conclusion can be beneficial.

Additionally, in spelling words with multiple syllables, it is necessary to use a hyphen to separate the syllables. If a word lacks a hyphen, it is considered a distinct word.

Using Polite Endings

In Thailand, it is considered a tradition to end a sentence or conclude a thought by incorporating the words ka or krup. These courteous particles are employed to demonstrate reverence and courtesy, enhancing the pleasantness of the sentence to Thai individuals.

No matter who you’re talking to, it’s always women who say ka and men who say krup. It is your own gender that determines which word you use.

the word ‘hello’ can be written as sawatdee or sawasdee, with a pronunciation of suh-waht-dee as an instance.

A woman says suh-waht-dee ka.
A man says suh-waht-dee krup. Even more casually, drop the ‘r’ and say suh-waht-dee kup.

Alright, we present to you our concise handbook on crucial Thai phrases and vocabulary. Additionally, you will gain knowledge on their correct pronunciation!

Basic Phrases

Greetings | sup-what-it-do

Learning this is one of the simplest Thai phrases. It serves as a common greeting for hello, often substituting both good morning and good afternoon.

I appreciate it | kawp-koon

Thailand, as a collective, is a remarkably courteous society where expressing gratitude by saying ‘Thank you’ is a customary practice, especially after making a purchase or relishing a satisfying meal.

Yin-dee. | You’re welcome.

This is not a phrase we commonly hear, but you might find yourself saying it in response to someone expressing gratitude.

May I apologize for the inconvenience?

You can use this phrase whether you need to say ‘excuse me’, such as to get your server’s attention or ask someone to move aside in a market, or ‘I’m sorry’ when you accidentally collide with someone.

Do you want chai or not?

To simplify matters, use “chai” for ‘yes’ and “mai chai” for ‘no.’ Even though experienced speakers employ alternative terms, Thai vendors will comprehend your meaning.

Are you able to speak English?

Mai dai or nit noy/nit dee-ao are typically the responses given by Thai people when they are unable to speak English, making this Thai phrase highly valuable.

I am unable to communicate in Thai.

Memorizing this phrase is also a good idea.

Could you please speak more slowly?

To enhance your understanding, request a Thai individual to kindly reiterate their previous statement at a slower pace.

I lack comprehension. | mai kao-jai

There are occasions when it is preferable to verbalize instead of remaining silent (or resorting to my usual tactic of making a humorous expression).

Later, see you.

Wishing you a pleasant night | rah-dtree-suh-waht

It’s uncommon to hear this, but it’s good to be aware of.

Basic Thai words for questions

Thai conversations, public transportation in Thailand, and Thai menus can all be perplexing. No matter what aspect is causing confusion, it is essential to learn some question words to clarify any doubts or uncertainties.

Where? = Tiinai?
What? = Arai?
When? = Muarai?
How? = Yangngai?
Why? = Tum mai?

Basic Thai phrases for addressing people

It is crucial to know the appropriate way to address individuals in Thailand, as it depends on factors such as age and social status. Using the wrong form of address can often be seen as disrespectful. For instance, it may offend certain individuals if you call someone older than you by a title intended for someone younger. To avoid such situations, it is important to familiarize yourself with the essential titles to remember.

I (female) = Chán
I (male) = P?m
You = Kun
He/She/They = Kao
Female/Male (junior) = Nong
Female/Male (senior) = Pee

Basic Thai phrases for directions (taxis, buses, airport, etc.)

Whether you’re traveling from Bangkok, renowned as the world’s most jam-packed city, or exploring the picturesque islands in southern Thailand, you’ll undoubtedly rely on a variety of public transportation options. To ease your journey, presented below are a few useful phrases for navigating your way from one destination to another.

Speak slowly = Puut chaa chaa noi
Do you use the meter? = Chai meter mai (Be sure taxi drivers use the meter in Bangkok!)
Nearby = Glai glai
Go straight = Dtrong bpai
Go left = Leo saai
Go right = Leo kwaa
Stop = Yut
Go to the airport = Bpai sanam bin
Station = Sataanii
Bus stop = Bpaai rot mee
Bus = Rot mee
Skytrain = Rodfai faa
Subway = Rodfai dtaaidin
Airplane = Kruang bin
Minibus = Rot dtuu
Car = Rot
Bicycle = Jakgrayaan
Motorcycle = Moodteesai
Boat = Rua

Basic Thai numbers

Having knowledge of a few numbers enhances the likelihood of bargaining for a lower price. Customers who can specify their desired price to a merchant often receive the requested amount. Familiarizing yourself with these essential numbers will enable you to save some baht.

1 neung
2 sawng
3 sahm
4 see
5 hah
6 hohk
7 jet
8 baet
9 gao
10 sip
11 sip-et
12 sip-sawng
13 sip-sahm
20 yee-sip
21 yee-sip-et
30 sahm-sip
40 see-sip
50 hah-sip
100 neung roy
101 neung roy neung
110 neung roy sip
200 sawng roy
300 sahm roy
1,000 pun
10,000 meun
100,000 saen
1,000,000 lahn

The current time is [number 1-12] o’clock. | It’s [number 1-24] on the clock.

While discussing numbers, it is worth mentioning that there are two methods of indicating time in the Thai language. Nonetheless, the simpler approach is based on a 24-hour clock, meaning that as long as you are familiar with numbers from 1 to 24, you will be able to manage.

Can you tell me the time? | กี่โมงแล้ว

If you need to ask for the time, you can either gesture towards your wrist or utter this phrase.

Basic Thai phrases for restaurants or cafes

Every day, the coffee culture in Bangkok is growing and flourishing, attracting more visitors who would like to experience a taste of Thailand through a cup of coffee. Additionally, Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide, making it imperative to learn these essential phrases for dining as Bangkok is a top destination for food enthusiasts. Whether indulging in street-side delicacies or opting for more upscale dining establishments in the capital, these are the most valuable phrases to master while savoring meals in the Kingdom.

Restaurant = Raan aahaan
Café = Raan gaafee
Excuse me = koortoot
Bathroom = Hongnaam
What is this? = Annii arai
Hungry = Hiu
May I have the menu = Aow meenuu noi
Vegetarian = Mawng sa vee rat
Vegan = Gin jay
Water = Naam
Beer = Beer (easy, right?)
Chicken = Gai
Rice = Kaao
Cold = Yen
Hot = Rone
No ice = Mai aow nam khang
No sugar = Mai aow nam tan
1 more please = Khor iik nung
I like spicy = Chan/Pom chawp pet
Not spicy = Mai pet

Meeting People

Can you tell me what your name is?

I go by the name [name]. | pohm went buhj cheu [name] / chan went buhj cheu [name]

The word “pohm” is used by men to refer to themselves as “I,” while women use the word “chan” for the same purpose.

Are you doing well?

Are you genuinely inquiring about the state of your well-being? This expression is more formal and typically employed when there has been a significant lapse in seeing or interacting with each other.

I am good/not good. | suh-bai gud / not suh-bai.

How are you doing?

If you frequently come across someone, this informal greeting is commonly used. It might pose a challenge for pronunciation due to the abundance of ‘ng’ sounds.

What is your country of origin? | koon mah jahk prah-teht ah-rai

Thai people typically have a natural inclination to inquire about your nationality.

My place of origin is ______. | mah jahk prah-tet ____

Acquire the skill of stating your country of origin.

America: ah-maer-ric-gah
Australia: aw-strae-lee-yah
Canada: cae-nah-dah
Germany: yer-muhn
Russia: ruhs-see-ya
Japan: yee-poon
Korea: gao-lee
China: jeen
Italy: it-dah-lee
Vietnam: wee-eht-nahm

How old are you? | ah-yoo tao-rai

In Thai culture, it is not perceived as nosy when someone asks about your age, so there’s no need to feel hesitant. Thai individuals simply inquire about age to determine seniority and establish a hierarchy, which is a common practice.

Traveling

Where can I find ______? | ______ อยู่ที่ไหน

If you need to find a landmark or a bathroom, this information will be useful. There are several commonly used words to refer to places.

hotel: rohng-raem
airport: suh-nahm-bin
market: dtuh-laht
temple: waht
massage: noo-waht
bus station: kohn-sohng
bathroom: hawng-nahm
restaurant: rahn-ah-hahn
post office: brai-suh-nee
immigration: dtaw maw

Are you equipped with Wifi?

You can find Wifi in nearly every cafe, restaurant, or hotel. It comes at no cost, so feel free to make use of it. Upon asking, the Thai staff member will typically guide you to the Wifi information, which is usually displayed on a menu, attached to a wall, and so on.

Is it possible for you to go to ____? | bai ____ dai mai

During your trip, you’ll likely need to communicate with your taxi, tuk-tuk, or songthaew driver, making this one of the most beneficial Thai phrases to learn.

Proceed forward. / Make a left turn. / Make a right turn. | drohng bai / lee-oh sai / lee-oh kwah

Halt at this point. / Place your vehicle in that location. | yoot tee-nee / jawt tee-nun

Could you please slow down? | cha-cha noy

It is recommended to employ this phrase (in a courteous tone) when addressing tuk-tuk or van drivers who tend to drive at high speeds.

Is it possible for me to go to the bathroom?

Shopping

I desire this. / I desire that. | ao uhn nee / ao uhn nun

Instead of indicating something, make a gesture using your open hand.

What is the price of this? / What is the price of that? | How much is it? / How much is it?

Could you possibly reduce the price?

When you are shopping at Thai markets and walking streets, enjoy the experience of bargaining with this phrase.

The size is insufficient. / The size is excessive.

That is inexpensive. / That is costly. | borrowed / broke

I am fond of it. / I am not fond of it. | chawp / mai chawp

I would prefer not to have a plastic bag. | ไม่เอาถุงพลาสติก

It will be useful. Convenience stores have a notorious reputation for providing plastic bags, even if you purchase just one small item!

Could you please wait for a moment? | baep dee-ao nah

Using this phrase can be quite useful when engaging in haggling with a street vendor or when a server is attentively waiting for your decision, as it allows you to take a moment to make up your mind.

Basic Thai phrases for an emergency

Despite taking every possible precaution and feeling prepared for your trip to Thailand, it is impossible to predict every potential mishap. Even with all the necessary vaccines and mosquito repellent, there is still a chance of encountering an unexpected accident. In the event that such a situation arises, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with these emergency phrases.

Hurts = Jep
Where is the police station? = Sataanii dtamruat yoo tee nai
Where is the hospital? = Rongpayaabaan yoo tee nai
Call an ambulance = Dahm rot pa-ya-bahn
I’m lost = Long tahng
Can you help = Choo-ay dai mai

Thai phrases for a night out

When the sun sets in Thailand, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible nightlife it has to offer, ranging from red-light districts to nightclubs and beyond. Make sure to grab a drink or two and fully immerse yourself in everything this country has to offer during nighttime. To make the most of your night out, here are some useful phrases to keep in mind.