Speaking Thai
Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages, the five tones are monotone, low, falling, high, and rising. This can be a rather complicated language for the visitor; however, English is quite widely understood, particularly in Bangkok and Phuket where it is almost the major commercial language.
Here are a few Thai basic greetings and phrases to try.
| English |
Thai |
| Good morning, Good evening, Good
afternoon, Good night, Hello, Good-bye |
Sa-wat-dee |
| Hello (male speaker) |
sawatdee krup |
| Hello (female speaker) |
sawatdee kaa |
| Yes |
Chai |
| No |
Mai |
| Mr./Miss/Mrs. |
Khun |
| How are you? |
sabai dee reu |
| Fine thanks |
sabai dee |
| Thank you |
kop koon |
| Never mind |
mai pen rai |
| I can't speak Thai |
phoot Thai mai dai |
| I don't understand |
mai kao chai |
| Do you understand? |
kao chai mai |
| May I take a photograph? |
tai ruup dai mai |
| Where is the rest room? |
hong nam yoo tee nai |
| I am going to.. |
Chan-cha-pai.. |
| No, I won't go |
Chan-mai-pai |
| Please drive slowly |
Prot-khap-cha-cha |
| Be careful |
Ra-wang |
| Turn to the right |
Liao-khwa |
| Turn to the left |
Liao-sai |
| Drive straight on |
Khap-trong-pai |
| Slow down |
Cha-cha |
| Stop |
Yut |
| How much does this cost? |
nee tao-rai |
| What is this? |
nee arai |
| Very expensive |
paeng maag |
| Any discount? |
Lot-ra-kha-dai-mai |
| Please wrap it for me. |
Ho-hai-duai |
| The bill please |
gep taang |
| please speak slowly |
Prot-phut-cha-cha |
| Very Good |
Di-mak |
| Not Good |
Mai-Di |
| Good-bye |
la gon |
| See you again |
laew phob gan mai |
| Good luck |
kor hai chok dee |
| Sorry/excuse me |
kor thoad |
|
