What Are Some Basic Greetings and Words in Thai?<\/h2>\n
Here are seven essential greetings to start you off right. Just remember: if you’re male, end sentences with khrap<\/em> (\u0e04\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a), and if you’re female, use kha<\/em> (\u0e04\u0e48\u0e30) to sound polite.<\/p>\n 1. Hello<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e2a\u0e27\u0e31\u0e2a\u0e14\u0e35<\/em> (sawasdee<\/em>). Male: sawasdee khrap. <\/em>Female: sawasdee kha<\/em><\/p>\n 2. How are you?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e2a\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e14\u0e35\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (sabai dee mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 3. I\u2019m fine, thank you<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e2a\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e14\u0e35 \u0e02\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13<\/em> (sabai dee, khob khun<\/em>)<\/p>\n 4. Nice to meet you<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e22\u0e34\u0e19\u0e14\u0e35\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e23\u0e39\u0e49\u0e08\u0e31\u0e01<\/em> (yin dee tee dai roo jak<\/em>)*<\/p>\n 5. Goodbye<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e25\u0e32\u0e01\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e19<\/em> (laa gon<\/em>) Casual? You\u2019ll often hear \u201cbye bye\u201d too.<\/p>\n 6. Thank you<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e02\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13<\/em> (khob khun<\/em>) Male: khob khun khrap. <\/em>Female: khob khun kha<\/em><\/p>\n 7<\/strong>. <\/em>Excuse me \/ Sorry<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e02\u0e2d\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29<\/em> (khor thot<\/em>)<\/p>\n Whether you’re navigating a market, ordering a meal, or asking for directions, knowing the right Thai phrase makes all the difference. These expressions will help you handle everyday situations smoothly and show locals that you’re making the effort to connect.<\/p>\n 8. How much is this?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\u0e40\u0e17\u0e48\u0e32\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e48<\/em> (an nee tao rai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 9. Can you lower the price?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e25\u0e14\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (lot noy dai mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 10. I\u2019ll take it<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e40\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49<\/em> (ao an nee<\/em>)<\/p>\n 11. Can I try it on?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e25\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e43\u0e2a\u0e48\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (long sai dai mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 12. Too expensive!<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e41\u0e1e\u0e07\u0e44\u0e1b!<\/em> (paeng bpai!<\/em>)<\/p>\n 13. Delicious<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e2d\u0e23\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22<\/em> (aroy<\/em>)<\/p>\n 14. Not spicy<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e1c\u0e47\u0e14<\/em> (mai phet<\/em>)<\/p>\n 15. Check, please<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e40\u0e0a\u0e47\u0e04\u0e1a\u0e34\u0e25<\/em> (check bin<\/em>) or \u0e40\u0e01\u0e47\u0e1a\u0e15\u0e31\u0e07\u0e04\u0e4c<\/em> (kep tang<\/em>)<\/p>\n 16. I\u2019m vegetarian<\/strong> \u2013 Male: phom gin jay. <\/em>Female: chan gin jay 17. Can I see the menu?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e02\u0e2d\u0e14\u0e39\u0e40\u0e21\u0e19\u0e39\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e22<\/em> (khor doo menu noy<\/em>)<\/p>\n 18. Cheers!<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e0a\u0e19!<\/em> (chon!<\/em>)<\/p>\n 19. Do you speak English?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e1e\u0e39\u0e14\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e07\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (pood ang-grit dai mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 20. Where are you from?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e21\u0e32\u0e08\u0e32\u0e01\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e19<\/em> (khun maa jak nai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 21. What\u2019s your name?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e0a\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e2d\u0e30\u0e44\u0e23<\/em> (khun chue arai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 22. Let\u2019s grab some coffee<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e44\u0e1b\u0e14\u0e37\u0e48\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e41\u0e1f\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (bpai deum gaa-fae gan mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 23. You\u2019re beautiful \/ handsome<\/strong> \u2013 Female: \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e2a\u0e27\u0e22\u0e08\u0e31\u0e07<\/em> (khun suay jang<\/em>) . Male: \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e2b\u0e25\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e08\u0e31\u0e07<\/em> (khun lor jang<\/em>)<\/p>\n 24. Can I get your number?<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e02\u0e2d\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e2d\u0e23\u0e4c\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (khor ber dai mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n 25. I like you<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e09\u0e31\u0e19\u0e0a\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13<\/em> (chan chob khun<\/em>)<\/p>\n 26. You have a nice smile<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e22\u0e34\u0e49\u0e21\u0e2a\u0e27\u0e22\u0e19\u0e30<\/em> (khun yim suay na<\/em>)<\/p>\n 27. Let\u2019s hang out sometime<\/strong> \u2013 \u0e44\u0e1b\u0e40\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e22\u0e27\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e44\u0e2b\u0e21<\/em> (bpai thiao gan mai?<\/em>)<\/p>\n Whether you’re negotiating a price, booking a tour, or trying to catch the right bus, knowing how to talk about numbers and time in Thai will make your life way easier. Here’s how to cover the basics.<\/p>\n Thai numbers are short, snappy, and pretty easy to pick up. Master these and you’ll be able to handle prices, addresses, and quantities like a pro.<\/p>\n Tip: To say 22, for example, you just combine them \u2014 yee sip song<\/em> (\u0e22\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e1a\u0e2a\u0e2d\u0e07), which literally means \u201ctwenty-two.\u201d<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re catching a minivan to the islands or meeting a local friend for coffee, this one\u2019s essential.<\/p>\n Try: “phrung nee bpai Chiang Mai”<\/em> \u2013 \u201cTomorrow I\u2019m going to Chiang Mai.\u201d<\/p>\n Thai is full of colourful expressions that sound downright bizarre when translated word for word\u2014but that\u2019s what makes them so fun. These funny Thai phrases reflect the humour of the Thai people, their, attitude, and even a bit of life wisdom. Use them to make locals laugh or just to enjoy the language\u2019s playful side.<\/p>\n Thai people are famously polite, and rudeness\u2014especially from foreigners\u2014tends to stand out. Still, understanding some of the most common rude Thai words can help you avoid accidentally offending someone or recognise when someone\u2019s crossing the line.<\/p>\n \u26a0\ufe0f Heads-up<\/strong>: These Thai phrases are best learned so you know not<\/em> to say them unless you\u2019re very sure of the situation. Use with caution (or not at all)!<\/p>\nWhat Are Some Useful Thai Phrases for Travellers?<\/h2>\n
Thai Phrases for Shopping<\/h3>\n
Thai Phrases for Eating Out<\/h3>\n
\n<\/em><\/p>\nThai Phrases for Socialising<\/h3>\n
Thai Phrases for Flirting<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nHow to Say Numbers, Dates, and Time in Thai<\/h2>\n
Numbers 1\u201310, 100, and 1,000<\/h3>\n
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Days of the Week<\/h3>\n
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Asking for the Time: \u201cWhat Time Is It?\u201d<\/h3>\n
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Saying \u201cToday,\u201d \u201cTomorrow,\u201d and \u201cYesterday\u201d<\/h3>\n
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Thai Phrases for Asking for Help<\/h3>\n
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What Are Some Funny Thai Phrases?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u0e2d\u0e22\u0e48\u0e32\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e01\u0e1a\u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e30\u0e25\u0e32\u0e04\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e1a<\/em> (ya bpen gop nai kala krop<\/em>)
\nMeaning: Don\u2019t be narrow-minded or unaware of the bigger world. It\u2019s the Thai version of \u201cliving under a rock.\u201d<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u0e21\u0e14\u0e01\u0e31\u0e14\u0e2b\u0e31\u0e27\u0e43\u0e08<\/em> (mot gat hua jai<\/em>)
\nMeaning: You\u2019re feeling jealous, usually about love. Imagine the drama of ants swarming your chest\u2014yep, that\u2019s the vibe.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e40\u0e25\u0e35\u0e22\u0e44\u0e1b\u0e41\u0e25\u0e49\u0e27<\/em> (maa lia bpai laew<\/em>)
\nMeaning: Something\u2019s ruined or no longer perfect\u2014like a cake that\u2019s already had a visit from the dog.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u0e25\u0e21\u0e1e\u0e31\u0e14\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1a\u0e49\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e22<\/em> (lom pad gaan-baan haai<\/em>)
\nA playful excuse kids use when they haven\u2019t done their homework. Way more creative than blaming the dog!<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e23\u0e31\u0e01\u0e02\u0e49\u0e32\u0e27\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e35\u0e22\u0e27\u0e21\u0e30\u0e21\u0e48\u0e27\u0e07<\/em> (kwaam rak khao niao ma muang<\/em>)
\nA sweet, made-up phrase that sounds romantic and tasty at the same time. Use it jokingly for couples who are inseparable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWhat Are Some Examples of Rude Thai Words?<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/strong>\u00a0Prefix added before an insult, usually directed at a man. It\u2019s roughly like saying \u201cyou damn…\u201d in English. Not nice.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>\u00a0Feminine version of ai<\/em>, often followed by a nasty word. Really disrespectful when used about a woman.<\/li>\n