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 where it is almost the major commercial language.

Here are a few basic Thai greetings and phrases to try.

English Thai

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