Thai Words and Phrases

Pronunciation Key

The Thai language belongs to one of the oldest families of languages in the world, Austro-Thai. It’s also one of the most difficult for Westerners to master.

Thai is a Difficult Language for Westerners to Master

It uses five different tones, so depending on the tone of a word it may have one of five distinct meanings. Anyone planning on staying in Thailand for any length of time should master Thai phrases before going. The “Learning Thai” section includes the best places for foreigners to study Thai in Bangkok.

There are no standard English phrases, but we list the following everyday words for general guidance. At the end of each phrase it is polite to add “kha” if you are female and “khrap” if you are male.

Useful Words and Phrases

English

Thai

Airport

Sanaam bin

A little

Nit noy

Bathroom (toilet)

Hong nam

Bus station

Sataanee rot

Excuse me

Kaw tawt

General post office

Praisaanee (yai)

Hello/Goodbye

Sawaadee

How are you?

Sabaay dee le kha/khrap

How much

Tow rai

I don’t understand

Mai kow jai

Not feeling well

Mai sabaay

School

Rong rian

Thank you

Kop khun kha/khrap

What is your name?

Khun chu aray

Where are you going?

Pai nai

Counting in Thai

 

English

Thai

English

Thai

one

neung

six

hok

two

song

seven

jet

three

saam

eight

bhaet

four

see

nine

kow

five

hah

ten

sip

 

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