Basic Thai Phrases: Know How To Speak Like a Local

Are you planning to visit Thailand anytime soon? Make yourself understood, earn the locals” appreciation, and get big smiles with these basic Thai phrases.

Thailand captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. The true charm of this Southeast Asian paradise lies in its vibrant language. 

The key to a more immersive and memorable experience in the Land of Smiles doesn’t just involve hop-on-hop-off tours around Bangkok or tasting exotic Thai food. It is also about learning how to speak the language.

This guide will provide helpful advice on learning basic Thai phrases to enhance your journey in the country. 

Thai Language and Culture

Learning Thai is more than just knowing the alphabet and basic words and phrases. It helps you connect with people by understanding how language reflects local customs and culture.

In Thai, it’s not just about saying words right. It involves manners and cultural details, like greetings such as “Sawadee” and showing respect with a traditional gesture called “wai.” Each new phrase you learn adds to your understanding of this unique language.

Whether living in Koh Phuket or visiting northern Thailand as a foreigner, learning Thai can open up exciting opportunities. So, get your Thai dictionary and start learning to read, write, and speak Thai like a local.

Common Thai Phrases

Thai Greetings

Thai greetings are excellent starting points for conversations and smooth communication. Below is a list of phrases to practice, along with their meanings and usage in various contexts:

• Sawadee (สวัสดี): This is a very common word, and its pronunciation sounds like “Sa-wa-dee.” It can be used to say “hello” or “goodbye” based on the context. Remember, you can use “Sawadee” no matter what time it is.

• Arun sawad (อรุณสวัสดิ์): It’s actually two words — “arun” means morning and “sawat” translates to greetings. Usually, “Sawadee” suffices, but if you wish to greet in the morning, you could use this phrase for a more specific greeting.
• Yen dee (ยินดี): This phrase translates to “pleased” or “delighted.” It is more commonly used as a response when someone thanks you. You can say “yin dee,” which is equivalent to saying “you’re welcome.” It is used to wish a good evening rarely because, in Thailand, there isn’t a specific expression to wish “Good Evening.”
• Sabai dee reu (สบายดีหรือ): It breaks down to “abai dee,” which means “fine” or “good,” and “reu” is a question word. Hence, it literally means, “Are you good?”. It”s a friendly way to ask, “How are you?”.
• La gon (ลาก่อน): This is used to say goodbye. Remember to use it when ending a conversation or when parting ways.

Thai Numbers

Knowing how to count and ask for prices is crucial when exploring Thailand. It will be handy at restaurants, bustling markets, or bargaining situations. Some essential phrases include:

• Tao rai (เท่าไหร่): “Tao rai” is used when asking for a price. “Tao” means “how much,” and “rai” is a question word that makes the sentence into a question.
• Lot noi dai mai (ลดไหมได้ไหม): A useful phrase when bargaining. “Lot noi” translates to “discount a bit,” “dai” is “can,” and “mai” turns it into a question. Hence, it means, “Can you give a discount/a bit off?”.
• Baht (บาท): Baht is the local currency in Thailand. Knowing this will help not just in markets but also when discussing budgets or costs in any domain.
• An ni tao rai (อันนี้เท่าไหร่): “An ni” means “this” and “tao rai” as discussed earlier, means “how much.” So, when you point at something and want to know the cost, you use this phrase.
• Nueng to sip (หนึ่งถึงสิบ): This phrase allows you to count from one to ten, which are among the most basic numbers to understand. 

Number	Thai Script	Transliteration
1	หนึ่ง	Nueng
2	สอง	Song
3	สาม	Saam
4	สี่	Si
5	ห้า	Haa
6	หก	Hok
7	เจ็ด	Jet
8	แปด	Paet
9	เก้า	Gao
10	สิบ	Sip
11	สิบเอ็ด	Sip et
12	สิบสอง	Sip song
13	สิบสาม	Sip saam
14	สิบสี่	Sip si
15	สิบห้า	Sip haa
16	สิบหก	Sip hok
17	สิบเจ็ด	Sip jet
18	สิบแปด	Sip paet
19	สิบเก้า	Sip gao
20	ยี่สิบ	Yee sip

From 20 and above, the numbers are constructed by the tens place followed by the unit”s place. Please note that “Yee” is used instead of “Song” for twenty (20), but for 21-29, “song” is still used.

For instance, 21 would be “Yee sip song” and 75 would be “Jet sip haa.” You can continue this pattern for any number you want.

Shopping

Embarking on your shopping adventure in Thailand entails not just knowing how to count your money, but also how to get essential information while in a shop or market. 

• Ao khon nee (อยากซื้อของนี้): It can be broken down to “ao” means “want,” “khon nee” means “this thing.” So when you want to buy, point to the item and say this phrase.
• Khoeng tang (เครื่องตัง): The term should come in handy when you need proof of what you have bought, or when you need to return or exchange something. It refers to a receipt.
• Dtee nai ta-laad (ตลาดที่ไหน): “Ta-laad” means “market” and “dtee nai” means “where”. You use this phrase when asking where a market can be found.

Eating and Ordering Food

When you’re a tourist in Thailand, it’s essential to know some common Thai phrases related to eating and ordering food. Here are a few phrases that could make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable.

• La-kha noo (ลาคารานู): It’s Thai for “May I see the menu?”, which allows you to order food at restaurants.
• Nam (น้ำ): It refers to water. Staying hydrated is important, especially considering Thailand”s generally hot climate.
• Aroy (อร่อย): It means “delicious” and can be used to compliment the food you like.
• Check bin (เช็คบิล): It means “check bill.” Use this phrase when you’re ready to leave and need the bill.
• Mai phed (ไม่เผ็ด): “Mai” means “not” and “Phed” means spicy. If you don’t like spicy food, make sure to use this phrase when ordering.

Asking for Assistance/Directions

While navigating through an unfamiliar place like Thailand, knowing how to ask for help or directions in the local language can be extremely helpful. This is especially true when exploring the stunning beaches in Thailand or visiting the majestic temples. 

• Kŏr tôht (ขอโทษ): The word used as both “excuse me” and “I”m sorry.” This polite expression can be used to apologize or to catch someone’s attention.
• Hông nàa tôi sưnya (ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน): “Hong nam” means “toilet,” and “tôi sưnya” means “where is.” Use this phrase when you need to ask for washroom directions.
• Chûuai dûuai (ช่วย!ช่วย!): This phrase is pronounced as “ch-oh saw saw.” It translates to “Help”. It’s a very important phrase and can be used in emergencies.

Common Thai Expressions/Sayings

In Thailand, getting acquainted with everyday expressions and sayings can make your interactions with the locals smoother and more enjoyable. 

• Chai (ชาย) / Ying (หญิง): These words mean “Mister” and “Miss,” respectively, and can be used to address people politely.
• Kun cheu a-rai? (คุณชื่ออะไร): Use this phrase to ask someone, “What is your name?”
• Chok dee (โชคดี): It means “good luck” and can be used to wish someone well before a significant event or challenge.
• Chan rak khun (ฉันรักคุณ): “I love you” in Thai, used to express affection towards someone special.
• ้Sanook (สนุก): This word translates to “fun” and is often used to describe enjoyable activities or events.
• Chai-yo (ไชโย): Equivalent to “cheers,” this expression is used when clinking glasses during a toast or celebration.
• Mai pen rai (ไม่เป็นไร): It means “no problem” or “don’t worry.” This laid-back and friendly phrase embodies the Thai attitude of not stressing over small issues.
• Kha-nom (ขนม): The term for “dessert” in Thai. It’s always good to know, especially when you want to try out the local sweet treats.
• Khob khun (ขอบคุณ): The Thai word for “thank you.” Express your gratitude differently based on your gender: “Khob khun kha” (ขอบคุณครับ) by a female speaker and “Khob khun khrup” (ขอบคุณครับ) by a male speaker.

As you mingle with the locals while traveling to Thailand, these common Thai expressions and sayings will help you build rapport and make your experience more fulfilling.

Frequently Asked Questions – Basic Thai Phrases

Are you planning to jet off to Thailand soon? A bit curious about their language? Let”s address some of your queries!

What Is the Best Thai Greeting?

“Sawadee” (สวัสดี) is your safest bet as a Thai greeting! It rings the bell for both “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s a handy phrase that works round the clock — no need to worry about the time of the day!

How Do You Respond to Sawadee?

Just respond with “Sawadee,” the same phrase. Thai people value conversation, and keeping it friendly is always a win.

How Do You Say “Thank You” in Thai?

Gratitude goes a long way, a friendly “Khob khun” (ขอบคุณ) will light up any Thai local face. Want to sound more feminine? Try “Khob khun kha.” Or, to make it masculine, say “Khob khun krub“. Say it with a smile, and you’re golden.

How Do You Say “What Is This?” in Thai?

Stumbled upon something that piqued your interest? Ask, “A-rai na” (อะไรนะ). It’s a simple yet effective way to quench your curiosity. Remember to keep your tone lighter. The Thais appreciate politeness and a friendly face!

Conclusion – Basic Thai Phrases

While posing challenges to foreign speakers and tourists, the unique and tonal Thai language can be made simple and functional by mastering a few basic Thai phrases. Learning to speak these phrases confidently enables you to navigate your daily activities more smoothly. It allows you to interact with the locals on a deeper level, showing respect towards Thai culture and surely earning their appreciation. 

Improve your experience by preparing yourself with these basic Thai phrases, and get ready to win smiles as you confidently explore and enjoy Thailand.

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