Learn Beginner Thai Phrases with Me: Easy as ๑ ๒ ๓

Paige Kasik-Meng
Apr 6
2 min read

Updated: Apr 20

Are you curious about some important Thai phrases to get around Thailand? Read below!

Hi!สวัสดีค่ะ

I have created the above document to hopefully serve as a handy tool for some of the most basic phrases to know in Thai. Although I would not classify myself as a Thai language expert by any means, I have been studying the language for a couple years and have a general working knowledge.

The Thai language has a lot of differences compared to English, and one of the biggest differences is that Thai is a tonal language. Comprehending and speaking the language requires having a knowledge of the various vocal tones. The tones/inflections are as follows: High, Middle, Low, Rising, and Falling.

This is a very useful guide for ascertaining the differences between tones explained in a way that is useful for English speakers ---> CLICK HERE!

Another interesting difference between the two languages is that the ending polite particle is dependent on whether you want to identify with the feminine "kha" and the masculine "krup". These particles are used at the end of every statement as a way to convey politeness and should be used extremely often. They are not used when asking questions.

For my first Beginner Thai Phrase post, I will be giving a pictionary-esque breakdown for the pronunciation of each word in a way as I see as most helpful as a native English speaker (as always, I am not an expert so I mayyyyy not be 100% correct! But I digress). Feel free to comment below if there is any words or phrases you would like to learn next! If there is something you would like to learn about the Thai language in general, I would be glad to research and get back to you. Thank you so much for reading!

Pronouncing "kha" and "krup"

The ending polite particle, "krup" is often pronounced similar to "cup" in English but with an upward inflection

The ending polite particle, "ka" is often pronounced similar to the word CAW (the sound a bird makes) with a low inflection.

Bird

Pronouncing Hello (Sawad dee)

SAW + WATT (as in a lightbulb) + DEE (The English letter D)

Pronouncing How Are You? (Sabay Dee Mai)

S('UH') + BYE + DEE (The English letter D) + MY

Pronouncing Nice to Meet You! (Yin Dee Tee Dai Ruu Jaak)

YIN (As in Yin/Yang) + DEE (The English letter D) + TEE (The English letter T) + DIE + ROUX (Soup base) + JAK (Like Yak but with a J)

*** As a side note "Yin Dee" is also You're Welcome in Thai! The phrase "Nice to Meet You" roughly translates to the English phrasing "Thank you for the pleasure of knowing you".

Pronouncing Thank You! (Khop Khun)

Khop Khun is very similar to CUP + COON (As in Raccoon)