Basics in Thai - The Encyclopedia of Turbulent Times

phrases for greetings

Basic Thai greetings are hands down the most important of phrases visitors will want to memorise before journeying to the Land of Smiles. Speaking of smiles, those who can say these words are almost guaranteed to receive a smile in return to everyone they greet with them. The small effort it takes from travellers to memorise basic greetings goes a long way in the eyes of the locals in Thailand. Here are some of the most basic of phrases worth remembering.

Hello = Sawatdii
How are you? = Sabaaidii mai?
I’m fine = Sabaaidii
I’m not well = Mai sabaii
I come from (America) = Pom/Chan maa jaak (ameerigaa)
What country are you from? = Kun maa jaak bprateet arai?
Thank you = Khop kun
Sorry = Khot hort
No problem = Mai bpenrai
Goodbye = Bai
Can you speak English? = Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai
What is your name? = Kun chuu arai?
My name is __ = Pŏm / Chán chuu __.

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Basic Thai words for questions

Conversing in Thai is confusing. The public transportation in Thailand is complicated. Thai menus are befuddling. Regardless of what it is that has you puzzled, you are going to need to know a few question words to clarify, well, everything.

Where? = Tiinai?
What? = Arai?
When? = Muarai?
How? = Yangngai?
Why? = Tum mai?

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Basic Thai phrases for addressing people

How you address people in Thailand is very important. People are addressed differently based on things like age and social rank. Addressing someone using the incorrect term can be oftentimes considered disrespectful. For example, addressing someone older than you with a title that is used for someone younger than you can be considered offensive to some. Here are the basic titles worth remembering so that this does not happen.

I (female) = Chán
I (male) = Pŏm
You = Kun
He/She/They = Kao
Female/Male (junior) = Nong
Female/Male (senior) = Pee

Basic Thai phrases for directions (taxis, buses, airport, etc.)

From Bangkok, the most congested city in the world, to island hopping in the south of Thailand, visitors are going to be utilising more than a handful of forms of public transportation. Here, some helpful phrases to get you from point A to point B.

Speak slowly = Puut chaa chaa noi
Do you use the meter? = Chai meter mai (Be sure taxi drivers use the meter in Bangkok!)
Nearby = Glai glai
Go straight = Dtrong bpai
Go left = Leo saai
Go right = Leo kwaa
Stop = Yut
Go to the airport = Bpai sanam bin
Station = Sataanii
Bus stop = Bpaai rot mee
Bus = Rot mee
Skytrain = Rodfai faa
Subway = Rodfai dtaaidin
Airplane = Kruang bin
Minibus = Rot dtuu
Car = Rot
Bicycle = Jakgrayaan
Motorcycle = Moodteesai
Boat = Rua

Basic Thai phrases for shopping

Thailand is home to an abundance of souvenirs worth stowing away in your carry-on for the long flight home. From night markets to luxury malls in the capital, knowing a few words in regards to shopping will prove to be more than a little bit helpful. Also, bartering is a must at stalls and vendors. Some Thai words will help shoppers get a better price. Here, the most useful ones to keep in your back pocket until arriving in the Kingdom.

How much? = Taorai
Very expensive = Paang mak
Can you reduce the price? = Lod noi dai mai
I want this one = Ao annii

Basic Thai numbers

Knowing a handful of numbers will better one’s chances of getting a better price on something. Those who can tell a merchant how much they want something to be will oftentimes get that price. Here, the basic numbers you should know in order to save some baht.

1 = Nung
2 = Song
3 = Sam
4 = See
5 = Haa
6 = Hok
7 = Jet
8 = Bpeet
9 = Gaao
10 = Sip
20 = Yii sip
21 = Yii sip et
22 = Yee sip song
30 = Sam sip
40 = See sip
50 = Haa sip
60 = Hok sip
70 = Jet sip
80 = Bpeet sip
90 = Gaao sip
100 = Nung rooi
500 = Haa rooi
1,000 = Nung pan

Basic Thai phrases for restaurants or cafes

Bangkok’s caffeine scene is becoming more popular and thriving every day. From pet cafes to speciality coffee shops, visitors are going to want to try a cup of joe or two while travelling Thailand. Do not even get us started on Thai cuisine, either. As one of the most popular foodie destinations in the world, knowing these words while dining is a must. From street-side eats to the more luxurious of dining options in the capital, check out the most helpful phrases to utilise while chowing down in the Kingdom.

Restaurant = Raan aahaan
Café = Raan gaafee
Excuse me = koortoot
Bathroom = Hongnaam
What is this? = Annii arai
Hungry = Hiu
May I have the menu = Aow meenuu noi
Vegetarian = Mawng sa vee rat
Vegan = Gin jay
Water = Naam
Beer = Beer (easy, right?)
Chicken = Gai
Rice = Kaao
Cold = Yen
Hot = Rone
No ice = Mai aow nam khang
No sugar = Mai aow nam tan
1 more please = Khor iik nung
I like spicy = Chan/Pom chawp pet
Not spicy = Mai pet

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Basic Thai phrases for an emergency

You take every precaution you could possibly fathom and are ready for your trip to Thailand. There is seemingly nothing that could happen that could derail your trip. All the vaccines and mosquito repellent in the world, however, cannot determine whether an accident may arise. In case one does, here are some phrases that will help during an emergency.

Hurts = Jep
Where is the police station? = Sataanii dtamruat yoo tee nai
Where is the hospital? = Rongpayaabaan yoo tee nai
Call an ambulance = Dahm rot pa-ya-bahn
I’m lost = Long tahng
Can you help = Choo-ay dai mai

Thai phrases for a night out

Thailand is home to some pretty epic nightlfe. From red light districts to nightclubs and more, you are going to want to enjoy a drink (or two) and experience all the country has to offer after the sun goes down. Here are some fun phrases that will come in handy on a night out.

Single = Bpen soht
Would you like a drink = Ja deum arai mai
I’m drunk = Mow
Cheers = Chon gâew