If you are visiting Thailand, learning a few Thai words will help you connect with people, show respect, and have a smoother experience. Even a small effort gets big smiles from locals.
Thai is a tonal language. That means the same word said with a different pitch can mean something completely different. But don’t worry. You do not need to be perfect. Just try your best and speak clearly.
This guide gives you the essential Thai words and phrases to help you get around, eat well, and be polite.
Politeness Words
Thai people use polite particles at the end of sentences.
- khrap (for men)
- kha (for women)
Examples:
- khop khun khrap – thank you (male speaker)
- chai kha – yes (female speaker)
Use these at the end of sentences when speaking to strangers to show respect.
Basic Greetings
| English | Thai (Phonetic) |
|---|---|
| Hello | sa-wat-dee |
| How are you? | sa-baai-dee mai? |
| I’m fine | sa-baai-dee |
| Thank you | khop khun |
| Yes | chai |
| No | mai chai |
| Goodbye | laa gon |
| See you later | juh gan |
Thai people often just say “sa-wat-dee” to say both hello and goodbye.
Eating and Drinking
| English | Thai (Phonetic) |
|---|---|
| I’m hungry | hew khaao |
| I’m thirsty | hew naam |
| Not spicy | mai phet |
| A little spicy | phet nit noi |
| Very delicious | a-roi maak |
| Water | naam |
| Rice | khaao |
| Chicken | gai |
| Pork | moo |
| Seafood | ahaan talay |
| Bill please | gep ngern duay |
Tip: If you want no spice at all, say mai ao phet (I don’t want spicy).
Getting Around
| English | Thai (Phonetic) |
|---|---|
| Where is…? | … yoo tee nai? |
| Turn left | leo sai |
| Turn right | leo kwaa |
| Go straight | trong bpai |
| Stop here | jot tee nee |
| How far? | glai mai? |
| I want to go to… | yaak bpai … |
Tip: Show the address in Thai script on your phone to the driver if possible.
Useful Words and Concepts
| English | Thai (Phonetic) |
|---|---|
| I don’t understand | mai kao jai |
| Do you understand? | kao jai mai? |
| Can you speak slowly? | poot chaa chaa dai mai |
| I don’t speak Thai | poot Thai mai dai |
| Excuse me / Sorry | kor toht |
Thai Numbers You Should Know
If you can count from 1 to 10, you can understand most prices, room numbers, and transport fares in Thailand.
| Number | Thai (Phonetic) | Number | Thai (Phonetic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | soon | 11 | sip et |
| 1 | neung | 12 | sip song |
| 2 | song | 20 | yee sip |
| 3 | sam | 21 | yee sip et |
| 4 | see | 30 | sam sip |
| 5 | ha | 40 | see sip |
| 6 | hok | 50 | ha sip |
| 7 | jed | 60 | hok sip |
| 8 | bpaet | 70 | jed sip |
| 9 | gao | 80 | bpaet sip |
| 10 | sip | 100 | neung roi |
Related Negotiating Phrases
- rao tao rai? – How much is this?
- paeng maak – That’s too expensive
- lot noi dai mai? – Can you lower it a little?
- yee sip baht – 20 baht
- neung roi baht – 100 baht
Cultural Tips
- Smile often. Thai people respond well to friendliness.
- Use wai (pressing your hands together) when greeting someone respectfully.
- Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper in public.
- Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
- Don’t touch people’s heads, even children.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to speak perfect Thai to enjoy Thailand. Even a few simple words will make your trip better. Try to remember:
- sa-wat-dee – hello
- khop khun – thank you
- a-roi – delicious
- mai phet – not spicy
- gep ngern duay – bill please
Practice saying the words out loud. Thai people will appreciate your effort.
What are your tips to learn a language quickly? Let us know in the comments below