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How to speak basic Thai during your holiday

Essential phrases that will save your life!

By Aurora GiannaPublished 5 years ago 2 min read

When heading on a holiday to the Land of Smiles also known as Thailand, you might have a bit of a communication issue. This is the reason why this article has compiled some of the most useful phrases which will be a lifesaver! Learning some local lingo will not only make this travelling experience a lot easier but will also help you interact more with the locals and understand their way of life! Here are some phrases that will come to the rescue when Thailand!

Thai phrases you must know!

The basic rule when it comes to the Thai vocabulary will be to end your sentences with 'khrup or krap' for males and 'ka or kap' for females. Wondering why that is? Well these little words add respect and are more polite! Check out the following words that will give you an idea!

YES - Chai (khrup/ka)

MAYBE - Aaj ja (khrup/ka)

NO -Mai (khrup/ka)

EXCUSE ME/SORRY - Khor thoad khrup/ka

THANK YOU- Khop khun (khrup/ka)

I NEED A DOCTOR - Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa khrup/ka

NO WORRIES - Mai pen rai

WHERE IS THE RESTROOM - Hong nam yoo tee nai khrup/ka?

CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?- Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai

HELLO - Sawadee khrup/ka

In a nutshell, these Thai expressions and phrases will cover all the necessary phrases which can help you travel around this country easily. Remember, there are so many other Thai phrases, and it is not simply limited to this. However, knowing the basics will help tremendously! Make sure to book your accommodation in the most happening parts of Thailand. This is where you can bring your conversing skills into play. You can check out a hotel in Asoke the likes of Avani Atrium Bangkok to get around places easily and meet the local Thais!

Greetings in Thai

More than anything else, you will want to know how to greet fellow Thais when in Thailand. The non-negotiables on your list has to be how to say hello, thank you and how are you. Take a look at the following words which will cover all of these.

Hello is ‘Sawasdee khrup/ka‘ in Thai

Goodbye is Sa bai dee mai khrup/ka in Thai

How are you is Sa bai dee mai khrup/ka in Thai

Basic Thai for ordering food and eating

Nothing will be worse the feeling extreme pangs of hunger of tiring excursions, and to order food and find out it scorches your tongue! Although you can order everything that is on the menu, you must remember that Thai food can be quite spicy. So how do you order? How can you order when the waiter does not speak fluent English? How do you avoid spicy food? This is a dilemma that is being faced by numerous tourists in Thailand, not just you! This is why you must learn all the basic phrases for ordering food and eating outside. Check out the following phrases:

Not spicy is Mai phet in Thai

A little spicy is phet nit nawy in Thai

Really spicy is phet mak in Thai

I would like to order is sang aa-haan in Thai

Delicious is Aroy in Thai

Thai phrases for shopping!!!

When you go shopping, you ought to know these phrases that will save you money and time trying to communicate with local Thai vendors

How much does it cost is Ra ka tao rai khrup/ka? in Thai.

Can I have a discount please is Ga ru na lot ra ka hai noi khrup/ka? in Thai.

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