Learn Basic Thai Before You Travel to Thailand

Before you travel to Thailand, it is a smart idea to learn some basic Thai words and phrases. (Even if you are not going to Thailand any time soon, wouldn't it be cool to know how to say a few phrases in a foreign language?) Most people in Thailand don't speak much English, except in Bangkok and some big cities. By knowing how to say some simple Thai phrases, you can make friends with the local people, make your trip easier without having to depend on an interpreter and perhaps help yourself bargain for stuff more successfully.

Before we jump into the lessons, I would like you to keep these few things in mind:

Learning a foreign language is never easy. Having lived in California for several years, I'm still struggling with English sometimes. Even when I say something that is grammatically correct, sometimes people still don't understand me because of my accent! If Thai people seem to be confused about what you say, don't be discouraged. Just try to speak more slowly and they will get it eventually.

If you try to speak Thai to Thai people and they laugh, please don't be offended. Thais love to laugh. They are just laughing with you, not at you. In fact, we really admire foreigners who try to speak our language. In Thai culture, most of the time laughing is a way to show admiration, not disrespect.

If you would like to learn the Thai language or any language more broadly and deeply, a fun and great way to do that is learning through humor. That's what my high school professor said. Professor Wharton is an American who has lived in Thailand for more than twenty years and can speak fluent Thai. He said he learned Thai by acquainting himself with Thai humor. So I took his advice to heart and spent my first year in America watching a lot of Seinfeld and Friends. It helped me improve my spoken English a lot. This method of learning language is much more enjoyable and effective than learning from a textbook.

Hello = Sawaddee

The word "sawaddee" is like "Ciao" in Italian. We use it to say both hello and goodbye.

How are you? = Sabai dee mai

I'm fine. = Sabai dee

I'm not feeling well. = Chan mai sabai

Thank you = Kob kun ("u" in "kun" is pronounced "oo" as in "foot")

I'm sorry. = Kaw tode

Never mind./You're welcome. = Mai pen rai

My name is.... = Chan cheu...

What's your name? = Kun cheu arai

Nice to meet you. = Yin dee tee dai rue juk

Yes = Chai

No = Mai chai

If you want to sound extra polite, you can do that by adding a modifier at the end of each phrase or sentence. If you are a man, say "krub". And if you are a woman, say "Ka". For example, to say hello in a very polite way, a male speaker can say "Sawaddee krub" and a female speaker can say "Sawaddee ka".

How much is this? = Nee tow rai

How much is that? = Nan tow rai

Can you lower the price? = Lod raka dai mai (Whenever you say this, it's a very good idea to also say "krub" or "ka".)

Do you have a bigger one? = Mee tua yai kwa nee mai

Do you have a smaller one? = Mee tua lek kwa nee mai

It's a bit too expensive. = Pang pai noy

I really like it. = Chob maak

I like....= Chan chob...

I don't like...= Chan mai chob...

I'm having fun. = Sanook mak

I'm hot. = Chan ron

I'm cold. = Chan now

I'm hungry. = Chan hew

I'm full. = Chan im

I want to eat...= Chan yak gin... ("g" in the word "gin" here is pronounced "g" as in "gain", not "j" as in "jeans")

I want to go to...= Chan yak pai...

I've got a headache. = Chan puad hua

I've got a stomachache. = Chan puad tong

I like Thailand. = Chan chob muang thai

I like Thai people. = Chan chob kon thai

I don't want to go back home. = Chan mai yak klub baan

You are very beautiful. = Kun suay mak

I really like you. = Chan chob kun jing jing

Do you want to go out with me? = Kun yak pai tiaw kub chan mai

Do you want to go see a movie with me? = Kun yak pai du nang kub chan mai

I enjoy talking to you. = Chan chob kui kub kun

I want to know you better. = Chan yak rue jak kun mak kwa nee

I love you! = Chan rak kun

Where is the restroom? = Hong nam yu nai

I must go to a hospital! = Chan tong pai rong payaban

I lost my wallet. = krapao satang chan hai

I'm lost. = Chan long taang

Where am I? = Chan yu tee nai OR Tee nee tee nai

Can anyone here speak English? = Mee krai pood pasa angkrit dai mai

I need to go to...= Chan tong pai....

It's so hot! I'm going crazy! = Ron jah pen baa (Hopefully, you won't have to say this.)

Help me! = Chuay duay (Hopefully, you won't have to say this, either.)

Have a wonderful trip! If you want to know how to say anything else in Thai, feel free to ask me. If it's not too rude or nonsensical, I will answer.