Whenever you go to a foreign country, learning at least a couple of basic phrases in the local language is necessary to make your stay easier. So, if you’re preparing to visit Phuket soon, you should learn a few basic Thai to help your vacation become fun and immersive. 

Many people speak English in high-volume tourist destinations in Thailand, including Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok. However, the chances of facing language barriers are still high, hindering you from communicating clearly with the locals. Learning some common local phrases will help you navigate practical situations, communicate better, avoid misunderstandings, or even allow you to make a local friend during your stay!

Gender-Specific Particles

Before we get into the nitty gritty of common Thai phrases and words, the first thing to remember is that men and women end their sentences differently. Men use “khrup” or “krap,” while women use “ka” or “kap.”

On top of indicating gender, these particles are also used to exhibit politeness. 

“Khrup” is pronounced like /kroop/ with a rising tone, while “Krap” is pronounced as /krahp/ with a falling tone. 

Meanwhile, “Ka” is pronounced as /kah/ with a rising tone, and “Kap” is pronounced as /kahp/ with a falling tone.

Everyday Basic Thai Phrases

It’s also worth noting that tonal languages like Thai differ from universal English. Tonal languages use pitch patterns, which can convey different messages depending on different tones, meaning the same syllables with different pitches can mean something else entirely. Unlike in English, pitch variations indicate emotions and emphasis but don’t affect the word’s meaning. With these in mind, here are common Thai phrases and guidelines on their pronunciation

Thai Phrase In English Pronunciation Guide
Sawadee (Khrup or Ka) Hi / Hello
  • /Sa/ is similar to the English word “saw” but has a shorter /a/ sound.
  • /Wa/ is pronounced like the /wa/ in “wallet”
  • /Dee/ is similar to the /dee/ in the English word “deer” but with a shorter /e/ sound.
Chai (Khrup or Ka) Yes
  • Pronounced as /ch-ai/ with a low tone in /ch/, followed by a rising tone in /ai/
Mai (Khrup or Ka) No
  • Pronounced as /mai/ with a flat tone, with /ai/ spoken like the /ai/ in “Thai”
Aaj ja (Khrup or Ka) Maybe
  • “Aaj” is pronounced /ah-jai/ with a rising tone on /ah/ and a falling tone on /jai/
  • “Ja” is pronounced /jah/ with a neutral or mid-level tone.
  • The letter “j” in both words sounds like the /j/ in the English word “jar”.
Khop khun (Khrup or Ka) Thank you
  • “Khop” is pronounced like /khawp/ with the /aw/ sound similar to the one in “law”. This is spoken with a low tone in the beginning but has a rising tone in “p”.
  • Next, the /un/ in “khun” sounds like the /un/ in “sun” and has a middle tone.
  • The “kh” sounds in both words are similar to the “k” sound in “ka” or “kap”.
Khor thoad (Khrup or Ka) Sorry / Excuse me
  • Pronounced as /kaw toht/, the first word is said with a rising tone, while the latter must be said in a low tone.
  • The /k/ sound in “khor” is pronounced shortly and softly.
Hong nam yoo tee nai (Khrup or Ka)? Where is the restroom?
  • “Hong nam,” which means “restroom,” is pronounced as /hawng/ with a mid-level tone on /haw/ and a low tone on /ng/. On the other hand, “nam” is spoken like /nahm/ with a mid-level tone all throughout.
  • “Yoo” sounds like /you/ in English but has a lower tone.
  • “Tee”, spoken with a mid-level tone, is similar to the English word “tea”, but just without the final /a/ sound.
  • Finally, “Nai” is pronounced as /nah-ee/, with /nah/ having a mid-level tone and a rising tone in the last syllable, /ee/.
Mai pen rai No worries
  • The pronunciation of “no worries” or “no problem” in Thai is pretty straightforward. “Mai” is pronounced as /mai/ with a falling tone, and the /ai/sounds like the /ai/ in “Thai.”
  • “Pen” is pronounced as /pen/, similar to the English word but with a mid-level tone.
  • Lastly, “Rai” is pronounced with a mid-level tone.

There are also very essential Thai phrases that you should know in case you are met with an emergency or you’ve run out of Thai phrases you learned off the top of your head. As non-native Thai speakers, you will always resort to your first language to communicate, and if you’re lucky enough, there will be people close by that will understand you. Here are some phrases you can use in case of urgent matters.

Thai Phrase In English Pronunciation
Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai (Khrup or Ka)? Can you speak English?
  • “Kun” is pronounced as /koon/, with a low tone on /koo/ and a rising tone on /n/.
  • “Pood” is pronounced with a mid-level tone on /poo/ and a falling tone on /d/.
  • “Paasaa” is pronounced as /paa-saa/ with a high tone on /paa/ and a mid-level tone on /saa/.
  • “Anggrit” is pronounced as /ahng-greet/ with a low tone on /ahng/ and a high tone on /greet/.
  • “Dai” is pronounced as /dai/ with a mid-level tone.
  • Finally, “Mai” is pronounced as /mai/ with a falling tone.
Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa (Khrup or Ka)? I need a doctor.
  • Pronounced as /pawm dohng gaan hai maw maa raak sa/, each word can differ depending on the specific tones per syllable.
  • “Phom” is pronounced as /pawm/ with the /aw/ sounding similar to the /aw/ in “saw”. It’s spoken with a low tone on /p/.
  • “Dong” is pronounced as /dohng/ with a low tone.
  • “Gaan” is pronounced with a mid-level tone and with “aan” sounding like the /ahn/.
  • “Hai” is pronounced as /hai/ with a mid-level tone.
  • “Mor” is pronounced as /maw/ with a low tone on /maw/ and a rising tone on /r/
  • “Maa”, “Raak”, and “Sa” are all spoken in mid-level tones.

Takeaway

Making an effort to learn and remember a little bit of Thai will surely have a positive impact on your visit to Phuket. Your pronunciation doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you demonstrate a respectful way of engaging with the local culture and people through their language.

Nonetheless, learning these Thai phrases will surely add to the meaningful experiences that await you in Thailand. You might even make a few tourist and hospitality workers happy when you attempt to speak to them in their language; some may even be happy to give tips on your pronunciation.

Related Reading: When is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?

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Featured Image: Bao Menglong via Unsplash