Photo: eatingthaifood.com
Living or travelling abroad may be tricky at the best of instances, we are often exterior of our comfort zones particularly in relation to the native language, and that can hinder our experience. One of one of the best methods to get kudos with the Thai people is to study slightly bit of their local lingo. They discover it endearing (and normally amusing) and will assist you to get what you need, get the place you need, and assist you to get the most effective worth too. Here is The Thaiger’s Top Ten Thai Phrases/Words you want to know.
But if you need to go beyond this, you can learn Thai by downloading an app that can allow you to counterpoint your language repertoire every day. So, instead of using one phrase after which switching to English, you can actually strike up a conversation with a local in Thai.
1. Sawadee (krub / kah) – Hello
This is how we say hiya in Thailand, “sawadee krub.“ in case you are male and “sawadee kah“ in case you are female. This is usually spoken along with the standard Thai greeting known as the wai, which consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed collectively in a prayer like style by your face. The greater the palms are held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the extra respect the giver of the wai is displaying. The wai itself has Indian origins and is much like their Namaste.
2. Sabai Dee Ru (krub / kah) – How are you ?
Following on from sawadee, is “sabai dee mai krub / kah“, actually which means “hello, how are you.“ You will hear this phrase all over the place you venture in Phuket. The reply to this usually is “sabai dee khob khun krub / kah“ that means ‘fine thank you’. If you aren’t nice you can say “mai sabai“ meaning not nice.
three. Chai – Yes. Mai – No
These two phrases will allow you to no end when you’re out and about on the streets of Thailand. “chai chai“ is a standard reply right here within the kingdom which means ‘yes yes’, alternately “mai“ when it precedes another word means ‘no’, for example “mai ron“ means it is not scorching.
four. Mai Pen Rai – Never mind/No worries
This is a handy phrase when you are negotiating anything within the markets or with the taxi drivers across the island. It principally means ‘thanks but no thanks’ or ‘it doesn’t matter’ in a pleasant way. If you’re in a bargaining state of affairs that is the seller’s opportunity to return back and offer you a greater worth. Bootleg can select to simply accept or walk away politely saying “mai pen rai“. The next store will little question have precisely what you wished anyway, and you now know where to begin your haggling.
5. Dai – Can & Mai Dai – Cannot
Together with “chai and mai ( sure and no ),“ “dai and mai dai (can and cannot)“ are two words which would possibly be important in Thailand for getting you to places, buying your goodies and maintaining your stomachs full. As previously talked about “mai“ in entrance of any phrase means ‘no’, when spoken with “mai pen rai“ you’ve a full sentence nearly with ‘never thoughts, cannot’.
6. Pood Thai Mai Dai – I cannot converse Thai
Sometimes after we say a couple of phrases the locals become excited and fairly rightly assume we are in a position to speak Thai, so this statement is an effective one to be able to say off the cuff to help with any state of affairs. This can be adopted with “kow jai mai“ (do you understand) or “mai kow jai“ (I do not understand), once again nearly an entire sentence in Thai.
7. Nee Tao Rai – How much? Pang – Expensive. Took – Cheap
When residing in Phuket and of course visiting our lovely island, negotiating for anything and every little thing is all part of the enjoyable and becomes nearly like a sport. If you’re feeling like being courageous you would say “lot noi dai mai“ (can you give somewhat discount). Remember though that most of the locals live on or close to the poverty line and what may be a couple of dollars to you is a lot of money to them.
8. Naam – Water
Keeping up your fluids while walking the streets of Phuket or hanging out on the beach is essential. Lack of hydration is among the greatest threats to vacationers, particularly the mix of humidity and warmth together. Asking for “naam“ on the facet of the road or in restaurants is a super essential phrase to keep you in your recreation. Adding “ron“ (hot) or “yen“ (cold) to “naam“ will allow you to get precisely what you need.
9. Hong Naam – Toilet
Asking for the bathroom in any vacation spot and nation is a superb phrase to know. “Hong“ (room) and “naam“ (water) literally translated is ‘water room’. Adding “hong naam yu ti nai“ is ‘where is the toilet?’, nonetheless just “hong naam“ while looking desperate will do just fantastic.
10. Chok Dee (krub / kah) – Good Luck
This is a phrase we hear a lot in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is a superb way to want anybody one of the best of luck. It can also be used in social conditions when sharing beverages together, like in Western countries once we say ‘cheers’, Thais say “chok dee“.
Bonus phrases…
Mai Phet – ‘Not Spicy’. When you know it’s going to be too spicy.
Aroi maak – ‘Very tasty’. When you need to compliment the chef.
Chun mai ruk ter – ‘I don’t love you’. For emergencies.
Sanam Bin yu ti nai – ‘Where is the airport?’. Dire emergencies..