Following on from lesson one where I listed phrases useful when out and about shopping, at restaurants or hotels, etc, I have put together some more phrases on directions and places below.

Remember to put “Khrup” (sometimes sounds more like “cup”) for a man and “ka” (sounds like “kar”) for a lady at the end of your sentences. So for example, “Khun ja pai nai khrup” (where are you going).

Note that Thai people very often shorten sentences, rarely saying all the words. For example, “Khun ja pai nai khrup” (where are you going) becomes “Pai nai krup”. As a foreigner it is better that you get used to forming the whole sentence first and understanding the full meaning; then once your pronounciation gets better you can start shortening sentences like Thai people do.

It is also worth noting that Thai people will often put “na” in front of khrup and ka. So to use the example above, Khun ja pai nai na khrup – where are you going. “Na” just forms a sweeter/nicer way of speaking. However, you don’t need to worry about that at this stage, but I thought you should be aware of this because you will hear it used often.

Directions In Thai:

1. I want to go – yaak ja pai……(krap/ka)
2. Where is – yuu tee nai……(krap/ka)
3. Turn left – leeo sai (krap/ka)
4. Turn right – leeo kwaa (krap/ka)
5. Straight ahead – trong pai (krap/ka)
6. Stop here – yuut tee nee (khrup/ka)
7. Slow down – cha cha (krap/ka)
8. Be careful – ra wang (krap/ka)

Places In Thai:

1. Airport – sanam bin
2. Bus station – sa-tanee rot mai
3. Railway station – sa-tanee rot fai
4. Police station – sa-tanee tum road
5. Hotel – rong raem
6. Embassy – san tantood
7. Hospital – rong-payabann
8. Post office - prai-sanee
9. Market – talaad

As one my regular readers (Ken) pointed out in the comments section of Thai Talk lesson 1, there are tones in the Thai language that form the meaning of a word, separating it from other similar sounding words. There are 5 tones to learn, but i won’t go any further on this subject in this post because it will only confuse you at this stage. The best advice I can give you is to go out and start practicing the phrases and words in both of the lessons I have given so far, and no doubt Thai people will be happy to help you perfect the tone and sound of the phrase/word you are trying to say. In addition to this check out ThaiPod101 for some home-based and on the go learning audio/videos.

If you want to quickly hike your ability to chat everyday Thai lingo then check out 199 Everyday Thai Phrases for a full armoury of essential chitchat.