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You are here: Home / Learn Thai - Fast / Thai Talk – Thai For Beginners Lesson 1

Thai Talk – Thai For Beginners Lesson 1

My previous Thai talk post on dating and Thai love phrases proved pretty popular, so I thought I would create a useful set of “Thai for beginners” phrases that will be useful for travelers and those just starting to learn.

As usual, I've written the phonetic English translation and given you the Thai script.  The entire lesson is also in video format at the bottom of the page.

It is a good idea to bookmark this page for your next holiday. That way you can call it up in the browser of your phone when out and about. You can also print it out if you like.

I hope you find this useful, and If there is a particular phrase or question you would like to know how to say, please feel free to hit me up in the comments section and I will reply with the correct translation:

thai phrases

Thai Talk – 25 Essential Thai Phrases For Beginners

Before we begin, please note that you will see khrup/ka written after each sentence. These are politeness particles placed at the end of a sentence.

“Khrup”, sometimes written as krup, is spoken by a male speaker, and “ka” by a female speaker.  Please choose the appropriate one for your gender.

For a more detailed explanation please see my krup/ka post here.

1. Hello

Sawadee khrup/ka: สวัสดี – ครับ / ค่ะ

2. How are you?

Sa bai dee mai khrup/ka: สบายดีไหม – ครับ / ค่ะ

3. Fine, thank you

Sa bai dee khrup/ka: สบายดี – ครับ / ค่ะ

4. Thank you

khop khun khrup/ka: ขอบคุณ  – ครับ / ค่ะ

5. Yes

Chai khrup/ka: ใช่ – ครับ / ค่ะ

6. No

Mai khrup/ka: ไม่ – ครับ / ค่ะ

7. Maybe

Aa ja khrup/ka: อาจจะ – ครับ / ค่ะ

8. Never mind/it's okay/no problem

Mai ben rai khrup/ka: ไม่เป็นไร – ครับ / ค่ะ

9. I cannot speak Thai

Phom/chan phut phasa Thai mai dai khrup/ka: ผมฉันพูดภาษาไทยไม่ได้ – ครับ / ค่ะ

10. Please speak slowly

Ga-ru-na phut cha cha khrup/ka: กรุณาพูดช้าๆ– ครับ / ค่ะ

11. I don't understand

Phom/chan mai kao jai khrup/ka: ผมฉันไม่เข้าใจ – ครับ / ค่ะ

12. Where is the rest room?

Hong nam yu tee nai khrup/ka?: ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน – ครับ / ค่ะ

13. How much does this cost?

Ra ka tao rai khrup/ka?: ราคาเท่าไหร่ – ครับ / ค่ะ

14. Can you give me a discount please?

Ga ru na lot rakha hai noi dai mai khrup/ka?: กรุณาลดราคาให้หน่อยได้ไหม- ครับ / ค่ะ

15. What is this?

Nee ku arai khrup/ka:  นี่คืออะไร – ครับ / ค่ะ

16. That’s expensive!

Paeng mak khrup/ka! –  แพงมาก – ครับ / ค่ะ

17. Can I have the bill please

Ga-ru-na gep dang duay khrup/ka – กรุณาเก็บตังค์ด้วย – ครับ / ค่ะ

18. Goodbye

By gon khrup/ka: ไปก่อน ครับ / ค่ะ

See you later/ bye! – Leow jer gan na khrup/ka: แล้วเจอกันนะ – ครับ / ค่ะ

19. Good luck!

Khor hai khun chock dee khrup/ka: ขอให้คุณโชคดี – ครับ / ค่ะ

You can leave out the “khor hai khun” and just say “chock dee khrup/ka” if you like. โชคดี – ครับ / ค่ะ

20. Sorry/excuse me

Khor thoad khrup/ka:   ขอโทษ – ครับ / ค่ะ

21. I need a doctor 

Phom dong gan pop khun mor khrup/ka: ผมต้องการพบคุณหมอ – ครับ / ค่ะ

22. Wait a moment please

Ror sak cruu khrup/ka: รอสักครู่  – ครับ / ค่ะ

23. I will come back in 5 minutes

Phom ja glap maa pai nai haa nathi khrup/ka: เดี๋ยวผมจะกลับมาภายในห้านาที – ครับ / ค่ะ
            
24. Do you like football?

Khun chorp futbol mai khrup/ka?:   คุณชอบฟุตบอลไหม – ครับ / ค่ะ

25. Which team do you support?

Khun chorp fai nai khrup/ka: คุณชอบฝ่ายไหน – ครับ / ค่ะ

Update: I should have included this additional question too:

26. Nice to meet you 

Yin dee thi dai roojak: ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก – ครับ / ค่ะ

Helpful Notes

Please note that the phonetic translations don't have the tone marks required for a completely accurate pronunciation.

However, if once you start using the phrases out and about, Thai people will happily help you with the correct tones. Practice makes perfect, and the only way to get better is to converse with native speakers.

If you want to learn Thai at home or enhance your school lessons, I highly recommend the Thaipod101 online course. I have combined this online course with my school learning and it has worked well for me.

I find it gives me a lift between classes and doesn't allow me to solely rely on the two lessons a week. It also gives me some diversity away from the generic learning structure of the school syllabus.

You can register a free basic account here and start learning now.

Anyway, it's time to move onto lesson 2 – to further expand your vocabulary!

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Last Updated on February 15, 2022

  • Thai Talk – Thai For Beginners Lesson 3
    Thai Talk – Thai For Beginners Lesson 3
  • 15 Thai Love Phrases You Can Learn in 3 Minutes
    15 Thai Love Phrases You Can Learn in 3 Minutes
  • Thai Talk - Thai For Beginners Lesson 2
    Thai Talk - Thai For Beginners Lesson 2

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Reyna B. Barona says

    April 6, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    Hi Peter good day! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I truly appreciate it. I hope I could learn more of the language and hoping I could also use it in the future. I dream that one day I will have the chance to visit Thailand to learn the culture and others =) I'm truly grateful for you sir.
    Reply

    Apr 06, 2022 at 3:38 pm

  2. lorraine says

    September 5, 2021 at 11:05 am

    its hard for me because iam a beginner
    Reply

    Sep 05, 2021 at 11:05 am

  3. Douglas says

    June 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Hi Peter, I just wanted you to know that I signed up for Thai Lessons on Fiverr, thanks for the recommendation!
    Reply

    Jun 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 14, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      Great stuff! Let me know how it goes.
      Reply

      Jun 14, 2021 at 4:47 pm

  4. @k_nn says

    February 9, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    i learned khop khun :)
    Reply

    Feb 09, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      February 10, 2021 at 1:49 am

      Nice one. Keep Going!
      Reply

      Feb 10, 2021 at 1:49 am

  5. Anna says

    December 21, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Thankyou i learned.. very well..
    as a learner 💜😊.
    Reply

    Dec 21, 2020 at 6:58 pm

  6. KC says

    October 6, 2020 at 9:09 pm

    Goodevening,
    Nice feature...To impress my girlfriend
    But....do we say "swadeeka" and get answered by "swadeekap" ?
    Do we say "khop khun ka" or "khon khup kap" ?
    Thanks for claryfying
    Karl
    Reply

    Oct 06, 2020 at 9:09 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 6, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      You would say Sawadee Kup (krup) and she would say Sawadee Ka. Everything is "kup" for a man and "ka" for a woman.
      Reply

      Oct 06, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      • Jamie watt says

        April 30, 2022 at 6:04 am

        That's guys for feed backs it helped mebtoonthanks
        Reply

        Apr 30, 2022 at 6:04 am

      • Rick says

        September 22, 2022 at 7:02 pm

        So every time you say something in Thai you must follow with the appropriate gender ending?
        Reply

        Sep 22, 2022 at 7:02 pm

        • TheThailandLife says

          September 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm

          It is polite to do so at the end of saying something. Please see here: https://www.thethailandlife.com/krap-ka
          Reply

          Sep 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm

  7. Shalini Gangwar says

    July 21, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    How to write my name in thai.
    My name is shalini Gangwar.
    Reply

    Jul 21, 2020 at 3:30 pm

  8. Noa says

    June 19, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    Hey, your article so great, if you have more lessons please do let me know :D
    thank you
    Reply

    Jun 19, 2020 at 3:36 pm

  9. Camila says

    May 11, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    Hello! Why they use so much the word khrup?
    Reply

    May 11, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 11, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      Krup (khrup) for a man, and Ka for a woman. It adds politeness to a sentence. If you are having a long conversation, you don't need to use it on every sentence and instead can throw it in occasionally.
      Reply

      May 11, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      • Camila da Silva de Andrade says

        May 11, 2020 at 11:46 pm

        Thanks !!!!
        Reply

        May 11, 2020 at 11:46 pm

  10. Son Vu says

    March 9, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    Why did you put a Vietnamese girl picture in a Thai language lesson ? Haha
    Reply

    Mar 09, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      March 9, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      Because she is learning Thai :). It was just the only free image I could access at the time. I'm going to replace it. I'll put it on my to-do list. Thanks for reminding me.
      Reply

      Mar 09, 2020 at 4:52 pm

  11. Bernaida ahajan says

    February 25, 2020 at 9:31 pm

    This a nice language, and I'm willing to learn how to speak a thailand language, because I like it country of Thailand.
    Reply

    Feb 25, 2020 at 9:31 pm

  12. Manoher says

    January 30, 2020 at 2:47 am

    How to write my name in thai language
    My name is manoher
    Reply

    Jan 30, 2020 at 2:47 am

  13. Stephen says

    January 17, 2020 at 11:51 pm

    I lived there for five years and remember after three years I spoke Thai really well but not pefect. It's hard to believe how different you are treated when you can hold a good conversation with a Thai.
    Reply

    Jan 17, 2020 at 11:51 pm

  14. Mel Rose Zonio says

    February 8, 2019 at 8:22 am

    I want to learn a Thailand language,
    Reply

    Feb 08, 2019 at 8:22 am

  15. Lavern says

    April 16, 2018 at 8:25 am

    I recently started to date a Thai lady(she is 53) here in the USA
    and she is frequently asking me for money so she can pay bills($3300) for her mother(she is 88) and for her daughter(she is 24) and who live in Thailand. She tells me it is Thai custom for adult children to pay back to parents for their kindness for bringing them into this world.
    She also asked me for money to help pay for land she purchased($13,000) in Thailand and to pay off her pawn shop bill($2700) for jewelry she pawned a few years ago.
    She always insists I give her cash. I like to help people in need but it is now up to $19,000 and I think this is a bit much at this point.
    Am I being scammed or is this a Thai custom....which she says it is? I feel I am being taken advantage of but I want to know if this is normal Thai behavior.
    Thank you for any advise and guidance you can give me.
    Reply

    Apr 16, 2018 at 8:25 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 17, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      In the working classes it is normal culture for children to take care of their parents and send money home to support their parents as they age. there is generally no social security system, so for poorer families the children become a source of income. However, the amounts that you are talking about are ridiculous. In rural Thailand living costs are very low, and most people live in houses that are family homes which do not have a mortgage or require rent to be paid on each month. The average wage in rural Thailand somewhere between seven and $10 a day, so supplementing your parents income or sending them some money each month would not need to exceed a hundred or so dollars, and with careful management of this money and any other money they are earning from their work, this would be fine. Of course if they are not working and have no other income, then 200-300 dollars would be a reasonable amount to support everything they need.Those from wealthier families do not have the same burden because their parents do not need financial support. So as I said, this culture is generally prevalent in the lower working classes. Disregarding this, it does not fall on you as someone she is dating to contribute to these expenses. And if she can't afford to buy this land Keep up this lifestyle for her mother then she shouldn't be doing. I assume she is working in the US? So like every other person she needs to manage her money better.there is absolutely no way her mother needs $3000 a month for her expenses in Thailand. She would be living like a queen in rural Thailand on that money. .One cultural aspect that you should be aware of is the concept of keeping face, which is basically keeping up appearances, often beyond the means of one's financial capability. There are many facets to this culture, but one in particular would be the fact that this daughter is living in America and would be perceived by her family to be doing really well for herself and having lots of money because she lives in our perceived rich western country. So it may be the case that many of her family members are leaning on her for money. In some cases there are problematic family members who are gambling, or have alcohol addiction, or who are just simply stupid with money and get into debt from loan sharks and through trying to live above their means. I'm speculating here, but it may be that she is sending money home and is being squandered by other individuals aside from her mother. She may have siblings, she has a child too, and she may have cousins and uncles and auntie's who have their hands out.And yes, you should also be aware that there are some women, not just from Thailand, but from other countries around Southeast Asia, Africa, and indeed from Western countries who seek men with a high disposable income and sell them sob stories in order to deceive them into giving them money so that they can fund the material lifestyle.You might want to read this post and the comments below it to get a better idea of how Thai society functions and the problems that men have with women and money. this relates to the marriage dowry but will give you an idea of expectations and problems that you might run into. https://www.thethailandlife.com/sin-sod
      Reply

      Apr 17, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      • Pete Miller says

        July 2, 2018 at 3:02 pm

        this is accurate and wise advice. ignore @ your peril
        Reply

        Jul 02, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      • Oner Punita says

        November 3, 2018 at 1:24 pm

        Gambling and drinking money for the whole extended family. Cant believe Thai women in the USA also pulling the same tricks.
        Reply

        Nov 03, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    • Stuart says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:58 pm

      I come to Thailand quite often and have a great friend here,
      If I asked her what her thoughts are on your lady friend
      She would tell you to "be careful".

      But I am sure your eyes are wide open.

      Anyway good luck and I hope you dont get turned over.
      Reply

      Apr 20, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    • Carol says

      July 22, 2018 at 8:25 am

      I’ve lived in Thailand for over 15 years. This is definitely a scam! She’s taking advantage of your good nature. Some women only see one thing in a Farang “ ATM” machine. Get rid of her, and tell her to support her own family.
      Reply

      Jul 22, 2018 at 8:25 am

    • Lynn says

      November 22, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      scam.....big time.
      Reply

      Nov 22, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    • Markus says

      April 17, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Wie kann man nur ??? Davon lebt ein ganzes Dorf.
      Reply

      Apr 17, 2019 at 2:25 pm

  16. Onna says

    March 21, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    this is hard for me
    Reply

    Mar 21, 2018 at 9:15 pm

  17. chloe says

    February 4, 2018 at 8:48 am

    hi im trying to learn thai to speak with a new person at my school and i was wondering what the dashes in the phrases mean? are they alternate pronunciations of the phrase, breaks in the sentence, what?
    Reply

    Feb 04, 2018 at 8:48 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      February 4, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      Hi Chloe, the dash here is just used to separate the Khrup/Ka from the main word or phrase. Khrup and ka being the polite male and female forms used to end a sentence.
      Reply

      Feb 04, 2018 at 5:22 pm

  18. Odom says

    September 19, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    I really appreciate this website. It really helps me and anyone who wants to learn Thai. It included details about Thai life, insist useful words, phrases, sentences, and the most important thing is the Videos. Thanks.
    Reply

    Sep 19, 2017 at 1:50 pm

  19. Johon Mark says

    June 2, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    am crazy learning of Thai but hardly I have couple of words in my head..
    how to push in more words and deal with four tones is killing me any one can help me to give me idea over tonal improvement... I like to also know what is the best way to learn Thai... any techniques
    Reply

    Jun 02, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      June 2, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      It definitely helps to develop a daily learning plan. Two of my personal tips are:1.Learn one word or phrase a day. Do not overload yourself to start with. In time you will be able to manage more learning in one day, but start with one. Just keep saying it over and over again, until you have mastered it. 1 word a day is 365 words a year. By 1-2 months you will be learning 2-3 words a day, easily.2. When learning to write Thai, get a small notepad that fits in your pocket. Draw the letter or vowel of the day on the note pad. Then close your eyes and keep drawing it over and over in your head. You can do this in the gym, on the train, at work, wherever. If you forget the shape, look back at the notepad. This is one technique that helped me learn the alphabet.
      Reply

      Jun 02, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    • James says

      June 2, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Hi Johon,TTL is right. It really helps to do just a little each day but EVERY day. Learning the alphabet is a great help in learning correct pronunciation. Also, have several different sources for learning. I use mem rise.com - a game-like website that allows you to focus on a single task for however long it takes you to master it (I use this for the alphabet), I also have a handy reference book (Thai for Beginners from Paiboon Publishing) to look things up when I have a specific question, and also have a more formal lesson system (a Skype teacher, ThaiPod101, or Learn-Thai-Podcast).TTL's notebook idea is good too. Once you start learning the letters you'll find that there really are patterns and then it becomes much easier to learn. Most of all stay with it, you'll reach a tipping point and it'll all start making sense.
      Reply

      Jun 02, 2017 at 10:15 pm

  20. Surasawadee says

    March 12, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    Hi, everyone I am Thai man. I want to improve my english language too , let's exchange. I can teach you Thai language and be your friend.
    Reply

    Mar 12, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    • Bruno Locatelli says

      March 31, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Hi would like to learn thai
      Reply

      Mar 31, 2017 at 11:22 am

    • Anna says

      April 9, 2017 at 8:52 am

      I wanna learn Thai can you teach meeee 🙋🙋🙋🙋
      Reply

      Apr 09, 2017 at 8:52 am

    • Saeful Anam says

      August 9, 2017 at 6:52 pm

      Phi Surasawadee tech me Thai please.... and for TTL thank you very much this lesson is very usefull
      Khob khun krab....
      Reply

      Aug 09, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    • zai says

      June 18, 2018 at 11:05 pm

      Hi i want to learn thai too maybe we Can talk more on social media please. I Can teach u English too you can email me Thanks!
      Reply

      Jun 18, 2018 at 11:05 pm

  21. Makimendoza says

    January 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Sawadee thai khup kon its a great languages bexause i want to underatand the lamhuages
    Reply

    Jan 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

  22. Bill windmill says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:35 pm

    My girlfriend is thai, but I don't speak thai, I read this article out loud and she said I pronounced everything right. The good bye one is for if you have no idea when you will see them again. If said to your girlfriend it is like your breaking up with them. Good to know, hahaha (or as my gf says 555) This was brilliantly written. Khop khun khrup!
    Reply

    Dec 17, 2016 at 11:35 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      December 18, 2016 at 12:40 am

      Haha, that's right. It's a long-tern goodbye :) Glad your GF understood you!
      Reply

      Dec 18, 2016 at 12:40 am

    • Makimendoza says

      January 28, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      What is,the meaning of 555
      Reply

      Jan 28, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      • TheThailandLife says

        January 29, 2017 at 1:04 am

        Ha ha ha, or haha, as in laughing. The word ha means 5 in Thai.
        Reply

        Jan 29, 2017 at 1:04 am

        • Duane Maxim Geli says

          March 28, 2017 at 9:34 pm

          Hahaha that's funny huh, I like it and thanks for the info.
          Reply

          Mar 28, 2017 at 9:34 pm

  23. Junior says

    November 28, 2016 at 8:11 am

    Well let's see how far can I go here!
    Reply

    Nov 28, 2016 at 8:11 am

  24. Darron says

    June 11, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    Hey bud. Great post but thought you should know 2 & 3 are wrong. You wrote สวัสดี for the first 3 instead of สบายดี for 2 & 3 as your English correctly says.
    Reply

    Jun 11, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      December 5, 2016 at 11:48 pm

      Good spot Darron. I have corrected those, thanks!
      Reply

      Dec 05, 2016 at 11:48 pm

  25. jodie says

    May 4, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    i learned to read and write Thai before i could really speak and golly gosh it made everything so much easier to understand... the learning process was mind torture but once i understood its just memorizing the words now! just think how you learned English in school, you start off with the alphabet.
    Reply

    May 04, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    • jodie says

      May 4, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      although understanding the sentence structure is my next hell
      Reply

      May 04, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    • Andrea says

      January 12, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Where did you learn Thai?
      Reply

      Jan 12, 2017 at 11:58 am

  26. Ozzie Polinburana says

    September 25, 2015 at 9:07 am

    Is it a duty to say ka or kup at the end of every phrase?
    Reply

    Sep 25, 2015 at 9:07 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      September 25, 2015 at 12:31 pm

      Hi Ozzie, not so much a duty but a polite way to speak. You will find that the majority of people interact using these niceties, though close friends will often talk and leave these out.
      Reply

      Sep 25, 2015 at 12:31 pm

  27. brad says

    May 8, 2015 at 11:16 pm

    I'm struggling with the pronounciation guide here. For example 'kao' is really pronounced 'cow'. As an English speaker when I see kao I would read this as ka-o (a double vowel sound) which is nothing like cow. I get my Thai wife to pronounce the word in Thai otherwise I'm right off track.
    Reply

    May 08, 2015 at 11:16 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 8, 2015 at 11:42 pm

      Yes, some of the transliterations are hard to grasp which is why I provide the video lesson too. I try to stick to the accepted standard when writing the words in English, but occasionally it can be hard to work out for the reader because there are different tones and similar sounding words involved. In this case, this is "mai kao (high tone) jai", as in "I don't understand", as opposed to "gin (pronounced as a ger not a jer like the drink) khao (high tone also but different word - means rice) ruu yang?" Have you eaten yet. It is a different "khao" and therefore the transliteration spelling differs for that reason. The word that sounds like 'cow' is the word for the colour white (pronounced 'cowww'. Confusing because they all sound similar but have differentiate in Thai spelling and tone. It's not easy :)It is always best when reading a transliteration to then go and practice and adjust the correct tones with a Thai speaker or by using the videos provided.
      Reply

      May 08, 2015 at 11:42 pm

      • kent says

        June 17, 2016 at 10:21 am

        I'm not sure if you should be trying to teach people Thai when you teaching things that are incorrect. Both the kao in kao jai and khao for rice are said with a falling tone. The kao in kao jai by itself translates to the word 'enter' in English.

        Check it up. I am correct.
        Reply

        Jun 17, 2016 at 10:21 am

  28. Ajit Kumar says

    March 23, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    Hi,

    I am Ajit Kumar, wants to learn Thai Language. I have started to learn Online but it is easy to learn to speak Thai but difficult to read and write. I want to start from the alphabet which I am not able to find it on website.
    My Email Id is: ajitanjuman@gmail.com

    Thanking you,
    Ajit Kumar
    Reply

    Mar 23, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      March 23, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      Hi Ajit, hold tight, my friend, I'll be doing some Alphabet lessons in the near future.
      Reply

      Mar 23, 2015 at 11:07 pm

  29. Dawn Marie says

    December 8, 2014 at 2:18 am

    Hello we are looking to move to Thailand and have some questions maybe you can help us please contact us at Justin and Dawn Marie Thank you
    Reply

    Dec 08, 2014 at 2:18 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      December 8, 2014 at 10:12 am

      Hi Dawn,Please use this contact form to send me your questions:
      Reply

      Dec 08, 2014 at 10:12 am

  30. TheThailandLife says

    August 17, 2014 at 10:55 am

    Yes, there's plenty more examples like that to come :) A friend of mine bought me some flash cards which are pretty cool. Not sure where he got them from but you could make them yourself.

    It 's just like a pack of card but each has a consonant or vowel on it, with the symbol, tone, class and phonetic translation. Great for learning on the go through memorisation and visualisation.

    All the best!
    Reply

    Aug 17, 2014 at 10:55 am

  31. Trevor says

    August 16, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    Hi, an excellent site! Have you any advice where to start learning Thai script. I have a friend who speaks good English but only reads script (except perhaps numbers). So when I text her its a long job using Google and back-checking - and still riddled with poor translations. Always defaults to ka, not krup for example. Script looks horrendous to learn.
    Reply

    Aug 16, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      August 16, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      Hi Trevor, it's no easy task, but here's a good place to start: http://www.thaialphabet.netI hope to be doing some script lessons on here soon, so watch this space :) All the best with your learning!
      Reply

      Aug 16, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      • Trevor says

        August 17, 2014 at 12:40 am

        Thanks. That looks like a good site, with some good learning tips. Look forward to seeing your own contribution. Not easy is an understatement- first thing I noticed was 6 versions of "k", 4 with a low tone and two high. Fun times ahead!
        Reply

        Aug 17, 2014 at 12:40 am

  32. iAn says

    November 16, 2013 at 2:41 am

    Hi, I am little confused with khrup/ka.

    I have two things in mind and let me know which is correct?
    1 . When you're a guy, address people with khrup (or ka if otherwise)?
    2. Use khrup when you're talking to a gentleman or ka when you're speaking to a lady?
    Reply

    Nov 16, 2013 at 2:41 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      November 16, 2013 at 10:01 am

      Hi Ian. As a man, always address everyone with "khrup". Whether you are talking to a man or a woman, use "khrup".You will rarely hear a man use "ka", as this is the polite feminine form. The exceptions, however, are gay men, and occasionally guys will reply to their girlfriends using "ka" when playing around or being sweet. This isn't common though, and as a foreigner stick solely with "khrup" for everything.You may also hear women use "ja". This is usually used between friends and people who know each other, and by older women when speaking with younger women. You also hear this up county a lot. "Ja" can also be used by men, but until your level of Thai is good enough to know the situations when "Ja" is appropriate, don't worry about this term.
      Reply

      Nov 16, 2013 at 10:01 am

      • iAn says

        November 16, 2013 at 10:23 am

        Cool...Seems clear to me now. Khop khun khrup. :)

        Those commonly used statements/expressions will help me a lot during our visit to Bangkok.
        Reply

        Nov 16, 2013 at 10:23 am

  33. elly says

    April 15, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    I'm going to Phuket on a holiday very soon. I dislike chilli and coriander in my food. Can you please tell me how to say to the waiter/chef, No coriander please! and No chilli please! thank you! cheers, elly
    Reply

    Apr 15, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 16, 2012 at 7:20 pm

      Hi Elly,I will try to simplify this as much as possible for you.You can say, "Cor Mai sai pik, mai sai pak chi, ka, khop khun ka." Or you could say, "Mai ow pik, mai ow pak chi, kop khun ka." (Literally I don't want chili, I don't want coriander, thank you".A few notes that might help:Mai in this instance sounds like "may" Ow sounds like "oww" i hurt my foot Pik sounds like "pick" Pak sound like "pack"To say I don't like chilli and coriander, you can say "Mai chop gin pik, mai chop gin pak chi"As you may have guessed, "mai" means no and chop means "like".Add "ka" to be polite at the end of everything. This is the female form.Hope this helps.
      Reply

      Apr 16, 2012 at 7:20 pm

      • Ryan says

        March 9, 2016 at 6:56 am

        พริก = Chili = prik (don't forget to pronounce the R) and it has a high tone. (h)
        Reply

        Mar 09, 2016 at 6:56 am

  34. Keith Tyler says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:56 am

    I am looking for a good Thai language school in Bangkok. I have plans to leave in November 2012. And would like to stay with a ED Visa a year at a time.
    Any suggestions of a good school that is not a scam?
    A good school will help with the ministry of Education to get the ED Visa in order. But I believe you have to pay for tuition first before application goes to MED. "Ministry of Education".
    Reply

    Apr 13, 2012 at 6:56 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Keith,

      Thanks for your message. Sorry for the late reply I am away for Songkran. In terms of a great language learning school in Bangkok you should try Language Express. They do an affordable ED visa for about 20,000 I believe. I studied there last year and really enjoyed it. You can read more about my experience of the school here: https://thethailandlife.com/learning-thai-in-bangkok

      They are a reputable outfit and all is above board.

      I am currently using Thaipod101 to improve my Thai from home. I really love the program and it's pretty cheap too. I wrote about this software here: https://thethailandlife.com/thaipod101-review


      I wish you all the best in your move to Thailand and hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      Reply

      Apr 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

  35. savanit minglahong says

    May 7, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    Thai Talk for beginners is very interest,i'm lve in Italy,i want if my Mate begin to learn thai a little for understand something some phrass,it's nice
    Reply

    May 07, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      May 7, 2011 at 8:16 pm

      Hi Savanit, I hope to be posting more Thai lessons up soon so make sure you check back or sign up for updates in the box on the right hand side of the page. Were you asking me what "it's nice" is in Thai? I didn't quite get that bit of your message.
      Reply

      May 07, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    • khean bunchhoeun says

      July 20, 2015 at 11:46 am

      I'm really don't know way how to spell consonants ? and i want to know thai in fluent but i don't know only one consonant .
      Reply

      Jul 20, 2015 at 11:46 am

      • TheThailandLife says

        July 20, 2015 at 12:56 pm

        Hi Khean, check out this website for the consonants. You can practice writing them by copying from the site: http://www.thaialphabet.net/consonants-chart/
        Reply

        Jul 20, 2015 at 12:56 pm

  36. ken says

    April 21, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    I think all beginning speakers should know that the two languages do not always translate in a word for word fashion and dictionaries are often wrong - it's good to see you using phrases as that cuts down on the inevitable errors of tone and makes you easier to understand. It can be frustrating at times but ultimately very rewarding as Thai people can be very funny and love to joke - for me, it will surely be a lifetime experience as I never stop learning and hopefully improving.one example of above - We "put on" clothing - we "put on" cream. Thai "sai seua pah" and "tah cream" - they use a different word entirely for the different usage. I am entirely street learned but I imagine there is nothing better than a good teacher.
    Reply

    Apr 21, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      April 21, 2011 at 11:46 pm

      Totally agree, there are a number of words I have come across that they simply don't have in Thai. I also bought a dictionary here and was told that a large portion of the words didn't correspond correctly. I didn't want to get into the tones thing just yet...that really is a difficult area I am yet to anywhere near master....a lifetime of learning indeed. Interesting about the cream...will quiz my Thai teacher about that:)
      Reply

      Apr 21, 2011 at 11:46 pm

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