Useful Thai words

In this section you can find some useful Thai words and phrases which can be useful for tourists. As Thai language is tonal it is important to get the right intonation. In addition listening to a native Thai speaker can help for the right pronunciation. In general these useful Thai words are not so difficult but need some practice. Do not worry about the right pronunciation, Thai people are very patient and appreciate all efforts made by foreigners to communicate in Thai language. For sure, if you try to speak Thai you will get immediate assistance.

The “wai”
When you meet a Thai it is common to use the “wai”. This is the Thai equivalent of a handshake and is used to show thanks or respect. If a person does a “way” for you, you should generally way back. It is a prayer-like gesture to show thanks or just respect – you put your palms together close to the chest with fingertips under the chin and you nod to notify the other person.

Thai Cliches and Greetings
Crub - very polite word for statements and questions used by males
Kha - very polite word for statements and questions used by females
Sawasdee - Hello, goodbye, good morning, good afternoon, good evening /polite/
sabay dee reu - How are you?
sabay dee - I'm fine
khaw thoht - I'm sorry, excuse me
nee tao rai - How much is this?
laaeo phob gan mai - See you later, See you soon
khaw hai chohk dee - Good luck to you
Sawasdee pee mai - Happy New Year
Sooksan wan kerd - Happy Birthday
Aharn - Food
Nam - Water
Kor - I would like…
Kor doo menu mai? - Can I see the menu?
Rong raem - Hotel

Thai Numbers
Nueng - 1
Song - 2
Saam - 3
Si - 4
Haa - 5
Hok - 6
Jed - 7
Paed - 8
Kaw - 9
Sib - 10
Nueng-roi - 100
Nueng-phan - 1.000
Nueng-muen - 10.000
Nueng-saen - 100.000
Nueng-lan - 1.000.000

Thai Days of the week
Wan chat - Monday
Wan ang-kan - Tuesday
Wan phut - Wednesday
Wan pha-rue-has - Thursday
Wan sook - Friday
Wan sao - Saturday
Wan a-thit - Sunday

Thai Directions and travelling
Kwar- Left
Sai - Right
Doen trong pai - Go straight ahead
Yoo sai/kwar mue - It’s on the left/right
Thanon - Street
Dern - Walk
Pharn - After
Korn - Before
Sai thale - Seaside
Reua - Boat
Tua - Ticket

Thai Words for sightseeing
Hat - Beach
Koh - Island
Moo Koh - Group of Island
Wat - Temple
Soi - Alley
Bang - City
Doi, Phu, and Khao - Mountain

Thai Car-related words
Rot gaeng - car
Clut - clutch
Braake - brake
Gra-Jok nah - windscreen
Nam-an krueng - oil
Krueng Yon - engine
Phum-a-lai - steering wheel
Yaang - tyre
Tor - exhaust
Kem kat - seat belt
Dae - horn