Learning to speak the common language of the country anyone is going to visit soon will come in handy when they’re already there.
While it’s not necessary to learn how to speak the local language, it pays to learn a few common phrases that tourists can use for commuting, ordering food, asking for directions, or as simple as saying hello. Here’s a list of simple Thai phrases for first-time visitors.
Take note that these greetings and expressions are divided into categories for easier tracking.
Basic Thai rule: Males end their sentences with khrup or krap; females end theirs with kap or ka. The purpose is to add politeness to the sentence or question.
Simple Thai Phrases for First-time Visitors
Common Thai Words and Phrases
Thailand is called the Land of Smiles for a reason: its locals are traditionally friendly and warm, giving guests the feeling of home even when they’re in a foreign land.
One of the most commonly used phrases is mai pen rai, which means “no problem” or “it’s okay.” But more than an expression, the mai pen rai explains more about Thais demonstrating the greng jai attitude or avoiding to cause inconvenience or trouble to someone.
Hello: Sawadee krap/ka
Yes: Chai krap/ka
No: Mai krap/ka
Thank you: Khop khun krap/ka
Excuse me / I’m sorry – Khor thoad krap/ka
How are you? – Sa bai dee mai krap/ka
Good Bye! – La gorn krap/ka
I cannot speak Thai: pood Thai mai dai
I do not understand: mai kow jai
No problem / It’s okay: Mai pen rai
My name is: Pom (male)/ Chan (female) chuu (say your name)
Thai Phrases for Eating out
The best way to have an immersive experience in Thailand is to try its authentic cuisine. Thai food is so diverse, bursting with so much flavor that tourists will never eat the same dish twice.
It’s more than just the sumptuous pad thais and tom yums; while restaurants can also guarantee foreigners with delicious Thai food, the more local take will always be from night markets and street food halls.
This is where learning a few Thai words and phrases will come in handy. Knowing simple Thai phrases for first-time visitors will make it easier for anyone to order food, make special requests, ask for the price, or even compliment what’s served on the table.
I’m hungry: Hiu
Delicious: Aroy
Not spicy: Mai phet krap/ka
Too spicy: Phet Mak krap/ka
I don’t want it: Mai Aow krap/ka
How much?: nee Tao Rai krap/ka?
Beer: Bia
Water: naam
Cafe: raan kha-fae
Don’t add sugar: mai sai naam dtaan
Thai Phrases for Directions and Transportation
Tourists who want to make the most out of their trip to Thailand will need to use its public transportation to save on costs and have a first-hand experience of what it’s like to commute like a local.
However, tourists wouldn’t be able to go as far if they don’t know how to speak simple Thai words for directions and transportation.
Riding a tuk-tuk, the most indigenous public transportation in Thailand can be difficult for tourists who don’t speak the same language as locals.
Even as simple as asking for the bathroom location could take a while because most locals can’t speak and understand English.
Here are a few Thai words anyone can use when asking for directions or riding public transport.
Where is the bathroom?: Haawng Naam Yuu Thee Nai krap/ka?
Where is…?: (say location) yuu thee nai?
Stop: Yut
Left / Right: sai / khwaa
Go: Bai
Slow down: Hai Chah Long
Bus: Rot mee
Bus stop: Paai rot mee
Car: Rot
I’m lost: Long tahng
Airport: Sanam bin
Thai Phrases for Shopping
From the night market to mall shopping sprees, there are a lot of quirky items to look out for in Thailand. Textiles and fabrics are some of the most popular souvenirs that foreigners buy whenever they visit the country.
But there’s a huge chance that they can get these items at a more affordable cost if buyers are able to haggle the price. However, most travelers are not able to ask for discounts simply because of language barriers.
Tourists can score real bargains when local sellers can understand what they are trying to say. Here are some simple Thai phrases for first-time visitors who will be shopping either in mega-shopping malls, night markets or thrift stores.
Can I try this on?: Long Sai Dai Mai krap/ka
Cheap: Thuuk
I like this color: Dichan Chorb See Nee krap/ka
Give me a receipt: Khor Baiset Duai krap/ka