Being familiar with basic Thai words is a great way to help you learn Thai as a beginner. Moreover, having a handy list of these basic vocabulary words can make communication easier when you are travelling in Thailand. Here are some basic Thai words that can be useful for everyday conversations.
Greetings & Farewells
- Hello / Goodbye: sà-wàt-dii
- Yes: châi
- No: mâi
- Thank you: kòp-kun
- Excuse me / Sorry: kŏr-tòot
- You’re welcome / No problem / It’s fine: mâi-bpen-rai
Remember that tone is important, as a different tone can completely change the meaning. Also, it is interesting to note that mâi-bpen-rai holds the Thai philosophy in three words, which literally translates to “it’s nothing.” You can often find this quintessential attitude when you travel in Thailand.
Numbers, Time & Dates
Thais use both Arabic numerals that we typically use in daily life and their own traditional numerals (๐-๙). Arabic numerals are common in most places, but Thai numerals may appear in government documents and traditional texts. As the numbering system in Thai is quite logical, you can learn to count into higher numbers by being familiar with the basic numbers such as 1-10.
- Zero: sǔun
- One: nùeng
- Two: sŏrng
- Three: săam
- Four: sìi
- Five: hâa
- Six: hòk
- Seven: jèt
- Eight: bpàet
- Nine: gâo
- Ten: sìp
- Twenty: yîi-sìp
- Fifty: hâa sìp
- One hundred: nùeng-rói
- One thousand: nùeng-pan
People, Family & Pronouns
In Thai, pronouns are given based on gender as well as the formality of the conversation. Unlike English, Thai conversations do not use pronouns that often. For example, to express that one is feeling under the weather, most Thais simply say “mai sabai,” which means “not well” or “sick,” rather than “phom mai sabai,” or “I am sick.”
- I (man): phǒm
- I (woman): chǎn
- You (gender-neutral): khun
- You (more casual): thooe
Below are some common Thai words for family members:
- Father: phâw
- Mother: mâe
- Child (gender-neutral): lûuk
- Older brother: phîi chaai
- Younger brother: nóng chaai
- Older sister: phîi sǎao
- Younger sister: nóng sǎao
- Paternal grandpa: bpùu
- Paternal grandma: yâa
- Maternal grandpa: dtaa
- Maternal grandma: yaai
Here are some more words to refer to people:
- Man/Male: phûu-chaai
- Woman/Female: phûu-yǐng
- Gentleman/Male (for formal settings): bù-rùt
- Lady/Female (for formal settings): saa-ree
- Teenager: wai-rûn
- Adult/Elder: phûu-yài
Food, Drink & Ordering at Restaurants
Experiencing local food is one of the most popular reasons people visit Thailand. Here are some basic Thai words about foods and drinks for a smoother culinary experience.
- Can I see the menu please?: kŏr mee-nuu nòi
- I would like to order…: kŏr sàng…
- What do you recommend?: mii à-rai náe-nam bâang
- Delicious: à-ròi
- Check, please: chék bin
- Water, please: kŏr nám nòi
- Not spicy: mâi pèt
- Slightly spicy: phèt nít-nòi
- Spicy: phèt
- Really spicy: phèt mâak
- What are your special menus: mii a-rai phi-sèt?
- Normal portion: tham-ma-daa
- Special/Large portion: phi-sèt
- Take-away: sài thǔng
- Ice: náam-khǎeng
- Thai iced tea: chaa-yen
- Coffee: gaa-fae
- Rice: khâao
- Noodles: gǔai-dtǐao
- Bread: kha-nǒm-bpang
- Chicken: gài
- Pork: mǔu
- Beef: nʉ́a
- Shrimp: gûng
- Fish: bplaa
Transport, Directions & Locations
Learning common direction and transport words can help you get around in Thailand, such as when taking the taxi or tuk-tuk.
- Go straight: dtrong bpai
- Where is…?: …yùu năi
- Stop here: jòrt dtrong-níi
- How much?: tâo-rài
- Go to…: bpai tîi…
- Turn left: lîeow sâai
- Turn right: lîeow kwăa
Shopping, Money & Bargaining
Shopping in Thailand can be a rewarding experience, especially by knowing some of the basic vocabulary used. Remember that bargaining is common at markets and street vendors, but do not attempt to bargain in malls, supermarkets, or restaurants.
- How much: thâo rài?
- How much is this one?: an-née thâo rài?
- Just looking: duu gòrn
- Can I try it on?: ląwng sài dâi mái?
- Can you lower the price?: lót raa-kaa dâi măi
- Too expensive: paeng goen bpai
- Discount, please: lót hâi nòi
- I’ll take this: ao
A bonus tip is to use the phrase jai-dii dtàe dtang mòt, which means “Kind heart but empty wallet.” This is a playful phrase that often gets a laugh from vendors and shows that you know Thai culture. Sometimes, it may even get you a discount, although it is not guaranteed.
Emergency Words & Health Basics
For emergencies where you need to ask for help or get medical assistance, here are some useful phrases to know about.
- Help: chûay dûay
- I can’t speak Thai: pûut tai mâi dâi
- Please speak more slowly: gà-ru-naa pûut cháa-cháa
- I need a doctor: dtông-gaan mŏr
- Where is the hospital?: rohng-pá-yaa-baan yùu tîi năi
- Police: dtam-rùat
- Ambulance: rót phá-yaa-baan
- Pharmacy: râan khǎai yaa
- It hurts here: jèp dtrong née
- Fever: mii khâi
- Allergy: pháe
- Medicine: yaa
- Painkiller: yaaแก้bùat
- Bandage / Wound Dressing: phâa-phan-แphlǐi
Enrich Your Thai Vocabulary and Enjoy a Holistic Course at Stanford Language Centre
Mastering basic Thai phrases can help you make the most of your time in the country, as you can communicate with the Thai people you encounter. Aside from showing you appreciate their culture and language, knowing the local language helps you build genuine connections as you navigate your surroundings.
If you are keen to increase your Thai language proficiency beyond the basics, Stanford Language Centre offers a holistic approach with native teachers experienced in various Southeast Asian languages.Contact us today to learn more about our language courses!
