Speaking Thai
The official language spoken in Thailand is Thai or Siamese as some still refer to it as. There are many regional dialects throughout the country and the disparity between south and north is quite great, however Central Thai dialect has been accepted as a semi-official dialect by all Thai and minority ethnic groups residing within the kingdom.
An extremely tonal language that many long-term expatriates struggle with due to the multiple meaning of a seemingly singular word; however Thai is actually quite uncomplicated to learn once you have an ‘ear for it’. It’s a beautiful language to listen to whilst enjoying a social evening with the many Thai’s you’ll come into contact with.
Thais will end each sentence with either krup (if male) or kaa (if female). It is good practice to do so as it is considered polite
The following is a phonetic translation.
(m) - when spoken by male
(f) - when spoken by female
English |
Thai |
Hello |
Sawat-dii |
Goodbye |
La gone |
How are you? |
Pen yang-ngai? |
Thank you |
khawp khun |
Please |
Sohm |
Thank you |
Aw kohn |
I do not understand |
Khaw thoht phom dii-chan(m)
Khaw thoht phom mai khao jai(f) |
|
Nii phaasaa thai riak waa arai? |
I am from |
Phom dii-chan (m)
Phom maa jaak (f) |
England |
Angrit |
Europe |
Yurohp |
Australia |
Aw-sareh-lia |
USA |
Saharat |
Canada |
Khaenaadaa |
My name is |
Phom cheu (m)
Dii-chan cheu (f) |
What is your name? |
Khun cheu arai? |