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Top 10 Thai Phrases Tourist Should Know
Top 10 Thai Phrases Tourist Should Know
Visiting Thailand? Learning just a few basic Thai phrases can make your trip smoother, more fun, and even win a few smiles from locals! Whether you’re ordering food, catching a taxi, or making new friends, speaking a bit of Thai shows respect and curiosity. Here are the top 10 essential Thai phrases every tourist should know before landing in the Land of Smiles.
- sà-wàt-dee (สวัสดี) – “Hello” / “Goodbye”
This is the most common Thai greeting and can be used to say both hello and goodbye. To be polite, women add “kâ” and men add “kráp” at the end.
- kòp-kun (ขอบคุณ) – “Thank you”
A phrase that will make locals smile! Saying thank you in Thai shows that you appreciate the culture.
- mâi-bpen-rai (ไม่เป็นไร) – “It’s okay” / “No worries”
One of the most iconic Thai expressions. It reflects the Thai laid-back attitude and means “no problem,” “don’t worry about it,” or “it’s fine.”
- tâo-rài (เท่าไหร่) – “How much?”
Shopping in local markets or street food stalls? This is your go-to question. Practice it with a smile for better deals!
- à-ròi (อร่อย) – “Delicious”
Thailand is a foodie’s paradise. Saying à-ròi is the perfect way to compliment someone’s cooking.
- mâi-pèt (ไม่เผ็ด) – “Not spicy”
Thai food is known for its bold flavors, and it can be quite spicy! If you can’t handle the heat, this is the phrase you’ll want to remember.
- hông-náam yòo têe-năi (ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน) – “Where is the toilet?”
One of the most practical questions you’ll need during your travels. Most people will gladly help if you ask politely.
- mâi-ao kâ/kráp (ไม่เอา ค่ะ/ครับ) – “No, thank you”
Useful for politely declining offers from vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, or street sellers. Adding “kâ” or “kráp” makes it sound gentle and respectful.
- châi / mâi-châi (ใช่ / ไม่ใช่) – “Yes / No”
These two short words will help you agree or disagree in a variety of situations. Simple, but very effective.
- pôot-Thai-mâi-dâai (พูดไทยไม่ได้) – “I can’t speak Thai”
Letting locals know you don’t speak Thai can help manage expectations and open the door for them to assist you kindly or switch to English if they can.
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