Language
Thai is a tonal language belonging to the group of Ka-Tai languages, the
five tones are monotone, low, falling, high, and rising. This can be a
rather complicated language for the visitor; however, English is quite
widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major
commercial language.
Here are a few Thai basic
greetings and phrases to try. Just click on
the Thai versions to hear
a native speaker pronounce each phrase :
Hello (male speaker
sawatdee krup
Hello (female speaker)
sawatdee kaa
How are you?
sabai dee reu
Fine thanks
sabai dee
Thank you
kop koon
Never mind
mai pen rai
I can't speak Thai
phoot Thai mai dai
I don't understand
mai kao chai
Do you understand?
kao chai mai
May I take a photograph?
tai ruup dai mai
Where is the rest room?
hong nam yoo tee nai
How much does this cost?
nee tao-rai
What is this ?
nee arai
Very expensive
paeng maag
The bill please
gep taang
Good-bye
la gon
See you again
laew phob gan mai
Good luck
kor hai chok dee
Sorry/excuse me
kor thoad
Who sells chicken eggs?
Krai kai kai kai