Can you speak English? |

kun pûut paa-săa ang-grì dâi mái

This is one of those really useful Thai phrases. If a Thai person can’t speak English, they will usually answer mâ i dái (cannot) or ní t nɔ̀ɔ y/ní t diaw(a little).

I can’t speak Thai. |

pûut paa-săa tai mâi dâi

This is another good phrase to memorize.

Can you speak slowly? |

kun pûut chá a-chá a dâi mái

Use this phrase to get a Thai person to repeat what they’ve said and slower so that you can understand better.

I don’t understand. |

mâi kâo-jai

Sometimes it’s better to say this then to stand there in silence (or make a funny face like I usually do).

See you later. |

jǝǝ -gan

Goodnight |

făn dii

We don’t hear this often, but it’s not bad to know.

Hello |

sà-wàt dii

This is one of the most basic Thai phrases you can learn. It’s the general greeting to say hello and it often replaces good morning and good afternoon, too.

Thank you |

kɔ̀ɔp kun

As a whole, Thailand is a very polite society. It’s customary to say ‘Thank you’ after buying something or enjoying a good meal.

You’re welcome. |

yin-dii

We don’t hear this too often, but you might be inclined to say it after someone has thanked you.

Excuse me. / Sorry. |

kɔ̆ɔ tôot

This used whether you want to say ‘excuse me’ (for example, to get your server’s attention or if you need someone to move out the of the way in a market) or ‘I’m sorry’ (if you bump into someone).

Yes / No |

châi/ mâi châi

For simplicity sake, say chai for ‘yes’ and mai chai for ‘no.’ Although more advanced speakers use different words, Thai vendors will understand your intentions.

I want this. / I want that. |

ao an níi / ao an nán

Rather than point to something, gesture with an open hand.

How much is this? / How much is that? |

an níi tâo rài/ an nán tâo rài

Can you lower the price? |

lót nɔ̀ɔy dâi mái

While you’re shopping at Thai markets and walking streets, have fun bartering using this phrase.

It’s too small. / It’s too big.

lék gǝǝn bpai / yài gǝǝn bpai

That’s cheap. / That’s expensive.

tùuk / paeng

I like it. / I don’t like it.

chɔ̂ɔp / mai chɔ̂ɔp

I don’t want a plastic bag. |

mâi ao tŭng

This will come in handy. Convenience stores are notorious for handing out plastic bags, even if you buy one small item!

Just a moment, please. |

rɔɔ bpɛ́ɛp nʉng

This is a very helpful phrase to use when a street vendor is haggling with you or if a server is hovering over you waiting for your decision. This will give you some time to make a choice.

Are you hungry? |

hĭu mái

Have you eaten yet? |

gin kâao rʉ́ʉ yang

Remember, it’s a hard ‘g’ like ‘go’. Don’t pronounce gin like the alcohol.

I’ve ordered already. / I haven’t ordered yet. |

sàng láew/ yang mâi dâi sàng

I can eat spicy. / I can’t eat spicy. |

gin pèt dâi/ gin pèt mâi dâi

Thai people assume that most foreigners can’t eat spicy food. If you can, be sure to tell them gin pèt dâi to get the real deal.

I’m vegan. |

gin jee

Don’t add [food] |

mâi sài [food]

• MSG: pŏng chuu rót

• oyster sauce: náam man hɔ̆ɔi

• sugar: náam dtan

• fish sauce: náam bplaa