October 26, 2010

Greetings and some other simple phrases

This is survival Thai 101

Hello = Sawaddee

If you want to sound extra polite, you can do that by adding a modifier at the end of each phrase or sentence. If you are a man, say "krub". And if you are a woman, say "Ka".

For example, to say hello in a very polite way, a male speaker can say "Sawaddee krub" and a female speaker can say "Sawaddee ka".

The word "sawaddee" is like "Ciao" in Italian. use it to say both hello and goodbye.

How are you? = Sabai dee mai

I'm fine. = Sabai dee

I'm not feeling well. = Chan mai sabai

Thank you = Kob kun ("u" in "kun" is pronounced "oo" as in "foot")

I'm sorry. = Kaw tode

Never mind./You're welcome. = Mai pen rai

My name is.... = Chan cheu...

What's your name? = Kun cheu arai

Nice to meet you. = Yin dee tee dai rue juk

Yes = Chai

No = Mai chai

Note: it never hurts to smile. and say ma pen rai.

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