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Thai language which is officially spoken and written in Thailand is a kind of lingua franca of all Thai and non-Thai ethnic groups in the country. Will it be interesting that learn some Thai to express your gratitude for the service you get during your trip or to impress Thais with a few words in their own language?
As beginner, you should understand Thai tones and its pronunciation:
Like Chinese, In Thai, A single syllable may have different means by using different tones. There are five tones: low tone, level or mid tone, falling tone, high tone and rising tone.
Low tone: tone mark is a downwards stroke, like this "è". This tone is pronounced at the relative bottom of one's vocal range. It is low, level and with no inflection.
Level or mid tone: no tone mark; this tone is pronounced at the middle of the speaker's vocal range.
Falling tone: tone mark goes up then down – "ê". This tone is pronounced like you are emphasizing a word.
High tone: tone mark is a upwards stroke, like "é". This tone is pronounced at the top of the vocal range.
Rising tone: tone mark goes down then up – "ĕ". Sounds like the inflection used by English speakers to imply a question – "Yes?"
There is no ideal system to transfer Thai to Roman script, at the same time, make them consistent and readable. So transliteration is still a problem, this is especially evident when mention or search names of some Thailand destinations. But we will still list some everyday words or phrase to help you get start.
| Hello | sà wàt dii (khâ) |
| Goodbye | laa kàwn |
| Yes | châi |
| No | mâi châi |
| Please | kà rú naa |
| Thank you | khàwp khun |
| That's fine | mâi pen rai/yin dii |
| Excuse me | kwăi à phai |
| Sorry | khăw thôht |
| How are you? | sabai dii rĕu? |
| I am fine, thanks. | Sabai dii |
| Do you speak English? | Khum phûut phaasăa angkrìt dâi măi |
| Please write it down. | Kàrúnaa khĭan hâi nàwy |
| How much? | Thâo raí? |