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How To Say Hello In Thai ?

Learning how to say hello in Thai is often the first step to connecting with locals. Combined with a few basic travel phrases, it’s already enough to bring smiles and make daily interactions easier. In a country where politeness and respectful gestures play such an important role, these small efforts can truly enrich your trip and help you experience Thailand in a warmer, more authentic way.

I. Common phrases - What is a common Thai greeting?

Greetings in Thailand are an essential part of daily life. Knowing how to say hello in Thai, or how to thank someone with a few simple words, opens the door to friendlier exchanges with locals. Here are some key phrases to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Thai greetings

• Hello: สวัสดี (Saw-wat-dee) – Used at any time of the day.

• Good morning (morning): สวัสดีตอนเช้า (Saw-wat-dee tone-chow).

• Good evening: สวัสดีตอนเย็น (Saw-wat-dee tone-yen).

• Goodbye: ลาก่อน (Laa-gon) or สวัสดี (Saw-wat-dee, also used to say goodbye).

• Thank you: ขอบคุณ (Kop-koon).

• Excuse me: ขอโทษ (Kaw-tote).

• How are you?: สบายดีไหม (Sa-bye-dee mai).

Note: Thai men usually add "ครับ" (khrap, pronounced krap) at the end of a sentence, while women use "ค่ะ" (kha, pronounced softly and descending as ka).

2. Ask for directions

• Where is it?: อยู่ที่ไหน (Yoo-tee-nai).

• Toilets: ห้องน้ํา (Hong-nam).

• Train station: สถานีรถไฟ (Sa-ta-nee rot-fai).

• Airport: สนามบิน (Sa-nam-bin).

3. Purchases

• How much does it cost?: เท่าไหร่ (Tao-rai).

• Can you lower the price?: ลดราคาได้ไหม (Lot-ra-ka dai-mai).

• I want this one: ฉันต้องการอันนี้ (Chan dtong-kan an-nee).

4. In restaurant

• Menu: เมนู (Me-nuu).

• Water: น้ํา (Nam).

• Not spicy: ไม่เผ็ด (Mai-pet)

• Delicious: อร่อย (Ah-roy).

5. Emergencies

• Help me: ช่วยฉันด้วย (Choo-ay chan doo-ay).

• Hospital: โรงพยาบาล (Rong-pa-ya-ban).

• Police: ตํารวจ (Tam-ruat).

II. Pronunciation Tips

English is not always widely spoken outside big cities, so saying a few words in Thai is highly appreciated. Thai is a tonal language, which makes pronunciation crucial for being understood.

• s / t and t / d, l / r, j / ch, k / g can sometimes sound interchangeable.

• h may appear or disappear to add aspiration without changing the word completely.

• "ch" is pronounced like tch in Churchill.

• Final l and n sounds may be interchangeable.

• "ph" is an aspirated p, not f (example: Koh Phi Phi).

• An unaspirated "p" often sounds close to "b".

• "r" should be rolled, which can make it sound close to "l".

• "u" is pronounced like "ou".

• "ai" sounds like the “ai” in ride.

• Short vowels are quick (e.g., kùn in ขอบคุณ), long vowels are stretched (e.g., náam in ห้องน้ํา).

III. Body language in Thai greetings

1. The "Wai" gesture

The wai is the most iconic way of greeting in Thailand. It consists of joining your palms as if in prayer and slightly bowing your head, usually with a gentle smile. More than just saying hello, this gesture conveys respect towards elders, monks, or strangers, and reflects the Thai values of harmony and tradition.

Depending on the context, there are several levels of Wai:

• High wai: for monks, the royal family, or respected figures (hands at forehead level).

• Intermediate wai: the most common, for friends, colleagues, or acquaintances (hands at chest or chin level).

• Simple wai: used with younger people or those of lower rank (hands at stomach level, slight bow).

2. Other polite gestures

• Smiles: A smile is the best companion to any Thai phrase like ขอบคุณ (thank you)

• Avoid pointing with one finger: use an open hand instead.

• Don’t touch people’s heads: the head is considered sacred.

• Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops.

• Keep calm: sudden or aggressive gestures go against the Thai ideal of serenity

Saying hello in Thai and learning a few travel-friendly words is often enough to break the ice and get a warm smile in return. Combined with gestures like the wai, these small efforts help you enjoy more authentic connections with the locals. And if you want a stress-free trip, a specialized travel agency in Asia like Autour Asia can also help you organize a smooth and immersive journey.