🔄 Updated 20 Jun 2026
Start here: the two phrases you will use most are "hello" and "thank you". The key to polite Thai is the ending particle — men add "khrap", women add "kha" to the end of a sentence, and it instantly sounds more polite.
Greetings & basic courtesy
| Phrase (romanized) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sà-wàt-dii khráp (m) / khâ (f) | Hello |
| khàwp-khun khráp (m) / khâ (f) | Thank you |
| khǎw-thôot | Sorry / excuse me |
| châi / mâi châi | Yes / no |
| mâi pen rai | It’s okay / you’re welcome |
Handy phrases while traveling
| Phrase (romanized) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| thâo-rài | How much? |
| phaeng pai, lót dâi mái | Too expensive, can you lower it? |
| à-ràwy | Delicious |
| mâi phèt | Not spicy |
| hâwng-náam yùu nǎi | Where is the toilet? |
| mâi khâo-jai | I don’t understand |
Don’t worry about perfect tones
Thai is tonal, so tones can change meaning — but most Thais understand from context and appreciate the effort. Smile and give it a go; locals love it when you try.