วลีพื้นฐาน 💬
Essential Thai Phrases
วลีภาษาไทยที่จำเป็น
Master the most important Thai phrases for everyday conversations. From greetings to emergencies, these expressions will help you navigate Thailand with confidence and connect with locals.
Essential Phrase Categories
หมวดหมู่วลีที่สำคัญ
Learn the most practical phrases organized by situation. Each phrase includes pronunciation, cultural notes, and usage tips.
Greetings & Politeness
การทักทายและมารยาท
Hello
สวัสดี
[sawatdee]
Notes: Add ครับ (krab) for men or ค่ะ (ka) for women
Usage: Universal greeting for any time of day
Thank you
ขอบคุณ
[khob khun]
Notes: Add ครับ/ค่ะ for politeness
Usage: Express gratitude in any situation
You're welcome
ไม่เป็นไร
[mai bpen rai]
Notes: Literally means "it's nothing"
Usage: Response to thank you, or "no problem"
Excuse me / Sorry
ขอโทษ
[khor thot]
Notes: Used for both getting attention and apologizing
Usage: When interrupting or making mistakes
Goodbye
ลาก่อน
[laa gaawn]
Notes: More formal than สวัสดี for leaving
Usage: When parting ways, especially formal settings
Essential Questions
คำถามที่จำเป็น
How much?
เท่าไหร่
[thao rai]
Notes: Essential for shopping and transactions
Usage: Markets, restaurants, taxi negotiations
Where is...?
...อยู่ที่ไหน
[...yuu thee nai]
Notes: Put the place name before อยู่ที่ไหน
Usage: Finding locations, asking for directions
What is this?
นี่คืออะไร
[nee khuue arai]
Notes: Point to objects when asking
Usage: Markets, restaurants, learning new things
Do you speak English?
คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
[khun phuut phaa-saa ang-grit dai mai]
Notes: Long but very useful phrase
Usage: When you need help communicating
Can you help me?
ช่วยได้ไหม
[chuay dai mai]
Notes: Short and polite way to ask for help
Usage: When lost or need assistance
Understanding & Confusion
ความเข้าใจและความสับสน
I don't understand
ไม่เข้าใจ
[mai khao jai]
Notes: Very common phrase for learners
Usage: When confused or need clarification
I understand
เข้าใจ
[khao jai]
Notes: Add แล้ว (laew) for "I understood"
Usage: Confirming comprehension
Please speak slowly
พูดช้าๆ หน่อย
[phuut chaa chaa noi]
Notes: หน่อย (noi) makes requests more polite
Usage: When Thai is spoken too fast
Please repeat
พูดอีกครั้ง
[phuut eek khrang]
Notes: Can add ได้ไหม (dai mai) to be more polite
Usage: When you missed what was said
I can't speak Thai well
พูดไทยไม่เก่ง
[phuut thai mai geng]
Notes: Humble way to explain your level
Usage: Setting expectations with native speakers
Shopping & Numbers
การซื้อของและตัวเลข
How much is this?
อันนี้เท่าไหร่
[an nee thao rai]
Notes: More specific than just เท่าไหร่
Usage: Pointing to specific items
Too expensive
แพงไป
[phaeng pai]
Notes: ไป (pai) indicates "too much"
Usage: Negotiating prices in markets
Can you make it cheaper?
ลดได้ไหม
[lot dai mai]
Notes: Direct way to ask for discount
Usage: Bargaining in markets and shops
I want this one
เอาอันนี้
[ao an nee]
Notes: Simple way to indicate choice
Usage: Selecting items to purchase
Do you have...?
มี...ไหม
[mee...mai]
Notes: Put the item name in the middle
Usage: Asking about availability
Food & Dining
อาหารและการรับประทาน
I'm hungry
หิวข้าว
[hiw khaaw]
Notes: Literally "hungry for rice"
Usage: Expressing hunger, suggesting meals
I'm thirsty
หิวน้ำ
[hiw naam]
Notes: Literally "hungry for water"
Usage: When you need drinks
Not spicy
ไม่เผ็ด
[mai phet]
Notes: Essential for sensitive palates
Usage: Ordering food in restaurants
A little spicy
เผ็ดนิดหน่อย
[phet nit noi]
Notes: นิดหน่อย means "a little bit"
Usage: When you want mild heat
Very delicious
อร่อยมาก
[aroi maak]
Notes: Great compliment for Thai food
Usage: Praising meals, making friends
Check please
เก็บเงิน
[gep ngern]
Notes: Literally "collect money"
Usage: Asking for the bill
Emergency Phrases
วลีฉุกเฉิน
Important phrases for urgent situations. We hope you never need these, but it's good to be prepared.
Help!
ช่วยด้วย
[chuay duay]
Emergency situations
Call the police
เรียกตำรวจ
[riiak tam-ruat]
When you need police assistance
I need a doctor
ต้องการหมอ
[tawng gaan maw]
Medical emergencies
Where is the hospital?
โรงพยาบาลอยู่ที่ไหน
[rohng phayaa-baan yuu thee nai]
Finding medical help
Cultural Tips for Using These Phrases
เคล็ดลับทางวัฒนธรรม
Always Use Polite Particles
Men add ครับ (krab), women add ค่ะ (ka) to show respect
Example: สวัสดีครับ (sawatdee krab) or สวัสดีค่ะ (sawatdee ka)
The Wai Greeting
Place palms together and bow slightly when greeting
Example: Higher hands show more respect for elders or monks
Tone Matters
Thai has 5 tones - practice with native speakers
Example: มา (maa) can mean "come" or "horse" depending on tone
Be Patient with Yourself
Thais appreciate any effort to speak their language
Example: Even basic attempts will earn you smiles and encouragement
Ready for More Thai?
พร้อมเรียนภาษาไทยเพิ่มเติมหรือยัง?
Now that you know the basics, dive deeper into Thai grammar, expand your vocabulary, or practice with our community!