The anticipation of travel is always exciting, especially if you are visiting a country for the first time. Double excitement visits those tourists who, for one reason or another, do not even speak basic English. How to communicate with Thais in this case?
If you own a couple of phrases in English, then it should be easier for you. If you speak very fluent English, moreover, you have practiced in different countries, but you are also not understood - do not be surprised! The Thai dialect of speech is typically Asian, plus your accent, and that's what makes it difficult to communicate. Therefore, all the same, when going to a foreign country, it is worth taking with you pre-printed basic expressions.
Polite treatment
Never speak with Thais in raised tones, in Thai culture it is believed that the one who raises his voice loses his face, and it will no longer be possible to restore it! It is always more likely that you can solve the issue with a smile on your face much faster and in your direction than with a shout.
Thai language is special! It has male and female words and particles. For example, when a man uses a phrase, then at the end of the sentence he pronounces Khrap, if a woman then Kha.
Thus, you can hear the phrase from the taechka: “Thank you khaa!” - it seems to be in English, but I also added a polite part, thanks to you. If you do not use these particles, then the speech will be rude, so thanks or hello in Thai, be sure to add kha / krab depending on your gender.
Common phrases in Thai
Russian Thai
Hello good Bye Savatdii khrap (kha)
What is the price? Thaurai khrap (kha)
Thank you thank you Khop khun khrap (kha)
Many thanks! Khop khun maak khrap (kha)
How are you doing? How are you? Sabay di mai khrap(kha)
Thanks I `am fine Sabai di khrap (kha)
Sorry Khothoot khrap(kha)
No worries MAI PEN RAI khrap(kha)
I don't want, I don't need MAY AU khrap (kha)
What is your name? Khun chi arai khrap (kha)
Remember about male and female words:
My name is Sergey Phom chy Sergey Khrap
My name is Olga Chang chi Olga kha
Cheers (toast)! Chok dee khrap (kha)
I am looking for the restroom. Hongnam yu thi nai khrap(kha)
Go straight Tong pai khrap (kha)
turn left Pai leu sai khrap(kha)
Turn to the right Pai leu kua khrap (kha)
Pronunciation of numbers in Thai
The table below shows examples of the pronunciation of numbers in Thai with tones. Try to pronounce with tones for the best understanding.
For example, 100 baht in Thai is pronounced “Nung Roy Bat”, 800 - “Pad Roy”, a thousand - “Nung Phan”, etc...
If you try to speak Thai even a couple of phrases and try very hard, but they still don’t understand you, then don’t beat yourself up. The problem lies in tones, which you, as a native speaker of another language, simply cannot do. You can always switch to sign language, the main thing is to do it politely and with a smile, then your vacation will be unforgettable!
Welcome to Thailand!
