How to say Hello in Thai? Guide to greeting like a local

To start your journey on the right foot during your trip to Thailand, there's nothing like mastering the basic greetings in the local language. Learning how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Thai will help you establish contact more easily and blend into the surroundings.
We will explain in detail all the finesse and particularities of the famous "sawatdee", the way to say "hello" in Thai, as well as the complementary gestures and expressions according to the situations. With this comprehensive guide to greeting like a Thai, you'll be able to impress your hosts and demonstrate your respect for the country's culture. Ready for your first "sawatdee kha/khrap"? Let's get started!

1. Essential Pronunciation

Learning to pronounce Thai correctly is an interesting challenge for those who want to master this beautiful melodic language or simply get by during a trip to Thailand. The main difficulty comes from the fact that Thai is a tonal language with five different tones.
The pitch of the voice can completely change the meaning of a word. This requires adaptation for French speakers who are not used to these variations. Fortunately, consonants and vowels are generally pronounced as in French. However, attention must be paid to certain cases. For example,

• The "ph" is pronounced "p", as in Koh Phi Phi (ko-pi-pi).
• Or, the "k" can be pronounced "kh", with a guttural aspiration absent in our language.
• The "ch" is pronounced "tch" as "chao" is pronounced "tchao".

In short, despite some peculiarities, with a little practice, one can manage to have an unforgettable journey.

2. Saying Hello in Thai

The Thai language has various ways to greet someone. The most common formula is "Sawatdee" (pronounced sa-wa-di), usable at any time and in any circumstance. Women politely add "kha" (pronounced kha) and men "krap" (pronounced khrap). For example: "Sawatdee kha, my name is Jade".
This term originates from Sanskrit meaning "happiness" and "prosperity". It spread in the 20th century under Western influence, whereas previously Thais greeted each other by inquiring about their meal or destination.
Warmth and Kindness: Children Welcome Visitors.
For more precise timing, "sawatdee" can be combined:

• Sawatdee ton chao (good morning): sa-wa-di tonn-tchao
• Sawatdee ton yen (good evening): sa-wa-di tonn-yenn
• Sawatdee krap/ka, sabai dee mai?" (Hello, how are you?): sa-wa-di sa-b báj-di-m báj, when meeting a friend.

3. How to Express Thanks in Thai

In Thai, "thank you" is "khop khun", usable in all circumstances to express gratitude and appreciation. This term literally means "I receive you in my heart" and comes from Sanskrit (grateful).
To pronounce it correctly, you must clearly separate the "h" and "p" at the end, and not confuse them with "kop" or "koun". Women also add "kha" and men "khrap" out of politeness. Variations exist depending on the context:

• Khop khun māk: thank you very much
• Khop chai: thank you from the bottom of my heart

Khop khun is often accompanied by the "wai". The "wai" symbolizes respect and gratitude towards the person being thanked.
Explore respectful greetings and thanks.

4. The "Wai", Traditional Hand Greeting

The word sawatdee is often accompanied by a gesture called wai, which involves joining the hands in front of the chest and slightly bowing the head. The wai is a sign of respect and gratitude towards the speaker. The level of the wai depends on the social status and age of the person. For example:

• To greet a monk or king, place your hands at forehead level and bow deeply.
• To greet a relative or teacher, place your hands at nose level and bow moderately.
• To greet a friend or equal, place your hands at chin level and bow slightly.

5. Useful Expressions for Travel

• Have a good day: wan ni di. This expression can be used in the morning or afternoon to wish someone a good day. For example:
  • Wan ni di khrap: Have a good day, sir.
  • Wan ni di kha: Have a good day, madam.
• Goodbye: báj. This is an informal and familiar way to say goodbye in Thai. It can be used with friends or loved ones.
• Sorry: kǒo thôot. This is the most common word to apologize or ask for forgiveness in Thai. It can be used in different situations.
• Please: kà rú na. This is the most polite word for please in Thai. It can be used to ask for something nicely or to give an order without being rude.

6. Practical Tips

• Be smiling and welcoming. Thais are known for their hospitality and kindness.
• Learn some basic expressions in Thai. This will show that you are making an effort to learn the Thai language and culture.
• Familiarize yourself with the different ways of greeting in Thai, depending on the time of day, social status, and age of the person.
• Don't hesitate to practice your greetings with friends or family before going to Thailand.

>>>> For more information about etiquette in Thailand, please read: Dos and Don’ts in Thailand

You now know how to say hello in Thai in different situations. You are ready to meet Thais, who are known for their smile and kindness. Remember to respect the rules of politeness and adapt to the context.

You will find that greeting in Thai like a local will allow you to create connections and live unforgettable experiences during your journey. So, don't hesitate to practice and dive in! Have a good trip and sawatdee kha or sawatdee khrap!