Thai Phrases for Greetings
Hello, thank you, and the polite expressions that open every door in Thailand. Start here.
Speak Thai is coming soon. Join the waitlist for founding pricing.
Join the Speak Thai waitlistGreetings are where every Thai interaction begins. A confident สวัสดีครับ (sà-wàt-dee kráp) with a slight bow changes how people see you — from "random tourist" to "someone who made an effort." Thai people deeply value politeness, and these 8 phrases are the foundation of every other conversation you will have in Thailand.
Master these first, then layer on food ordering, market bargaining, and transport phrases. Practice with Jam Kham's travel mode to build real confidence.
Essential Greetings & Polite Phrases
8 phrases that form the foundation of every Thai conversation — free with pronunciation guide.
Add ครับ (kráp, male) or ค่ะ (kâ, female) at the end. This single word covers hello, goodbye, and good morning.
Add ครับ/ค่ะ for politeness. Use it generously. Thais appreciate politeness above all.
Works for both apologizing and getting someone's attention. Very useful in crowded places.
ครับ (male) / ค่ะ (female). Add to the end of any sentence for politeness. Also means "yes" on its own.
Simple and direct. Add ครับ/ค่ะ to soften it: ไม่ครับ / ไม่ค่ะ.
The most Thai phrase there is. Covers "no worries," "you're welcome," "it's OK," and "don't mention it."
Literally "comfortable good?" The standard reply is สบายดี (sà-baai dee, "I'm fine").
Use pŏm (male) or dì-chăn (female), followed by your name. One of the first things people ask.
A confident sawadee krap takes practice, not just reading. Speak Thai trains your pronunciation with audio.
Explore Speak ThaiConversation & Farewell Phrases
7 more phrases for small talk, sharing about yourself, and saying goodbye.
A very common question from Thai people. They are genuinely curious and friendly.
Follow with your country name. Most country names are similar to English: อเมริกา (America), อังกฤษ (England), ออสเตรเลีย (Australia).
Another common question. Reply with the number + วัน (wan, days) or สัปดาห์ (sàp-daa, weeks).
Casual farewell. More natural than ลาก่อน (formal goodbye) in everyday situations.
A warm send-off. Thai people may say this to you when they learn you are traveling.
Caring and warm. The "ná" at the end softens it and makes it affectionate.
Formal goodbye. Used less often than แล้วเจอกัน in casual situations.
What You'll Hear Back
Thai people love asking questions. Recognize these 4 and you can hold a basic conversation.
One of the first questions you will hear. Thai people are curious about foreigners and mean it warmly.
Casual conversation starter. Reply with a number + วัน (wan, days): สามวัน (sǎam wan, "3 days").
The answer is always yes. Say ชอบมาก (chôp mâak, "like it a lot") for instant goodwill.
Say นิดหน่อย (nít-nòi, "a little"). This humble response delights Thai people and opens the door to more conversation.
Want to Practice Before Your Trip?
Practice greetings until they feel natural. Speak Thai gives you clear Thai audio for every phrase in the paid packs, at natural and slow speed. The free Essentials Sampler is natural speed only.
Clear Thai audio at natural and slow speed · Polite ครับ/ค่ะ in your form · Spaced repetition · Paced to your trip date
From the Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say hello in Thai?
What is krap/ka in Thai?
When should I do the wai (Thai greeting)?
How do I introduce myself in Thai?
What does mai pen rai mean?
Clear Thai audio at natural and slow speed · Polite ครับ/ค่ะ in your form · Spaced repetition · Paced to your trip date
Join the Speak Thai waitlistFounding pricing locked in for early waitlist members.
Speak Thai is coming soon · Founding pricing for early waitlist members