Thai Language: Part 2

In a previous blog post we wrote about the importance of having an understanding of the Thai language if you are looking to buy a house in Phuket.We wrote about the history and basis of the language and common usage, we also promised you a list of some of the more common greeting and polite gestures, so here is the Vista del Mar Phuket guide to Thai language, part 2!

Thai language uses long & short tones, high tones & low tones to describe a word. For example: “kao” can mean: nine, knee, rice, come in, news, etc… depending on the tone used. Learning these tones and inflections is very important as  almost anything other than the most basic words will make no sense to the Thai listener! The best and only way to learn Thai is to  is to listen and copy in social situations!

Hello = Sawa dee

Thank you (male) = Kob Khun Krap

Thank you (female) = Kob Khun Ka

How are you? = Khun sabai di mai?

I am fine thanks = (male) Pom sabai di krap.

I am fine thanks= (female) Chan sabai di ka.

Wait = Roh sakru

I can not speak Thai =Pood Thai mai dai

I do not understand = Mai kow jai

Do you understand = Kow jai mai

Above are some of the most basic terms and phrases that will be understood by Thai speakers, and there are plenty of helpful sites and courses available on the web, but the best way to learn to speak Thai is to get into social situations where the language is flowing freely and you can pick up intonations and inflections; looking to buy a house in Phuket is a great way to start!