16 Simple Thai Phrases You Need To Know (and some numbers too)

Here are some essential phrases for those wanting to speak Thai. These are the basic Thai common phrases I wish I knew before traveling in Thailand. (Updated for 2022)

Before we get into the basic Thai phrases you will use the most, you should know a little bit about the Thai language. There are certain words which are used to show respect - such as properly addressing someone who is older or younger. As a foreigner you will not be expected to use these, but you will hear one particular word that is used at the end of almost any sentence. Well technically it is two polite particles - "Khrab" and "Kha." Using these at the end of almost anything you say is about being polite.

The difference between the two comes down to gender - if you are a man use "Khrap" and if you are a woman use "Kha." Unfortunately many languages have not quite caught up to the complexity of human nature, so these two are more or less it. Forgetting to say this is not the end of the world and should not offend anyone (at least when coming from a foreigner).

Now that we have that out of the way, here is what you came for. Our list of the top 16 common Thai words, phrases, and questions you should know!

• Hello - Sawatdee Khrap/Kha

• Thank You - Khob Khun Khrap/Kha

• You're Welcome - Yin Dee Khrap/Kha

• Yes - Chai

• No - Mai

• Restroom - Hongnam

• Where is the restroom? - Hongnam Yuu Tee Nai

• Excuse Me - Kho Toat Khrap/Kha

• That's Okay/Nevermind - Mai Pen Rai

• How Much - Tao Rai Khrap/Kha

• I Do Not Understand - Mai Khao Jai

• Do You Speak English? - Poot Pasa Angrit Dai Mai

• Delicious - Aroi

• Spicy/Not Spicy - Ped/Mai Ped

• Check, Please - Check Bin Khrap/Kha

• Cheers! - Choon Gaew

You would be surprised how often knowing the basics of 1-10 comes in handy. Who knows, you might want to buy 2 bottles of orange juice or maybe you want to show off to the hotel staff by saying your room number in Thai.

• Zero - Soon

• One - Nung

• Two - Song

• Three - Sam

• Four - See

• Five - Ha

• Six - Hoke

• Seven - Jed

• Eight - Pad

• Nine - Gau

• Ten - Sip

Knowing these phrases will be more than enough to help your trip go just a little bit smoother. Hey, bookmarking this page might not be a terrible idea either... :)

If you want to know more about Thailand or are planning your own trip, don't forget to check out our Thailand Travel Guides.