Thailand is a nice place to live. The cost of living isn’t high. People are kind and friendly as reflected by the name land of smiles. Thus, in each year, many people come to Thailand to study as well as to be a teacher. You may get to teach or learn using English but it would be nice if you know some Thai words and phrases for class. Apart from making the communication easier, knowing how students and teachers communicate in Thai gives you an insight of some culture and beliefs of Thai people as well. Obviously, knowing only Thai educational information isn’t enough.
So in this lesson, we have prepared Thai classroom phrases for teachers as well as students. You can use these Thai classroom phrases in various situations such as greetings, making requests, asking questions, etc. So, let’s learn classroom phrases in Thai language.
Thai culture as well as social hierarchy influence the relationship between teachers and students. Since children are taught to be respectful toward adults, the relationship between teachers and students in Thailand is pretty formal. For example, Thai students always add titles in front of teachers/professor names when they address them. And as you can guess, the way Thai students greet their teachers is quite formal.
Actually, in Thai schools, Thai students have to greet the teachers when the class begins and its process is pretty much the same in almost every school. So you have to practice these greeting phrases to speak Thai in the classroom like native. Below are Thai phrases that students use in the classroom for the greeting.
1- Student, salute
Thai phrase: นักเรียน ทำความเคารพ
Thai pronunciation: nák-riian tham-kwaam-khao-róp
Explanation: When teacher comes into the classroom, class leader will ask everyone to get ready by saying นักเรียน (nák-riian). Then, the leader continue the order with ทำความเคารพ (tham-kwaam-khao-róp) which literally means “paying respect” in Thai.
At some schools, all the students stand up and then ไหว้ (wâi) their teacher as a greeting. While at some schools, all the students remain seated and prostrate themselves on the table as a greeting.
Apart from using this for greeting at the beginning of the class, it can also be used with greeting (thank) after the class finishes as well.
2- Hello, teacher/professor
Thai phrase: สวัสดี คุณครู/อาจารย์
Thai pronunciation: sà-wàt-dii khun-khruu/aa-jaan
Explanation: The greeting word for the teacher is pretty simple. Thai students just say สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii). You may notice that both คุณครู (khun-khruu) and อาจารย์ (aa-jaan) can be used in this case. Which one should you use? The answer depends on which school you are in now. Some schools use คุณครู (khun-khruu) while some schools use อาจารย์ (aa-jaan) to refer to educator.
Apart from being Thai phrases in classrooms used in greeting, Thai students also use them to greet teachers when they meet outside of classrooms as well. If you are learning Thai or currently studying in Thai school, you will definitely get to use this phrase.
Explanation: As mentioned above, Thai students also thank their teacher after the class as well. But instead of สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii), they say ขอบคุณ (khàawp-khun) to thank their teacher instead.
4- See you on …
Thai phrase: เจอกัน + day/date
Thai pronunciation: jooe-gan + day/date
Explanation: Once the students finish thanking their teacher after class, some teacher may tell the student “see you on…”.
Example 1: Teacher walks into the classroom.
หัวหน้าห้อง: นักเรียน ทำความเคารพ
hǔua-nâa-hâawng: nák-riian tham-kwaam-khao-róp
Class leader: Student, salute
อาจารย์: สวัสดีค่ะ กลับบ้านกันดี ๆ นะคะ เจอกันวันอังคารหน้าค่ะ
aa-jaan: sà-wàt-dii-khâ glàp-bâan-gan-dii-dii-ná-khá jooe-gan-wan-ang-khaan-nâa-khâ
Professor: Hi, go back home safely.
นักเรียน: ขอบคุณค่ะ อาจารย์
nák-riian: khàawp-khun-khâ aa-jaan
Student: Thank you, professor.
2. Thai classroom command phrases
Another type of useful Thai classroom phrases is the instructions from the teachers. Here are the common classroom phrases for teachers in Thai that you should know.
1- Listen carefully
Thai phrase: ตั้งใจฟังนะ
Thai pronunciation: dtâng-jai-fang-ná
Explanation: Thai teachers often say this Thai class phrase before explaining a complicated topic or some order that is hard to understand. When a Thai teacher says this phrase to all students in the room, there is no need to answer him/her.
Quiet please, don’t talk to each other too loud. You are disturbing others.
4- Do you understand?
Thai phrase: เข้าใจมั้ย
Thai pronunciation: khâo-jai-mái
Explanation: When teachers explain something, they sometimes ask if students understand their explanation or not. It is another Thai classroom phrase apart from มีคำถามมั้ย (mii-kham-thǎam-mái) teacher can use to check if student can keep up with the lesson or not.
Explanation: This is another good phrase a teacher can use for language class. When Thai teachers encourage students to answer the question, they often use this kind of question. There is a high chance you may hear this in Thai language class.
Does anyone know the meaning of “พูดลอย ๆ” in Thai?
3. Thai classroom phrases for students
Now that you know Thai class words and phrases for the teacher, let’s learn Thai important phrases in the classroom that students normally use. Apart from learning how to read and write Thai, it is important to know how to communicate in the classroom as well.
1- I don’t understand
Thai phrase: ผม/หนูไม่เข้าใจ
Thai pronunciation: phǒm/nǔu-mâi-khâo-jai
Explanation: This sentence can be used as it is to show that the subject doesn’t understand something or you can be more specific and add the topic that the subject doesn’t understand afterward.
I can’t hear what you are saying. Could you speak louder?
Additional information: When Thai students let the teacher know about a situation like this, they often raise their hand and wait until the teacher sees them before saying anything.
Explanation: This sentence can be used as it is to tell that you are not well or you can be more specific and give more information on how you are not feeling well.
Explanation: Similar to the sentence above, this sentence can be used as it is to tell that you are not well or you can be more specific and give more information on how you are not feeling well.
Explanation: If you are late, you should start your sentence by apologizing and then tell the reason why you are late. The popular reasons are traffic jams, the rain and waking up late.
Explanation: Similar to the situation above, if you can’t submit your homework within time, you should start your sentence by apologizing and then tell the reason. The popular reasons are unfinished homework, broken computer, or forgetting it at home.
Sorry, I can’t submit the homework today. I forget it at home.
5. Thai conversation phrases in the classroom
The last section of this Thai school phrases lesson is about the favorite subject. Below shows how you can express your preference about the subject.
1- I like…
Thai phrase: ผม/หนูชอบ + name of subject
Thai pronunciation: phǒm/nǔu-châawp + name of subject
Explanation: To tell the subject you like, you can use the basic structure of “I like something” in Thai followed by the name of the subject. To give you the idea, this is the name of the school subjects, one of the classroom vocabulary in Thai you should know.
Thai pronunciation: phǒm/nǔu-mâi-châawp + name of subject
Explanation: Similar to the previous sentence, you can use the basic structure of “I don’t like something” in Thai followed by the name of the subject.
Tum isn’t good at Chemistry but he is very good at Physics.
6. Conclusion
This is the end of the lesson. Hopefully, you now understand and can remember all the Thai classroom phrases as well as common words in Thai language we prepared for you. What do you think about the ways Thai people communicate in class? Is it different from yours? Let us know in the comment below.
Food is one of the basic needs of humans. Apart from eating to survive, food plays other important roles as well. It represents the culture of the country. Cooking food can be an art. Moreover, having a meal can be used as a way to build relationships. As eating is a basic activity in daily life, it makes sense for all Thai learners to learn all the basic Thai phrases used in a restaurant.
In this lesson, we provide the most common Thai restaurant phrases for you. Of course, those come with the English translation and many examples. Hopefully, you will be able to learn more about Thai culture and Thai food through this lesson as well.
Let’s start with the first list of Thai restaurant phrases, how to ask for a table once you arrive at the restaurant, and how to book a table.
1- Table for … please
Thai phrase: … คน
Thai pronunciation: … – khon
Additional explanation: When Thai people go into a restaurant, they often tell the number of people coming to the waiter or waitress right away or as an answer to the question “how many people?”.
2. Food ordering and questions in restaurants in Thai
Now that you know how to get the table in Thai, the next step is asking for a menu in the Thai language. You should learn Thai restaurant phrases used in ordering the food and how to order take-out in Thai as well. These essential Thai phrases below will help you to be able to express your eating preference as well as make a request in the restaurant. This will be especially useful for you if you know Thai food vocabulary.
1- Getting waiter/waitress attention
Thai phrase: พี่ / น้อง
Thai pronunciation: phîi / náawng
Additional explanation: Thai people guess the age of the waiter/waitress. If he/she seems to be older, the customer calls him/her พี่ (phîi). If he/she seems to be younger, the customer calls him/her น้อง (náawng).
Additional explanation: If you don’t know what the dish is called, you can point at the picture or the name and ask the waiter. Sometimes, the restaurant names the dish uniquely. Sometimes, the name of Thai food can be so strange that even Thai people can’t guess what it is, such as royal Thai cuisine. So you have to ask them.
Waitress: This is Plachon lui suan. It is a fried fish topped with spicy herb salad.
5- What is in this dish?
Thai phrase: อันนี้ (or dish name) ใส่อะไรบ้าง
Thai pronunciation: an-níi-sài-à-rai-bâang
Additional explanation: Similar to the question above, If you don’t know what the dish is called, you can point at the picture or the name and ask the waiter. If you are allergic to some food, this is a useful expression in a restaurant in the Thai language that you should know.
Additional information: When it comes to ordering food in Thai, you will find that you can tell them what you need and don’t need. For example, if you don’t like something, ask them not to put it in. If you don’t like a certain taste, you can ask them to adjust (such as “not so sweet, please”). Most of the restaurants have no problem cooking as you request. Again, we recommend you learn Thai vocabulary about ingredients to be able to use this sentence.
Waitress: Go straight this way, it is on the left.
11- Can I get a take-out, please?
Thai phrase: ช่วยห่อกลับบ้านหน่อย
Thai pronunciation: chûuay-hàaw-glàp-bâan-nàauy
Example:
ลูกค้า: ช่วยห่อกลับบ้านหน่อยครับ
lûuk-kháa: chûuay-hàaw-glàp-bâan-nàauy-khráp
Customer: Can I get a take-out, please?
พนักงานเสิร์ฟ: ได้ค่ะ สักครู่นะคะ
phá-nák-ngaan-sòoep: dâi-khâ sàk-khrûu-ná-khá
Waitress: Sure, a moment, please.
Additional information: Thai people use meal time to bond with one another, and the way to do it is sharing the food. When Thai people gather and have a meal together, they often order a lot of food. So it is possible that there is leftover food which they often take back home.
(Thai people like sharing food.)
3. Phrases used after dining in a restaurant in Thai
Once you finish your meal, you have to know how to ask for the bill in Thai. Another Thai phrase used in restaurants that are very useful is how to ask about promotion and discount. You can find all these basic Thai restaurant words and phrases below.
Waiter: It is 1,150 Baht. If you pay in cash, we will give you a 10% discount.
Additional information: เช็คบิลหน่อย (chék-bin-nàauy) may seem weird when you think of it in English. Thai people in the past tried to copy and translate restaurant phrases from English to Thai but made a mistake in the process. Instead of using either check or bill, they combined these words together.
Thai pronunciation: ao + noun + quantity + numerical classifier
Example:
ลูกค้า: เอาขนมครก 2 กล่อง
lûuk-kháa: ao-khà-nǒm-khrók-sǎawng-glàawng
Customer: I want 2 boxes of Khanomkrok
พนักงานเสิร์ฟ: เอาหน้าอะไรคะ
phá-nák-ngaan-sòoep: ao-nâa-à-rai-khá
Waitress: Which topping do you want?
ลูกค้า: ข้าวโพดกับเผือกครับ
lûuk-kháa: khâao-phôot-gàp-phùueak-khráp
Customer: corn and taro
Additional information: ขนมครก (khà-nǒm-khrók) is a sweet and savory Thai sweet made from coconut milk. It can be served with no topping or served with corn, taro, or spring onion as a topping. It is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It is one of the street foods in Thailand.
4. Conclusion
For those who live in Thailand or are about to come to Thailand, we hope this lesson is very useful for you. With all the Thai words and phrases we provide you, along with the example of Thai conversation in a restaurant, you should be able to communicate and have a good meal in Thailand. Do you have any comments on the way Thai people order food? Is it different from your country? Let us know in the comment below.
Now that you have learned the restaurant phrases in the Thai language, you may find related topics interesting. Here are some Thai lessons recommendations from ThaiPod101.com, table etiquette, Thai sweets, and asking how to eat something.
One of the most frequently asked questions when you first meet foreigners is “question about nationality”. Same goes with foreigners who want to obtain Thai nationality or ask for a tourist visa. So it makes sense for you to learn “how to say your nationality in Thai”. Actually, this is a pretty easy topic in Thai. After learning this lesson, you will not only be able to talk about countries and nationalities in Thai, but also the topics about language, food and culture as well.
In this “all about Thai nationality” lesson, you will learn how to say different nationalities in Thai. The first thing you will learn is how countries, nationalities and languages in Thai are related. And next is the vocabulary of nationality in English to Thai. Then, we gave you examples of questions and answers about Thai nationalities which are very useful in conversation.
Let’s start with the basic knowledge. What is the nationality in Thai? สัญชาติ (sǎn-châat) is “nationality” in Thai. When it comes to learning about Thai nationality vocabulary, it is a very easy topic for Thai language learners. The reason is in the Thai language, we use the name of countries for nationality, language, food, person as well as culture. So all you have to do is remember the country name in Thai and the words that can be used with country name which are,
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In each year, there are a lot of tourists coming to Thailand. The national statistical office in Thailand has recorded the nationalities of tourists who came to Thailand during 2010 – 2019 and below is the list of those country names (nationalities) in Thai. For tourists, you can learn how to answer when someone asks you “what is your nationality?” in Thai.
Apart from questions, you should know the basic ways to speak about your nationality in Thai as well. How to say my nationality is… in Thai? Here are sentences you can use.
1- I’m (nationality).
Thai sentence: subject + เป็นคน + country name
Thai romanization: subject + bpen-khon + country name
To help you learn about nationality in Thai language effectively, we also prepare a conversation related to nationality for you as an example. You will see how you can use all the vocabulary you just learned in conversation.
Below here is the conversation between Tom, a friendly exchange student from Britain, and Mek, a Thai student.
ทอม: สวัสดีครับ ผมชื่อทอมครับ ผมเป็นนักเรียนแลกเปลี่ยนมาจากประเทศอังกฤษครับ
Thaawm: sà-wàt-dii-khráp phǒm-chûue-thaawm-khráp phǒm-bpen-nák-riian-lâaek-bplìian-maa-jàak-bprà- thêet-ang-grìt-khráp
Tom: Hi, my name is Tom. I’m an exchange student from Britain.
เมฆ: สวัสดีครับ ทอม ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก ผมชื่อเมฆครับ
Meek: sà-wàt-dii-khráp thaawm yin-dii-thîi-dâi-rúu-jàk phǒm-chûue-mêek-khráp
Mek: Hello, Tom. Nice to meet you. My name is Mek.
ทอม: เมฆเป็นนักเรียนแลกเปลี่ยนเหมือนกันหรือเปล่าครับ
Taawm: mêek-bpen-nák-riian-lâaek-bplìian-mǔuean-gan-rúue-bplào-khráp
Tom: Are you an exchange student too?
เมฆ: ไม่ใช่ครับ ผมเป็นคนไทยครับ ถือสัญชาติไทย Meek: mâi-châi-khráp phǒm-bpen-khon-thai-khráp thǔue-sǎn-châat-thai
Mek: No, I’m not. I’m a Thai person who has Thai nationality.
ทอม: จริงเหรอครับ คุณดูไม่เหมือนคนไทยเลย
Thaawm: jing-rǒoe-khráp khun-duu-mâi-mǔuean-khon-thai-looei
Tom: Really, you don’t look like Thai people.
เมฆ: จริงครับ คุณแม่ของผมเป็นลูกครึ่งโรมาเนียครับ ผมของผมก็เลยสีอ่อนเหมือนกับผมของคุณตาครับ
Meek: jing-khráp khun-mâae-khǎawng-phǒm-bpen-lûuk-khrûeng-roo-maa-niia-khráp phǒm-khǎawng-phǒm- gâaw-looei-sǐi-àawn-mǔuean-gàp-phǒm-khǎawng-khun-dtaa-khráp
Mek: Yes, my mother is half Romanian. That is why I have light hair color, the same as my grandfather’s hair.
ทอม: อย่างนี้นี่เอง แล้วเมฆพูดภาษาโรมาเนียได้มั้ยครับ
Thaawm: yàang-níi-nîi-eeng láaeo-mêek-phûut-phaa-sǎa-roo-maa-niia-dâi-mái-khráp
Tom: That is why. Can you speak Romanian then?
เมฆ: ได้แค่นิดหน่อยครับ ครอบครัวของเราส่วนใหญ่คุยกันด้วยภาษาไทยครับ ว่าแต่ว่า ทำไมทอมพูดภาษาไทยได้เก่ง จังครับ หรือว่ามาประเทศไทยหลายปีแล้ว
Meek: dâi-khâae-nít-nàauy-khráp khrâawp-khruua-khǎawng-rao-sùuan-yài-khui-gan-dûuai-phaa-sǎa-thai- khráp wâa-dtâae-wâa tham-mai-thaawm-phûut-phaa-sǎa-thai-dâi-gèng-jang-khráp rǔue-wâa-maa-bprà- thêet-thai-lǎai-bpii-láaeo
Mek: I can speak Romanian just a little bit. My family speaks Thai to one another most of the time. Anyway, why can you speak Thai so well? Or have you been here for many years?
ทอม: ผมพึ่งมาประเทศไทยได้ 1 เดือนเองครับ ที่ผมพูดภาษาไทยได้ดี เพราะ คุณแม่ของผมก็เป็นลูกครึ่งไทยครับ คุณแม่พูดภาษาไทยกับผมตลอด ผมก็เลยฟังและพูดภาษาไทยได้ครับ แต่ผมอ่านภาษาไทยไม่ได้เลยครับ
Thaawm: phǒm-phûueng-maa-bprà-thêet-thai-dâi-nùeng-duuean-eeng-khráp thîi-phǒm-phûut-phaa-sǎa- thai-dâi-dii phráw khun-mâae-khǎawng-phǒm-gâaw-bpen-lûuk-khrûeng-thai-khráp khun-mâae-phûut-phaa- sǎa-thai-gàp-phǒm-dtà-làawt phǒm-gâaw-looei-fang-láe-phûut-phaa-sǎa-thai-dâi-khráp
Tom: My mother is also half Thai. She always speaks Thai with me so I can speak and listen to Thai. But I can’t write Thai at all.
เมฆ: มิน่าล่ะ คุณถึงพูดภาษาไทยได้ดีมาก แล้วทำไมทอมถึงเลือกมาเรียนที่ประเทศไทยครับ
Meek: mí-nâa-là khun-thǔeng-phûut-phaa-sǎa-thai-dâi-dii-mâak láaeo-tham-mai-thaawm-thǔeng-lûueak- maa-riian-thîi-bprà-thêet-thai-khráp
Mek: No wonder you speak Thai so well. Then, why do you choose to exchange in Thailand?
ทอม: คุณแม่เล่าเรื่องเกี่ยวกับประเทศไทยให้ผมฟังบ่อยมากครับ ผมคิดว่าวัฒนธรรมไทยน่าสนใจ อาหารไทยก็อร่อย มากด้วย ผมก็เลยตัดสินใจมาแลกเปลี่ยนที่นี่ครับ
Thaawm: khun-mâae-lâo-rûueang-gìiao-gàp-bprà-thêet-thai-hâi-phǒm-fang-bàauy-mâak-khráp phǒm-khít- wâa-wát-thá-ná-tham-thai-nâa-sǒn-jai aa-hǎan-thai-gâaw-à-ràauy-mâak-dûuai phǒm-gâaw-looei-dtàt-sǐn- jai-maa-lâaek-bplìian-thîi-nîi-khráp
Tom: My mother often tells me stories about Thailand. I think Thai culture is very interesting. Thai food is also very delicious. So I decided to exchange here.
My mothers often tell me stories about Thailand.
เมฆ: พอมาอยู่ไทยจริง ๆ แล้วรู้สึกยังไงบ้างครับ
Meek: phaaw-maa-yùu-thai-jing-jing-láaeo-rúu-sùek-yang-ngai-bâang-khráp
Mek: Now that you are in Thailand, how do you feel?
ทอม: คนไทยใจดีมากครับ อาหารไทยที่นี่ก็อร่อยยิ่งกว่าที่แม่ผมทำอีก ทุกคนบอกว่าผมกินเผ็ดเก่งมาก แต่อากาศร้อน มากครับ
Thaawm: khon-thai-jai-dii-mâak-khráp aa-hǎan-thai-thîi-nîi-gâaw-à-ràauy-yîng-gwàa-thîi-mâae-phǒm-tham-ìik thúk-khon-bàawk-wâa-phǒm-gin-phèt-gèng-mâak dtàae-aa-gâat-ráawn-mâak-khráp
Tom: Thai people are very kind. Thai food here is even more delicious than what my mother cooked. Everyone says I’m very good at eating spicy food. But the weather is very hot.
The weather is very hot.
เมฆ: ตอนนี้หน้าร้อน เดือนหน้า อากาศจะไม่ร้อนเท่านี้ครับ แต่ก็น่าจะร้อนอยู่ดี
Meek: dtaawn-níi-nâa-ráawn duuean-nâa aa-gàat-jà-mâi-ráawn-thâo-níi-khráp dtàae-gâaw-nâa-jà-ráawn- yùu-dii
Mek: Now it is summer. Next month, it will not be as hot as it is now. But it will still be hot.
ทอม: ร้อนน้อยลงนิดหน่อยก็ยังดีครับ ดีที่ผมพักใกล้มหาวิทยาลัย ก็เลยไม่ต้องเดินทางไกล ไม่งั้นคงเหนื่อยเวลาเดินทาง มากครับ
Thaawm: ráawn-náauy-long-nít-nàauy-gâaw-yang-dii-khráp dii-thîi-phǒm-phák-glâi-má-hǎa-wít-thá-yaa-lai gâaw-looei-mâi-dtâawng-dooen-thaang-glai mâi-ngán-khong-nùueai-wee-laa-dooen-thaang-mâak-khráp
Tom: Not yet, I want to go to a cultural tourist attraction. Do you have any recommendations?
เมฆ: แล้วได้ไปเที่ยวที่ไหนบ้างรึยังครับ
Meek: láaeo-dâi-bpai-thîiao-thîi-nǎi-bâang-rúue-yang-khráp
Mek: Have you traveled to any place yet?
ทอม: ยังเลยครับ อยากไปสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวทางวัฒนธรรมมากครับ มีที่ไหนแนะนำมั้ยครับ
Thaawm: yang-looei-khráp yàak-bpai-sà-thǎan-thîi-thàawng-thîiao-thaang-wát-thá-ná-tham-mâak-khráp mii-thîi-nǎi-náe-nam-mái-khráp
Tom: Not yet, I want to go to a cultural tourist attraction. Do you have any recommendations?
เมฆ: ลองไปดูการแสดงเกี่ยวกับศิลปะ วัฒนธรรม และประเพณีที่สยามนิรมิตดูสิ อยู่ในกรุงเทพฯ ว่างวันเดียวก็ไปได้ การแสดงที่นั่นมีชื่อเสียงมาก ถ้าคุณสนใจวัฒนธรรมไทย คุณน่าจะชอบ
Meek: laawng-bpai-duu-gaan-sà-daaeng-gìiao-gàp-sǐn-lá-bpà wát-thá-ná-tham láe-bprà-phee-nii-thîi-sà- yǎam-ní-rá-mít-duu-sì yùu-nai-grung-thêep wâang-wan-diiao-gâaw-bpai-dâi gaan-sà-daaeng-thîi-nân-mii- chûue-sǐiang-mâak thâa-khun-sǒn-jai-wát-thá-ná-tham-thai khun-nâa-ja-châawp
Mek: You should go watch a show about art, culture and tradition at Siam Niramit. It is in Bangkok. You can make it a one-day trip. If you are interested in Thai culture, you might like it.
ทอม: วันจันทร์หน้าผมว่าง จะลองไปดู ขอบคุณครับ
Thaawm: wan-jan-nâa-phǒm-wâang jà-laawng-bpai-duu khàawp-khun-khráp
Tom: I’m available next Monday so I will go then. Thank you.
6. Conclusion
At this point, whether you are a foreigner who plans to have a Thai citizenship application or plans for a Thailand travel trip, we are pretty sure you can manage to talk about your nationality in Thai already. To sum up, all you have to do is try to remember the country names and then, you will be fine. Do you think this topic is as easy as we promise? Is it different from your native language? Please let us know in the comment below.
Once you reach an advanced level in Thai, you’ll be expected to understand things like academic language, business jargon, and commonly used idioms and proverbs. In other words, you’ll need to know more difficult and nuanced words in Thai apart from what’s used in daily life.
To help you get there, we have prepared this guide to advanced Thai phrases. This article covers phrases, expressions, and terms that will ensure your success in the academic, business, and social spheres. Learning this advanced Thai vocabulary is a great way to start sounding more like a native speaker in any context!
Let’s begin by looking at some advanced Thai phrases used in academic writing. These are conjunctions and conjunctive phrases that you can use to better organize and articulate your thoughts. Keep in mind that the conjunctions used in academic writing differ from those used in daily life; they are more formal and structural.
1 – Based on… / According to…
Thai phrase: อ้างอิงจาก…
Pronunciation:âang-ing-jàak…
Example 1: อ้างอิงจากงานวิจัยล่าสุด การออกกำลังกายมากเกินไปทำให้ร่างกายสูญเสียกล้ามเนื้อ
aang-ing-jàak-ngaan-wí-jai-lâa-sùt gaan-àawk-gam-lang-gaai-mâak-gooen-bpai-tham-hâi-râang-gaai-sǔun-sǐia-glâam-núuea According to the latest research, too much exercise leads to loss of muscle mass.
Example 2: อ้างอิงจากผลการสำรวจ เด็กที่อายุมากกว่า 7 ปีเกิน 50% มีโทรศัพท์มือถือเป็นของตัวเอง
âang-ing-jàak-phǒn-gaan-sǎm-rùuat dèk-thîi-aa-yú-mâak-gwàa-jèt-bpii-gooen-hâa-sìp-bpooe-sen-mii -thoo-rá-sàp-muue-thǔue-bpen-khǎawng-dtuua-eeng Based on the survey results, 50% of children who are older than seven years old have their own mobile phones.
2 – Considering…
Thai phrase: เมื่อคำนึงถึง…
Pronunciation:mûuea-kham-nueng-thǔeng…
Example 1: เมื่อคำนึงถึงผลกระทบที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้น ทางบริษัทตัดสินใจยกเลิกการสร้างโรงงานใหม่
mûuea-kham-nueng-thǔeng-phǒn-grà-thóp-thîi-àat-jà-gòoet-khûen thaang-baaw-rí-sàt-dtàt-sǐn-jai- yók-lôoek-gaan-sâang-roong-ngaan-mài Considering the possible effect, our company decided to cancel the plans for a new plant.
Example 2: เมื่อคำนึงถึงผลประโยชน์ในระยะยาว การลงทุนในธุรกิจพลังงานสะอาดเป็นสิ่งที่ถูกต้อง
mûuea-kham-nueng-thǔeng-phǒn-bprà-yòot-nai-rá-yá-yaao gaan-long-thun-nai-thú-rá-gìt-phá-lang- ngaan-sà-àat-bpen-sìng-thîi-thùuk-dtâawng Considering the long-term benefits, investing in a green energy business is the correct option.
Example 1: ยิ่งไปกว่านั้น การนอนหลับให้เพียงพอยังช่วยทำให้สุขภาพจิตดีอีกด้วย
yîng-bpai-gwàa-nán gaan-naawn-làp-hâi-phiiang-phaaw-yang-chûuai-tham-hâi-sùk-khà-phâap-jìt-dii-ìik -dûuai Moreover, sufficient sleep makes you have good mental health as well.
Example 2: นอกจากนั้น การสูบบุหรี่ยังทำให้คนในครอบครัวมีความเสี่ยงทางสุขภาพเพิ่มขึ้นด้วย
nâawk-jàak-nán gaan-sùup-bù-rìi-yang-tham-hâi-khon-nai-khrâawp-khruua-mii-kwaam-sìiang-thaang- sùk-khà-phâap-phôoem-khûuen-dûuai Moreover, smoking also leads to increased health risk for family members.
4 – In other words… / To put it simply…
Thai phrase: กล่าวคือ…
Pronunciation:glàao-khuue…
Example 1: กล่าวคือ กองทุนนี้มีความเสี่ยงสูง
glàao-khuue gaawng-thun-níi-mii-kwaam-sìiang-sǔung In other words, this fund is high-risk.
Example 2: กล่าวคือ บริษัทขนส่งจะได้รับเงินเยียวยาจากรัฐบาล glàao-khuue baaw-rí-sàt-khǒn-sòng-jà-dâi-ráp-ngoen-yiiao-yaa-jàak-rát-thà-baan To put it simply, the transport company will get compensation from the government.
5 – On the contrary… / On the other hand…
Thai phrase: ในทางกลับกัน…
Pronunciation:nai-thaang-glàp-gan…
Example 1: ในทางกลับกัน แม้การฝากเงินในธนาคารจะให้ผลตอบแทนต่ำ แต่ก็มีความเสี่ยงต่ำเช่นกัน
nai-thaang-glàp-gan máae-gaan-fàak-ngoen-nai-thá-naa-khaan-jà-hâi-phǒn-dtàawp-thaaen-dtàm dtàae-gâaw-mii-kwaam-sìiang-dtàm-chên-gan On the contrary, despite having a low return, saving your money in the bank is low-risk.
Example 2: ในทางกลับกัน คนที่มีน้ำหนักสูงกว่ามาตรฐานจะมีโอกาสเป็นเบาหวานมากกว่า
nai-thaang-glàp-gan khon-thîi-mii-nám-nàk-sǔung-gwàa-mâat-dtrà-thǎan-jà-mii-oo-gàat-bpen-bao- wǎan-mâak-gwàa On the other hand, overweight people have a higher chance of developing diabetes.
6 – For example…
Thai phrase: ยกตัวอย่างเช่น…
Pronunciation:yók-dtuua-yàang-chên…
Example 1: ประเทศไทยปลูกผลไม้ได้หลายชนิด ยกตัวอย่างเช่น ทุเรียน, มะพร้าว, ส้ม ฯลฯ
bprà-thêet-thai-bplùuk-phǒn-lá-mái-dâi-lǎai-chá-nít yók-dtuua-yàang-chên thú-riian má-phráao sôm láe-ùuen-ùuen Thailand grows many types of fruit. For example, durian, coconut, orange, etc.
Example 2: จังหวัดเชียงใหม่มีสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวหลายที่ ยกตัวอย่างเช่น ดอยอินทนนท์ สวนสัตว์เชียงใหม่ และทุ่งดอกไม้ เชียงใหม่
jang-wàt-chiiang-mài-mii-sà-thǎan-thîi-thâawng-thîiao-lǎai-thîi yók-dtuua-yàang-chên daauy-in-thá-non sǔuan-sàt-chiiang-mài láe-thûng-dàawk-mái-chiiang-mài
Chiangmai has many tourist attractions. For example, Doi Inthanon, Chiangmai Zoo, and Chiangmai Flower Field.
7 – In summary…
Thai phrase: สรุปได้ว่า…
Pronunciation:sà-rùp-dâi-wâa…
Example 1: สรุปได้ว่า ปีนี้ รายได้จากสาขาย่อยคิดเป็น 40% ของรายได้ทั้งหมด
sà-rùp-dâi-wâa bpii-níi raai-dâi-jàak-sǎa-khǎa-yâauy-khít-bpen-sìi-sìp-bpooe-sen-khǎawng-raai-dâi- tháng-mòt In summary, this year’s revenue from the branches accounts for 40% of total revenue.
Example 2: สรุปได้ว่า การฉีดวัคซีนช่วยป้องกันการติดเชื้อได้
sà-rùp-dâi-wâa gaan-chìit-wák-siin-chûuai-bpâawng-gan-gaan-dtìt-chúuea-dâi In summary, vaccination helps prevent infection.
8 – So… / Therefore…
Thai phrase: ดังนั้น…
Pronunciation:dang-nán…
Example 1: ดังนั้น การเปิดสาขาเพิ่มถือเป็นการกระจายความเสี่ยง
dang-nán gaan-bpòoet-sǎa-khǎa-phôoem-thǔue-bpen-gaan-grà-jaai-kwaam-sìiang So, opening a new branch is considered risk diversification.
Example 2: ดังนั้น เธอไม่ควรซื้อทองในตอนนี้
dang-nán thooe-mâi-khuuan-súue-thaawnดังนั้น เธอไม่ควรซื้อทองในตอนนี้ Therefore, you shouldn’t buy gold now.
9 – …as follows…
Thai phrase: …ดังนี้…
Pronunciation: …dang-níi…
Example 1: เอกสารที่คุณต้องเตรียมมาด้วยมีดังนี้
èek-gà-sǎan-thîi-khun-dtâawng-dtriiam-maa-dûuai-mii-dang-níi The documents you have to prepare are listed as follows…
Example 2: ค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดสามารถแจกแจงได้ ดังนี้
khâa-chái-jàai-tháng-mòt-sǎa-mâat-jàaek-jaaeng-dâi-dang-níi The total expense can be broken down as follows…
10 – From the information above…
Thai phrase: จากข้อมูลข้างต้น…
Pronunciation:jàak-khâaw-muun-khâang-dtôn…
Example 1: ข้อมูลข้างต้น สามารถสรุปได้ว่า ขิงมีประโยชน์ต่อร่างกาย
jàak-khâaw-muun-khâang-dtôn sǎa-mâat-sà-rùp-dâi-wâa khǐng-mii-bprà-yòot-dtàaw-râang-gaai From the information above, we can conclude that ginger is good for your body.
Example 2: อ้างอิงจากข้อมูลข้างต้น เศรษฐกิจในปีนี้มีโอกาสจะโตเพิ่มขึ้นอีก 2%
âang-ing-jàak-khâaw-muun-khâang-dtôn sèet-thà-gìt-nai-bpii-níi-mii-oo-gàat-jà-dtoo-phôoem-khûen- ìik-sǎawng-bpooe-sen Based on the information above, the economy has a chance to grow by 2% this year.
Of course, you’ll want to include all the basics on your resume (personal information, contact information, photo, educational background, work experience, etc.). But you’ll also need to include some advanced Thai words and phrases that will help your resume stand out. Including the most relevant and powerful expressions will leave a great impression on your potential employer!
Below, we have outlined a few advanced phrases in Thai to get you started.
1 – Career objective
Thai phrase: จุดประสงค์ในการทำงาน
Pronunciation: jùt-bprà-sǒng-nai-gaan-tham-ngaan
It’s a good idea to let HR know what your career objective is. Nowadays, employees choose the companies they want to work with just as much as companies choose employees. Including your career objectives will help HR get to know you better, which will help them decide whether you fit the job description or not. Moreover, having clear career objectives can make your resume stand out among others.
If you’re a new graduate, adding activities or training courses you’ve taken is wise. It gives more information about your knowledge and skills than your educational background alone.
3 – Language skills
Thai phrase: ทักษะด้านภาษา
Pronunciation:thák-sà-dâan-phaa-sǎa
Globalization has made language skills crucial. English skills are a must, and knowing a second (or third) language is a bonus. On your resume, you should include both the languages you know and your proficiency level in each one. In Thai resumes, we often classify the proficiency levels as follows:
ดีมาก (dii-mâak) = fluent
ปานกลาง (bpaan-glaang) = intermediate
พื้นฐาน (phúuen-thǎan) = basic
Of course, there are a number of other skills you may want to include on your resume. Below, we have given the Thai translation of the most commonly used ones.
Example 1: ผลิตภัณฑ์ใหม่นี้มีแนวโน้มทางธุรกิจที่ดี
phà-lìt-dtà-phan-mài-níi-mii-naaeo-nóom-thaang-thú-rá-gìt-thîi-dii This new product seems to be a promising business prospect.
Example 2: บริษัทใหม่นี้มีแนวโน้มทางธุรกิจที่ดี
baaw-rí-sàt-mài-níi-mii-naaeo-nóom-thaang-thú-rá-gìt-thîi-dii This new company seems to be a promising business prospect.
4 – … can still grow.
Thai phrase: …ยังโตได้อีก
Pronunciation:…-yang-dtoo-dâi-ìik
Example 1: กองทุนที่ลงทุนหุ้นในอเมริกายังโตได้อีก
gaawng-thun-thîi-long-thun-hûn-nai-à-mee-rí-gaa-yang-dtoo-dâi-ìik The fund that invests in American stocks can still grow.
Example 2: เศรษฐกิจในเอเชียยังโตได้อีก
sèet-thà-gìt-nai-ee-chiia-yang-dtoo-dâi-ìik The economy of Asia can still grow.
Example 1: ผมขอให้ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับบริการใหม่ครับ
phǒm-khǎaw-hâi-khâaw-muun-phôoem-dtooem-gìiao-gàp-baaw-rí-gaan-mài-khráp I would like to give you more information about the new service.
Example 2: ทีมของเราขอให้ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับโปรเจคนี้ค่ะ
thiim-khǎawng-rao-khǎaw-hâi-khâaw-muun-phôoem-dtooem-gìiao-gàp-bproo-jèk-níi-khâ Our team would like to give you more information about this project.
Example 1: ทางเรามีข้อเสนอพิเศษให้กับคุณ
thaang-rao-mii-khâaw-sà-nǒoe-phí-sèet-hâi-gàp-khun We have a special offer for you.
Example 2: ผู้จัดการของเรามีข้อเสนอพิเศษให้กับคุณ
phûu-jàt-gaan-khǎawng-rao-mii-khâaw-sà-nǒoe-phí-sèet-hâi-gàp-khun Our manager has a special offer for you.
Learn slang expressions related to stock investment.
Are you one of the many people interested in the stock market and investing? Then you should also learn some advanced Thai vocabulary and slang terms related to stock investment. Keep reading!
This refers to asituation where you bought a stock at a high price, and now you cannot sell it without loss because the stock price has been decreasing.
Example 1: เธอมีหุ้นที่ติดดอยอยู่กี่ตัว
thooe-mii-hûn-thîi-dtìt-daauy-yùu-gìi-dtuua How many stocks do you have that you are unable to sell without loss?
Example 2: ซื้อหุ้นมาไม่กี่เดือน ติดดอยซะแล้ว
súue-hûn-maa-mâi-gìi-duuean dtìt-daauy-sá-láaeo I just bought the stock for a few months, and now I can’t sell it without loss.
8 – Able to sell the stock now after being unable to do so without loss
Thai phrase: หลุดดอย
Pronunciation:lùt-daauy
You would use this phrase at some point after the previous situation, once the stock prices have increased again so you can sell at a profit.
Example 1: ติดดอยมาตั้งนาน ในที่สุดก็หลุดดอยซะที
dtìt-daauy-maa-dtâng-naan nai-thîi-sùt-gâaw-lùt-daauy-sá-thii After being unable to sell stock without loss for a long time, I can finally sell it since the price has increased.
Example 2: อยากหลุดดอยจะแย่ เมื่อไหร่ราคาหุ้นจะขึ้น
yàak-lùt-daauy-jà-yâae mûuea-rài-raa-khaa-hûn-jà-khûen I want to sell this stock without loss so badly. When will the stock price increase?
9 – You didn’t buy the stock, and now its price is too high.
Example 1: ถ้าเธอรอโบนัสออกแล้วค่อยซื้อ ก็ต้องตกรถแน่นอน
thâa-thooe-raaw-boo-nát-àawk-láaeo-khâauy-súue gâaw-dtâawng-dtòk-rót-nâae-naawn If you wait for your bonus and use it to buy the stock, you won’t be able to buy it because the price will be too high.
Example 2: ไม่ได้ตามข่าวไม่กี่วัน ตกรถไปเรียบร้อยแล้ว
mâi-dâi-dtaam-khàao-mâi-gìi-wan dtòk-rót-bpai-rîiap-ráauy-láaeo I haven’t read the news for a few days, and now the price of the stock I want is too high to buy.
10 – You get 100% profit from the stock investment.
Example 1: เมื่อไหร่จะเด้งซะทีนะ
mûuea-rài-jà-dêng-sá-thii-ná When will I get 100% profit from the stock investment?
Example 2: หุ้นตัวนี้เด้งเร็ว
hûn-dtuua-níi-dêng-reo This stock price doubled fast.
4. Advanced Sayings, Proverbs, and Idioms Used in Daily Life
In this last section, you’ll learn advanced Thai idioms, proverbs, and sayings that are used in daily life.
1 – Easy
Thai phrase: กล้วย ๆ / หมู ๆ
Pronunciation: glûuai-glûuai / mǔu-mǔu
Literal meaning: banana / pig
Example 1: การบ้านวันนี้เหรอ ทำเสร็จตั้งนานแล้ว ของกล้วย ๆ gaan-bâan-wan-níi-rǒoe tham-sèt-dtâng-naan-láaeo khǎawng-glûuai-glûuai Today’s homework? I finished it a long time ago. It is so easy.
Example 2: อยากกินแพนเค้กเหรอ หมู ๆ รอแป๊บนะ
yàak-gin-paaen-khéek-rǒoe mǔu-mǔu raaw-bpáep-ná Do you want to eat pancakes? That is easy; wait a minute.
2 – Hard
Thai phrase: หิน
Pronunciation: hǐn
Literal meaning: rock
Example 1: งานของลูกค้าคนนี้หินมาก
ngaan-khǎawng-lûuk-kháa-khon-níi-hǐn-mâak The customer’s project is very hard.
Example 2: เขาทำไม่เข้าใจเรื่องนี้เลย จะสอนให้เข้าใจใน 1 วันนี่หินมาก
khǎo-mâi-khâo-jai-rûueang-níi-looei jà-sǎawn-hâi-khâo-jai-nai-nùeng-wan-nîi-hǐn-mâak He doesn’t understand this at all. To make him understand within a day is very hard.
Example 1: ยังไม่ทันสิ้นเดือนเขาก็ถังแตกซะแล้ว
yang-mâi-than-sîn-duuean-khǎo-gâaw-thǎng-dtàaek-sá-láaeo It is not even the end of the month, and he is already broke.
Example 2: ถ้าเธอยังใช้เงินแบบนี้ จะต้องถังแตกเข้าซักวันแน่ ๆ
thâa-thooe-yang-chái-ngoen-bàaep-níi jà-dtâawng-thǎng-dtàaek-khâo-sák-wan-nâae-nâae If you keep spending money like this, you will have no money left one day.
4 – Very hungry
Thai phrase: หิวไส้ขาด
Pronunciation:hǐu-sâi-khàat
Literal meaning: hungry until intestines tear
Example 1: ไม่ได้กินอะไรมาตั้งแต่เช้า หิวไส้ขาดแล้ว
mâi-dâi-gin-à-rai-maa-dtâng-dtàae-cháo hǐu-sâi-khàat-láaeo I haven’t eaten anything since this morning. I’m starving.
Example 2: มีอะไรกินบ้าง หิวไส้ขาดแล้ว
mii-à-rai-gin-bâang hǐu-sâi-khàat-láaeo Is there anything to eat? I’m so hungry.
I’m starving.
5 – Speaking badly of others
Thai phrase: ปากหมา
Pronunciation: bpàak-mǎa
Literal meaning: dog’s mouth
Example 1: ไอ้ตั้มมันปากหมาจะตาย
âi-dtâm-man-bpàak-mǎa-jà-dtaai Tum often speaks badly of others.
Example 2: อย่าปากหมา
yàa-bpàak-mǎa Don’t bad mouth others.
6 – Being fired
Thai phrase: ยื่นซองขาว
Pronunciation:yûuen-saawng-khǎao
Literal meaning: hand someone a white envelope
Example 1: เขาโดนยื่นซองขาว เพราะมาทำงานสายบ่อย
khǎo-doon-yûuen-saawng-khǎao phráw-maa-tham-ngaan-sǎai-bàauy He was fired because he often comes to work late.
Example 2: เธอทำผิดกฎบริษัท ระวังจะโดนยื่นซองขาว
thooe-tham-phìt-gòt-baaw-rí-sàt rá-wang-jà-doon-yûuen-saawng-khǎao You violated the company’s rules. You may be fired.
7 – Beloved one
Thai phrase: หัวแก้วหัวแหวน
Pronunciation:hǔua-gâaeo-hǔua-wǎaen
Literal meaning: head of glass and head of ring
Example 1: เธอเป็นหลานหัวแก้วหัวแหวนของครอบครัว
thooe-bpen-lǎan-hǔua-gâaeo-hǔua-wǎaen-khǎawng-khrâawp-khruua She is the beloved grandchild of the family.
Example 2: ปริมเรียนเก่ง มารยาทดี เป็นนักเรียนหัวแก้วหัวแหวนของครู
bprim-riian-gèeng maa-rá-yâat-dii bpen-nák-riian-hǔua-gâaeo-hǔua-wǎaen-khǎawng-khruu Prim studies well and has good manners. She is the teacher‘s beloved student.
8 – You have to depend on yourself.
Thai phrase: ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตน
Pronunciation:dton-bpen-thîi-phûeng-hàaeng-dton
Literal meaning: You are a supporter of yourself.
Example 1: อย่ามัวแต่คอยความช่วยเหลือจากคนอื่น ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตน
yàa-muua-dtàae-khaauy-kwaam-chûuai-lǔuea-jàak-khon-ùuen dton-bpen-thîi-phûeng-hàaeng-dton Don’t wait for help from others. You have to depend on yourself.
Example 2: พ่อไม่สามารถช่วยลูกไปได้ตลอด ลูกต้องดูแลตัวเอง ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตนนะ
phâaw-mâi-sǎa-mâat-chûuai-lûuk-bpai-dâi-dtà-làawt lûuk-dtâawng-duu-laae-dtuua-eeng dton-bpen- thîi-phûeng-hàaeng-dton I can’t support you forever. You have to look after yourself as one has to depend on oneself. [A dad says to his child.]
9 – A couple who is suitable for each other
Thai phrase: กิ่งทองใบหยก
Pronunciation:gìng-thaawng-bai-yòk
Literal meaning: Gold branch and jade leaf
Example 1: คู่บ่าวสาวเหมาะสมกันอย่างกับกิ่งทองใบหยก
khûu-bàao-sǎao-màw-sǒm-gan-yàang-gàp-gìng-thaawng-bai-yòk The married couple is so suitable for each other.
Example 2: เจ้าบ่าวก็หล่อ เจ้าสาวก็สวย เหมาะกันอย่างกับกิ่งทองใบหยก
jâo-bàao-gâaw-làaw jâo-sǎao-gâaw-sǔuai màw-gan-yàang-gàp-gìng-thaawng-bai-yòk The groom is so handsome. The bride is so beautiful. They are perfect for one another.
10 – Having the expenses be greater than the revenue
Thai phrase: ชักหน้าไม่ถึงหลัง
Pronunciation:chák-nâa-mâi-thǔeng-lǎng
Literal meaning: Pull from the front but can’t reach the back
Example 1: เศรษฐกิจไม่ดีแบบนี้ รายได้ไม่ดี ชักหน้าไม่ถึงหลังแล้ว
sèet-thà-gìt-bàaep-níi raai-dâai-mâi-dii chák-nâa-mâi-thǔeng-lǎng-láaeo Because of the bad economy, the revenue decreased. The expenses are greater than the revenue now.
Example 2: เขาเครียดมาก เพราะชักหน้าไม่ถึงหลัง
khǎo-khrîiat-mâak phráw-chák-nâa-mâi-thǔeng-lǎng He is so stressed because his expenses are greater than his revenue.
The expenses are greater than the revenue now.
5. Conclusion
In this article, you learned a variety of advanced Thai phrases for use in the academic and business spheres. What are your thoughts on the phrases and expressions you saw today? Are they easy or difficult? Let us know in the comments!
Now that you’ve finished this lesson, do you have any idea what you want to learn next on ThaiPod101.com? You can find several advanced Thai lessons in our Level 5 pathway, though you can also take your time to browse our content. Here are some fun suggestions to get you started:
Are you ready for another shortcut in your Thai learning?
If you’re getting ready to approach an intermediate level of proficiency in Thai, you’ll find this article very useful. We have compiled a list of intermediate Thai phrases for you, so you won’t have to learn tons of individual words or worry about composing more complex sentences all by yourself.
At the intermediate level, you should be able to communicate in a variety of everyday situations. We have categorized all of the phrases on our according to the situation, so by the time you’re done reading, you’ll be prepared for:
Talking about past events
Making and changing plans
Explaining and giving reasons
Giving reactions during everyday conversations
Using etiquette phrases in social and business settings
Let’s begin.
These intermediate Thai phrases will definitely come in handy.
The first few intermediate Thai phrases we’ll cover today are those for talking about the past. As you should already know, there is no verb conjugation in Thai. This means all you have to do is remember the structures and sentence patterns provided below!
You can use this intermediate Thai phrase to explain that someone used to do a certain action in the past.
Example 1: ผมเคยออกกำลังกายทุกวัน แต่ตอนนี้ผมไม่มีเวลา
phǒm-khooei-àawk-gam-lang-gaai-thúk-wan dtàae-dtaawn-níi-phǒm-mâi-mii-wee-laa I used to exercise every day, but now I don’t have time.
I used to exercise every day.
Example 2: ตอนเด็ก ๆ แม่เคยไปโรงเรียนโดยรถเมล์
dtaawn-dèk-dèk mâae-khooei-bpai-roong-riian-dooi-rót-mee Mom used to go to school by bus when she was young.
This intermediate-level Thai phrase, on the other hand, is used to explain that someone has never done something before.
Example 1: ผมไม่เคยไปประเทศอังกฤษ
phǒm-mâi-khooei-bpai-bprà-thêet-ang-grìt I have never been to England before.
Example 2: เธอไม่เคยกินทุเรียนมาก่อน กลิ่นมันแรงเกินไปสำหรับเธอ
thooe-mâi-khooei-gin-thú-riian-maa-gàawn glìn-man-raaeng-gooen-bpai-sǎm-ràp-thooe She has never eaten durian before. It is too smelly for her.
3 – Past tense (with a focus on the time)
Sentence structure: time + sentence
As mentioned earlier, Thai does not have verb conjugation; we rather place a time-indicating word at the beginning or end of the sentence.
If you put the time at the beginning of the sentence, this places emphasis on the time.
If you put the time at the end of the sentence, this places emphasis on the action instead.
In the examples below, note how the time-indicating word is at the beginning of the Thai sentences.
Example 1: เมื่อวานนี้แม่เดินทางไปต่างประเทศ
mûuea-waan-níi-mâae-dooen-thaang-bpai-dtàang-bprà-thêet Mom went abroad yesterday.
Example 2: เมื่อเช้านี้ฉันลืมหยิบกระเป๋าเงินก่อนออกจากบ้าน
mûuea-cháo-níi-chǎn-luuem-yìp-grà-bpǎo-ngoen-gàawn-àawk-jàak-bâan I forgot to take my wallet with me before leaving the house this morning.
4 – Past tense (with a focus on the action)
Sentence structure: sentence + time
In these examples, the time is placed at the end of the Thai sentences. This indicates that the action is more important than when it took place.
Example 1: ฉันไม่ได้ทานข้าวเช้าเพราะตื่นสายเมื่อวานนี้ chǎn-mâi-dâi-thaan-khâao-cháo-phráw-dtùuen-sǎai-mûuea-waan-níi I didn’t have breakfastyesterday because I woke up late.
Example 2: น้องสาวของฉันเคยร่างกายไม่แข็งแรงเมื่อก่อนนี้ náawng-sǎao-khǎawng-chǎn-khooei-râang-gaai-mâi-khǎeng-raaeng-mûuea-gàawn-níi My sister used to be unhealthy in the past.
2. How to Make and Change Plans in Thai
Another set of essential Thai phrases for intermediate learners consists of those for making and changing plans. These phrases and structures can be used in both formal and informal contexts, so you’ll be prepared whether you’re planning a meetup with friends or scheduling a business meeting.
1 – Is [someone] available [day]?
Sentence structure: time + subject + ว่างไหม
Pronunciation: time + subject + wâang-mǎi
This intermediate Thai conversational phrase is perfect for asking if someone is free or not, such as if you want to make plans with a friend or schedule an appointment.
Example 1: พรุ่งนี้คุณหมอว่างไหมคะ
phrûng-níi-khun-mǎaw-wâang-mǎi-khá Is the doctor available tomorrow?
Example 2: วันอาทิตย์หน้าเธอว่างไหม
wan-aa-thít-nâa-thooe-wâang-mǎi Are you available next Sunday?
This phrase will come in handy if you ever want to invite someone to do something with you. This is especially important as you begin making friends or going on dates.
Example 1: ไปดูหนังด้วยกันไหมครับ
bpai-duu-nǎng-dûuai-gan-mǎi-khráp Do you want to watch a movie together?
Do you want to watch a movie together?
Example 2: ไปเที่ยวหัวหินกันมั้ย
bpai-thîiao-hǔua-hǐn-gan-mái Do you want to go to Huahin together?
This phrase is pretty similar to the last one we saw, but it has a different meaning. Rather than being used to invite someone to do something, it’s used to ask if someone is going to do something. Check the examples to see how this useful Thai phrase pattern for intermediate learners might be used in a real-life conversation.
Example 1: พรุ่งนี้เธอจะไปตลาดไหม
phrûng-níi-thooe-jà-bpai-dtà-làat-mǎi Will you go to the market tomorrow?
Example 2: เย็นนี้แม่จะทำอาหารเย็นมั้ย
yen-níi-mâae-jà-tham-aa-hǎan-yen-mái Will mom cook dinner this evening?
4 – Can I bring … with me?
Sentence structure: พา + someone + ได้ด้วยได้ไหม
Pronunciation:phaa + someone + bpai-dûuai-dâi-mǎi
You can use this intermediate Thai phrase to ask if you can bring someone with you to do something.
Example 1: ที่นัดกันไปซื้อของวันพรุ่งนี้ ฉันพาแฟนไปด้วยได้ไหม
thîi-nát-gan-bpai-súue-khǎawng-wan-phrûng-níi chǎn-phaa-faaen-bpai-dûuai-dâi-mǎi For our shopping trip tomorrow, can I bring my boyfriend?
Example 2: เราพาเพื่อนไปงานวันเกิดเธอด้วยได้มั้ย
rao-phaa-phûuean-bpai-ngaan-wan-gòoet-thooe-dûuai-dâi-mái Can I bring my friend with me to your birthday party?
3. How to Explain and Give Reasons in Thai
Some of the most important intermediate phrases in the Thai language are those for explaining and giving reasons. Below, we have listed the most common structures you can use for these purposes.
This is an intermediate Thai phrase that’s best used in more casual contexts.
Example 1: เธอไม่ได้ไปทำงานเพราะเธอไม่สบาย
thooe-mâi-dâi-bpai-tham-ngaan-phráw-thooe-mâi-sà-baai She didn’t go to work because she didn’t feel well.
Example 2: ลดาไม่ซื้อขนมเพราะว่าเธอลดความอ้วนอยู่
lá-daa-mâi-súue-khà-nǒm-phráw-wâa-thooe-lót-kwaam-ûuan-yùu Lada didn’t buy any snacks because she is on a diet.
2 – The reason why [someone] does [something] is …
Sentence structure: เหตุผลที่ + [someone] does [something] + คือ
Pronunciation:hèet-phǒn-thîi + [someone] does [something] + khuue
This is a formal intermediate phrase to use when you want to explain why someone does something.
Example 1: เหตุผลที่แป้งขายรถคือเธอต้องการเงิน
hèet-phǒn-thîi-bpâaeng-khǎai-rót-khuue-thooe-dtâawng-gaan-ngoen The reason why Pang sold her car is that she needs money.
Example 2: เหตุผลที่ณพงศ์หย่ากับภรรยาคือภรรยาเขามีชู้
hèet-phǒn-thîi-ná-phong-yàa-gàp-phan-rá-yaa-khuue-phan-rá-yaa-khǎo-mii-chúu The reason why Napong divorced his wife is that his wife had an affair.
The reason why Napong divorced his wife is that his wife had an affair.
3 – First… second… third…
Sentence structure: หนึ่ง… + สอง… + สาม…
Pronunciation:nùeng… + sǎawng… + sǎam…
This is an extremely useful intermediate Thai phrase used to list several reasons. You can also use it to list items.
Example 1: เธอสอบตกเพราะหนึ่งเธอไม่ตั้งใจเรียน สองเธอไม่อ่านหนังสือ และสามเธอไม่ทำการบ้าน
thooe-sàawp-dtòk-phráw-nùeng-thooe-mâi-dtâng-jai-riian sǎawng-thooe-mâi-àan-nǎng-sǔue sǎam-thooe-mâi-tham-gaan-bâan You failed the exam because: First, you didn’t pay attention in class; second, you didn’t review your lesson; and third, you didn’t do your homework.
Example 2: เหตุผลที่วรรณาชอบโรงแรมนี้คือหนึ่งที่พักสะอาด สองวิวสวย สามอาหารอร่อย และสี่ราคาไม่แพง
hèet-phǒn-thîi-wan-naa-châawp-roong-raaem-níi-khuue-nùeng-thîi-phák-sà-àat sǎawng-wiu-sǔuai sǎam-aa-hǎan-à-ràauy láe-sìi-raa-khaa-mâi-phaaeng The reasons why Wanna likes this hotel are: First, it is clean; second, the view is nice; third, the food is delicious; and fourth, it is inexpensive.
4. How to React in Daily Thai Conversations
As someone who is learning the Thai language, you probably aim to become fluent and to have more natural conversations. One of the best ways to sound more like a native speaker is to use reaction phrases when appropriate. Below, we have listed a few of the most common reactions in Thai that you can start applying to your conversations right away.
1 – Very good.
Phrase: ดีมาก
Pronunciation:dii-mâak
You can use this intermediate Thai phrase when you think that the other party has done something well or that the current situation is good.
Example 1: เธอเตรียมงานเรียบร้อยแล้วใช่มั้ย ดีมาก
thooe-dtriiam-ngaan-rîiap-ráauy-láaeo-châi-mái dii-mâak Did you finish the work preparation? Very good.
Example 2: ลูกสอบได้ที่หนึ่งนี่ ดีมาก
lûuk-sàawp-dâi-thîi-nùeng-nîi dii-mâak You got the highest score on the test. Very good.
This phrase is the more informal version of the previous one.
Example 1: เยี่ยมมาก ทุกคนทำได้ดีมากค่ะ
yîiam-mâak thúk-khon-tham-dâi-dii-mâak-khà Very good. Everyone did very well.
Example 2: พยากรณ์อากาศบอกว่าวันนี้แดดจะออกทั้งวัน เยี่ยมมาก
phá-yaa-gaawn-aa-gàat-bàawk-wâa-wan-níi-dàaet-jà-àawk-tháng-wan yîiam-mâak The weather forecast says it will be sunny all day today. Very good.
The weather forecast says it will be sunny all day today. Very good.
You will find that women use this word quite a lot when talking to their friends. Its meaning is the same as ดีมาก (dii-mâak) and เยี่ยมมาก (yîiam-mâak).
Example 1: เครื่องสำอางค์ลดราคาแหละ เริ่ด
khrûueang-sǎm-aang-lót-raa-khaa-làe rôoet The cosmetics are on sale now. Very good.
Example 2: แกใส่ชุดนี้แล้วเริ่ดมาก
gaae-sài-chút-níi-láaeo-rôoet-mâak You look very good in that dress.
4 – What!!
Phrase: ว่าไงนะ
Pronunciation:wâa-ngai-ná
Literal meaning: What did you just say?
This intermediate Thai phrase is an informal way of showing that you’re shocked/surprised by what someone has said or by a situation. It implies that you want them to repeat the message again because what you heard is unbelievable.
Example 1: ว่าไงนะ แกถูกหวยเหรอ!!
wâa-ngai-ná gaae-thùuk-hǔuai-rhǒoe What!! You won the lottery?
Example 2: ว่าไงนะ ไฟไหม้โรงงาน!!
wâa-ngai-ná fai-mâi-roong-ngaan What!! There is a fire at the factory?
5 – What!!
Phrase: อะไรนะ
Pronunciation: à-rai-ná
Literal meaning: What?
This phrase has exactly the same meaning as ว่าไงนะ (wâa-ngai-ná), and the two phrases are interchangeable.
Example 1: อะไรนะ แกใช้เงินเดือนหมดแล้ว! แต่นี่มันเพิ่งต้นเดือนเองนะ
à-rai-ná gaae-chái-ngoen-duuean-mòt-láaeo dtàae-nîi-man-phôeng-dtôn-duuean-eeng-ná What? You spent all your monthly allowance? But this is just the beginning of the month!
Example 2: อะไรนะ น้องมีหนี้บัตรเครดิต 1 ล้านบาท!
à-rai-ná náawng-mii-nîi-bàt-khree-dìt-nùeng-láan-bàat What? You have a credit card debt of one million Baht?
6 – Really?
Phrase: จริงเหรอ
Pronunciation: jing-rǒoe
Literal meaning: Is it true?
You would use this intermediate Thai phrase to show that you doubt whether what the other party said is true.
Example 1: จริงเหรอ เธออายุ 35 แล้วแน่นะ
jing-rǒoe thooe-aa-yú-sǎam-sìp-hâa-láaeo-nâae-ná Really? Are you really 35 years old?
Example 2: ตะวันสอบเลขผ่าน จริงเหรอ
dtà-wan-sàawp-lêek-phàan jing-rǒoe Tawan passed the math test. Really?
7 – Expressing your thoughts and feelings with adjectives
Sentence structure: adj. + จัง
Pronunciation: adj. + jang
You can also use adjectives to express your thoughts or feelings about something.
Example 1: ร้อนจัง
ráawn-jang So hot.
Example 2: สวยจัง อยากได้บ้าง
sǔuai-jang yàak-dâi-bâang So beautiful; I want one, too.
5. How to Use Etiquette Phrases in Thai
Finally, let us look at a few intermediate phrases in Thai that you can use in order to be polite in different situations. Learning these phrases will be useful for your daily interactions in both casual and formal contexts.
When you invite someone to your place and want them to relax, you can use this Thai phrase.
Example 1: ของบนโต๊ะนี้กินได้หมดเลย ตามสบายนะ
khǎawng-bon-dtó-níi-gin-dái-mòt-looei dtaam-sà-baai-ná You can eat all of the food on this table. Make yourself at home.
Example 2: เข้ามาเลย ตามสบายนะ
khâo-maa-looei dtaam-sà-baai-ná Come in; make yourself at home.
4 – If you have any questions, please ask.
Phrase: ถ้าสงสัยอะไร ถามได้นะ
Pronunciation: thâa-sǒng-sǎi-à-rai thǎam-dâi-ná
Literal meaning: If you doubt anything, you can ask.
You might hear this Thai phrase after someone explains something to you, for example.
Example 1: ข้อมูลทั้งหมดอยู่ในคู่มือนี้ ถ้าอ่านแล้วสงสัยอะไร ถามได้นะครับ
khâaw-muun-tháng-mòt-yùu-nai-khûu-muue-níi thâa-àan-láaeo-sǒng-sǎi-à-rai thǎam-dâi-ná-khráp All the information is in the manual. If you have any questions after reading it, please ask.
Example 2: ผมขอจบการพรีเซนต์เพียงเท่านี้ ถ้าสงสัยอะไร ถามได้นะครับ
phǒm-khǎaw-jòp-gaan-phrii-sén-phiiang-thâo-níi thâa-sǒng-sǎi-à-rai thǎam-dâi-ná-khráp I will end my presentation now. If you have any questions, please ask.
When Thai people know that someone will be traveling, they often wish that person a safe trip using this intermediate-level Thai phrase.
Example 1: อย่าขับรถเร็วเกินไปหละ เดินทางปลอดภัยนะ
yàa-khàp-rót-reo-gooen-bpai-là dooen-thaang-bplàawt-phai-ná Don’t drive too fast, and have a safe trip.
Example 2: แล้วเจอกันพรุ่งนี้ เดินทางปลอดภัยนะ
láaeo-jooe-gan-phrûng-níi dooen-thaang-bplàawt-phai-ná See you tomorrow. Have a safe trip.
6 – Take care of your health.
Phrase: รักษาสุขภาพนะ
Pronunciation: rák-sǎa-sùk-khà-phâap-ná
Literal meaning: Take care of your health.
Thai people often use this phrase to show that they care about someone. You can use it with people of all ages.
Example 1: ช่วงนี้อากาศหนาว รักษาสุขภาพนะคะ
chûuang-níi-aa-gàat-nǎao rák-sǎa-sùk-khà-phâap-ná-khá It has been quite cold lately; take care of your health.
Example 2: อาทิตย์หน้า หนูจะมาเยี่ยมคุณยายใหม่ รักษาสุขภาพนะคะ
aa-thít-nâa nǔu-jà-maa-yîiam-khun-yaai-mài rák-sǎa-sùk-khà-phâap-ná-khá I will visit you (grandma) again next week. Take care of your health.
I will visit you [grandma] again next week. Take care of your health.
When you part ways with someone, you can use this intermediate Thai phrase to wish them luck.
Example 1: พรุ่งนี้เธอมีสอบนี่ โชคดีนะ
phrûng-níi-thooe-mii-sàawp-nîi chôok-dii-ná You have a test tomorrow. Good luck.
Example 2: อย่าลืมเอาโน๊ตบุ๊คไปด้วยหละ โชคดีนะ
yàa-luuem-ao-nóot-búk-bpai-dûuai-là chôok-dii-ná Don’t forget to bring a laptop with you. Good luck.
6. Conclusion
ดีมากค่ะ (dii-mâak-khâ)! You have already reached the end of this article and picked up the essential Thai phrases for intermediate learners. It will take some time and practice to master these phrases, so don’t feel bad if you can’t remember them all right away.
What are your thoughts on this lesson? Did you think it was too hard, or maybe too easy? Please let us know in the comments!
Since you’ve finished learning these Thai phrases for the intermediate level, don’t forget to visit ThaiPod101.com and create your free lifetime account today. We have a variety of fun and interesting Thai lessons for you! We recommend starting with these:
Have you been learning Thai for a while and want to continue expanding your knowledge? If you already feel comfortable using the language at an intermediate level, it’s time to press onward and start learning advanced Thai vocabulary. Picking up more sophisticated words and terms will enable you to understand more complex conversations and communicate more like a native speaker.
To help you start strong, we have prepared this practical list of advanced Thai vocabulary words. For each word, we have included:
English translation
Part of speech
Example(s) of use
At ThaiPod101.com, it’s our goal to make learning Thai easy and fun! Keep reading to become acquainted with the most important advanced words in the Thai language.
Do you plan to study in Thailand? Learning these advanced Thai words for essays, thesis papers, and academic reading will help you thrive and flourish in any Thai school!
1 – วิทยานิพนธ์
Pronunciation:wít-thá-yaa-ní-phon English meaning: thesis
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอทำวิทยานิพนธ์เสร็จหรือยัง
thooe-tham-wít-thá-yaa-ní-phon-sèt-rǔue-yang Have you finished your thesis?
2 – คำนำ / บทนำ
Pronunciation:kham-nam / bòt-nam English meaning: introduction
Part of speech: noun
Example 1: คำนำไม่ควรยาวเกิน 1 หน้านะ
kham-nam-mâi-khuuan-yaao-gooen-nùeng-nâa-ná The introduction shouldn’t be longer than one page.
Example 2: บทนำไม่ควรยาวเกิน 1 หน้านะ
bòt-nam-mâi-khuuan-yaao-gooen-nùeng-nâa-ná The introduction shouldn’t be longer than one page.
3 – สารบัญ
Pronunciation: sǎa-rá-ban English meaning: table of contents
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันลืมพิมพ์สารบัญ
chǎn-luuem-phim-sǎa-rá-ban I forgot to print the table of contents.
4 – วิจัย
Pronunciation:wí-jai English meaning: research
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอยังไม่เริ่มทำวิจัยอีกเหรอ แล้วจะทำวิทยานิพนธ์เสร็จทันมั้ย
thooe-yang-mâi-rôoem-tham-wí-jai-ìik-rǒoe láaeo-jà-tham-wít-thá-yaa-ní-phon-sèt-than-mái You haven’t even started research? Will you be able to finish the thesis in time?
5 – ความเป็นมาและความสำคัญของปัญหา
Pronunciation:khwaam-bpen-maa-láe-khwaam-sǎm-khan-khǎawng-bpan-hǎa English meaning: problem statement
Part of speech: noun
Example: เวลาเริ่มทำวิทยานิพนธ์ ต้องเริ่มจากการเขียนความเป็นมาและความสำคัญของปัญหา
wee-laa-rôoem-tham-wít-thá-yaa-ní-phon dtâawng-rôoem-jàak-gaan-khǐian-khwaam-bpen-maa-láe-khwaam-sǎm-khan-khǎawng-bpan-hǎa When doing a thesis, you should start with a problem statement.
6 – วัตถุประสงค์ / เป้าหมาย
Pronunciation:wát-thù-bprà-sǒng / bpâo-mǎai English meaning: objective
Part of speech: noun
Example 1: วัตถุประสงค์ในการทำวิจัยนี้คืออะไร
wát-thù-bprà-sǒng-nai-gaan-tham-wí-jai-níi-khuue-à-rai What is the objective of this research?
Example 2: เป้าหมายในการทำวิจัยนี้คืออะไร
bpâo-mǎai-nai-gaan-tham-wí-jai-níi-khuue-à-rai What is the objective of this research?
Additional note: วัตถุประสงค์ sounds more formal than เป้าหมาย.
7 – การทบทวนวรรณกรรม
Pronunciation:gaan-thóp-thuuan-wan-ná-gam English meaning: literature review
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันทำการทบทวนวรรณกรรมไม่เป็น เธอสอนฉันหน่อยได้มั้ย
chǎn-tham-gaan-thóp-thuuan-wan-ná-gam-mâi-bpen thooe-sǎawn-chǎn-nàuuy-dâi-mâi I don’t know how to do a literature review. Can you teach me?
8 – คำนิยาม
Pronunciation:kham-ní-yaam English meaning: definition
Part of speech: noun
Example: คำนิยามของคำนี้คืออะไร
kham-ní-yaam-khǎawng-kham-níi-khuue-à-rai What is the definition of this word?
9 – คำอธิบาย
Pronunciation: kham-à-thí-baai English meaning: explanation
Part of speech: noun
Example: อย่าลืมเขียนคำอธิบายไว้ท้ายรายงานด้วยนะ
yàa-luuem-khǐian-kham-à-thí-baai-wái-tháai-raai-ngaan-dûuay-ná Don’t forget to write an explanation at the end of the report.
10 – วิธีดำเนินการทำวิจัย
Pronunciation:wí-thii-dam-nooen-gaan-tham-wí-jai English meaning: research methodology
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณน่าจะขอคำแนะนำเกี่ยวกับวิธีดำเนินการทำวิจัยจากอาจารย์นะ
khun-nâa-jà-khǎaw-kham-náe-nam-gìiao-gàp-wí-thii-dam-nooen-gaan-tham-wí-jai-jàak-aa-jaan-ná You should ask for advice about research methodology from your teacher.
11 – การเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล
Pronunciation:gaan-gèb-rûuap-ruuam-khâaw-muun English meaning: sample and data collection
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันใช้เวลา 3 เดือนในการเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล
chǎn-chái-wee-laa-sǎam-duuean-nai-gaan-gèb-rûuap-ruuam-khâaw-muun I spent three months on sample and data collection.
12 – ผลวิเคราะห์ข้อมูล
Pronunciation:phǒn-wí-khráw-khâaw-muun English meaning: data analysis
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันจะได้ผลวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลเมื่อไหร่
chǎn-jà-dâi-phǒn-wí-khráw-khâaw-muun-mûuea-rài When will I get the data analysis?
13 – บทสรุป
Pronunciation:bòt-sà-rùp English meaning: conclusion
Part of speech: noun
Example: บทสรุปของเธอดีมาก
bòt-sà-rùp-khǎawng-thooe-dii-mâak Your conclusion is very good.
14 – อภิปราย
Pronunciation:à-phí-bpraai English meaning: to discuss
Part of speech: verb
Example: มาอภิปรายประเด็นนี้อีกครั้งเถอะ
maa-à-phí-bpraai-bprà-den-níi-ìik-khráng-thòe Let’s discuss this topic again.
15 – ข้อเสนอแนะ
Pronunciation: khâaw-sà-nǒoe-náe English meaning: suggestion
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอควรจะเขียนข้อเสนอแนะซัก 2-3 ข้อนะ
thooe-khuuan-ja-khǐian-khâaw-sà-nǒoe-náe-sák-sǎawng-sǎam-khâaw-ná You should write a few suggestions.
16 – ดัชนี
Pronunciation:dàt-chá-nii English meaning: index
Part of speech: noun
Example: ปกติแล้ว ดัชนีจะอยู่ส่วนท้ายของรายงาน
bpòk-gà-dtì-láaeo dàt-chá-nii-jà-yùu-sùuan-tháai-khǎawng-raai-ngaan Normally, the index is put at the end of the report.
17 – อ้างอิง
Pronunciation:âang-ing English meaning: to cite
Part of speech: verb
Example: อย่าลืมอ้างอิงที่มาที่ไปของข้อมูลนะ
yàa-luuem-âang-ing-thîi-maa-thîi-bpai-khǎawng-khâaw-muun-ná Don’t forget to cite the source of information.
18 – สมมติฐาน
Pronunciation:sǒm-mút-dtì-thǎan English meaning: assumption
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอตั้งสมมุติฐานไว้ว่ายังไง
thooe-dtâng-sǒm-mút-dtì-thǎan-wái-wâa-yang-ngai What is your assumption?
19 – เชิงอรรถ
Pronunciation:chooeng-àt English meaning: footnote
Part of speech: noun
Example: เชิงอรรถคืออะไร
chooeng-àt-khuue-à-rai What is the footnote?
20 – ทฤษฎี
Pronunciation:thrít-sà-dii English meaning: theory
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันไม่เข้าใจทฤษฎีนี้เลยซักนิดเดียว มันยากมาก
chǎn-mâi-khâo-jai-thrít-sà-dii-níi-looei-sák-nít-diiao man-yâak-mâak I don’t understand a thing about this theory. It is extremely difficult.
21 – การประเมิน
Pronunciation:gaan-bprà-mooen English meaning: assessment
Part of speech: noun
Example: ลดาไม่ผ่านการประเมิน
lá-daa-mâi-phàan-gaan-bprà-mooen Lada did not pass the assessment.
22 – การโต้วาที
Pronunciation: gaan-dtôo-waa-thii English meaning: debate
Part of speech: noun
Example: การโต้วาทีหัวข้อนี้น่าสนใจมาก
gaan-dtôo-waa-thii-hǔua-khâaw-níi-nâa-sǒn-jai-mâak The topic of this debate is very interesting.
23 – เกณฑ์การประเมิน
Pronunciation: geen-gaan-bprà-mooen English meaning: evaluation criteria
Part of speech: noun
Example:
อย่าลืมดูเกณฑ์การประเมินนะ
yàa-luuem-duu-geen-gaan-bprà-mooen-ná Don’t forget to look at the evaluation criteria.
Pronunciation:gam-má-gaan English meaning: director
Part of speech: noun
Example: บริษัทนี้มีกรรมการ 5 คน
baaw-rí-sàt-níi-mii-gam-má-gaan-hâa-khon There are five directors in this company.
2 – ที่ปรึกษา
Pronunciation: thîi-bprùk-sǎa English meaning: consultant
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณมินตราเป็นที่ปรึกษาของบริษัทเรา
khun-min-dtraa-bpen-thîi-bprùk-sǎa-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-rao Mintra is our company’s consultant.
3 – ผู้จัดการ
Pronunciation:phûu-jàt-gaan English meaning: manager
Part of speech: noun
Example: ผู้จัดการเพิ่งลาออกจากบริษัทไป
phûu-jàt-gaan-phôoeng-laa-àawk-jàak-baaw-rí-sàt-bpai The manager just resigned from our company.
4 – รองผู้จัดการ
Pronunciation:raawng-phûu-jàt-gaan English meaning: assistant manager
Part of speech: noun
Example: รองผู้จัดการได้เลื่อนตำแหน่งเป็นผู้จัดการเดือนที่แล้ว
raawng-phûu-jàt-gaan-dâi-lûuean-dtam-nàaeng-bpen-phûu-jàt-gaan-dooen-thîi-láaeo The assistant manager was just promoted to manager last month.
5 – ผู้ถือหุ้น
Pronunciation:phûu-thǔue-hûn English meaning: shareholder
Part of speech: noun
Example: เมื่อวานนี้มีประชุมผู้ถือหุ้น
mûuea-waan-níi-mii-bprà-chum-phûu-thǔue-hûn There was a shareholder meeting yesterday.
6 – ตลาดหุ้น
Pronunciation:dtà-làat-hûn English meaning: stock market
Part of speech: noun
Example: ตลาดหุ้นตกสัปดาห์ที่แล้ว
dtà-làat-hûn-dtòk-sàp-daa-thîi-láaeo The stock market crashed last week.
7 – กำไร
Pronunciation:gam-rai English meaning: profit
Part of speech: noun
Example: ปีนี้กำไรของบริษัทเพิ่มขึ้น
bpii-níi-gam-rai-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-phôoem-khûen The company’s profit increased this year.
The company’s profit increased this year.
8 – ขาดทุน
Pronunciation:khàat-thun English meaning: loss
Part of speech: noun
Example: ธุรกิจของเธอไม่ค่อยดี ดูเหมือนว่าจะขาดทุน
thú-rá-gìt-khǎawng-thooe-mâi-khâauy-dii duu-mǔuean-wâa-jà-khàat-thun Her business doesn’t look so good. It seems like a loss.
9 – เงินปันผล
Pronunciation:ngoen-bpan-phǒn English meaning: dividend
Part of speech: noun
Example: กองทุนนี้จ่ายเงินปันผลดีมาก
gaawng-thun-níi-jàai-ngoen-bpan-phǒn-dii-mâak The dividend of this fund is very good.
10 – ผลตอบแทน
Pronunciation:phǒn-dtàawp-thaaen English meaning: return on investment
Part of speech: noun
Example: ทุกคนอยากได้ผลตอบแทนมาก ๆ จากการลงทุน
thúk-khon-yàak-dâi-phǒn-dtàawp-thaaen-mâak-mâak-jàak-gaan-long-thun Everyone wants a high return on investment.
11 – กองทุน
Pronunciation:gaawng-thun English meaning: fund
Part of speech: noun
Example: กองทุนนี้มีผลการดำเนินงานดี
gaawng-thun-níi-mii-phǒn-gaan-dam-nooen-ngaan-dii This fund has a good performance.
12 – รายได้
Pronunciation: raai-dâi English meaning: revenue
Part of speech: noun
Example: ผมอยากได้รายงานรายได้ของเดือนนี้
phǒm-yàak-dâi-raai-ngaan-raai-dâi-khǎawng-duuean-níi I want a revenue report for this month.
13 – ค่าใช้จ่าย
Pronunciation:khâa-chái-jàai English meaning: expense
Part of speech: noun
Example: ค่าใช้จ่ายในการซ่อมบำรุงสูงมาก
khâa-chái-jàai-nai-gaan-sâawm-bam-rung-sǔung-mâak The maintenance expense is really high.
14 – ภาษี
Pronunciation:phaa-sǐi English meaning: tax
Part of speech: noun
Example: ภาษีมูลค่าเพิ่มในประเทศไทยคือเท่าไหร่
phaa-sǐi-muun-lá-khâa-phôoem-nai-bprà-thêet-thai-khuue-thâo-rài What is the rate of value-add tax in Thailand?
15 – ล้มละลาย
Pronunciation:lóm-lá-laai English meaning: bankrupt
Part of speech: verb
Example: เขาเครียดมาก เพราะบริษัทของเขากำลังจะล้มละลาย
khǎo-khrîiat-mâak phráw-baaw-rí-sàt-khǎawng-khǎo-gam-lang-jà-lóm-lá-laai He is so stressed because his company is about to go bankrupt.
16 – สวัสดิการ
Pronunciation:sà-wàt-dì-gaan English meaning: welfare
Part of speech: noun
Example: สวัสดิการของบริษัทนี้ดีมาก
sà-wàt-dì-gaan-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-níi-dii-mâak The welfare of this company is really good.
17 – ชดเชย
Pronunciation:chót-chooei English meaning: compensate
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณจะชดเชยต่อความเสียหายนี้เท่าไหร่
khun-jà-chót-chooei-dtàaw-khwaam-sǐia-hǎai-níi-thâo-rài How much will you compensate for this damage?
18 – การจ้างงาน
Pronunciation:gaan-jâang-ngaan English meaning: employment
Part of speech: noun
Example: การจ้างงานของบริษัทปีที่แล้วลดลง
gaan-jâang-ngaan-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-bpii-thîi-láaeo-lót-long The company’s employment rate decreased last year.
19 – สำนักงานใหญ่
Pronunciation:sǎm-nák-ngaan-yài English meaning: head office
Part of speech: noun
Example: สำนักงานใหญ่ของบริษัทนี้อยู่ที่ไหน
sǎm-nák-ngaan-yài-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-níi-yùu-thîi-nǎi Where is this company’s head office?
20 – สาขา
Pronunciation:sǎ-khǎa English meaning: branch
Part of speech: noun
Example: สาขาที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่สีลม
sǎ-khǎa-thîi-glâi-thîi-sùt-yùu-thîi-sǐi-lom The closest branch is at Silom.
21 – นโยบาย
Pronunciation:ná-yoo-baai English meaning: policy
Part of speech: noun
Example: ขอทราบนโยบายการเปลี่ยนคืนสินค้า
khǎaw-sâap-ná-yoo-baai-gaan-bplìian-khuuen-sǐn-kháa Please tell me about the return policy.
22 – เอสเอ็มอี
Pronunciation: éet-em-ii English meaning: SME (stands for “small and medium enterprises”)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ธุรกิจของบ้านฉันเป็นธุรกิจเอสเอ็มอี
thú-rá-gìt-khǎawng-bâan-chǎn-bpen-thú-rá-gìt-éet-em-ii My family business is an SME.
23 – ธุรกิจ
Pronunciation:thú-rá-gìt English meaning: business
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอกำลังทำธุรกิจใหม่
thooe-gam-lang-tham-thú-rá-gìt-mài She is starting a new business.
24 – ใบเสร็จ
Pronunciation: bai-sèt English meaning: receipt
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันทำใบเสร็จหาย
chǎn-tham-bai-sèt-hǎai I lost the receipt.
25 – ใบกำกับภาษี
Pronunciation: bai-gam-gàp-phaa-sǐi English meaning: tax invoice
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอต้องขอใบกำกับภาษีเพื่อยื่นให้แผนกบัญชี
thooe-dtâawng-khǎaw-bai-gam-gàp-phaa-sǐi-phûuea-yûuen-hâi-phà-nàaek-ban-chii You need to ask for the tax invoice to give to the accounting department.
3. Advanced Medical Words
Being sick is an unavoidable part of life. Learning advanced vocabulary words in Thai related to medical treatment will help you explain your symptoms, understand what doctors or nurses are telling you, and maybe even give you a leg up if you plan to enter the medical field in Thailand.
1 – การรักษา
Pronunciation:gaan-rák-sǎa English meaning: treatment
Part of speech: noun
Example: การรักษาอาการท้องผูกมีหลายวิธี
gaan-rák-sǎa-aa-gaan-tháawng-phùuk-mii-lǎai-wí-thii There are many treatments for constipation.
2 – ฉีดยา
Pronunciation: chìit-yaa English meaning: to inject
Part of speech: verb
Example: เด็กร้องไห้ เพราะ ถูกฉีดยา
dèk-ráawng-hâi-phráw-thùuk-chìit-yaa The child cried because he was injected.
3 – ฉีดวัคซีน
Pronunciation: chìit-wák-siin English meaning: to vaccinate
Part of speech: verb
Example: ฉันฉีดวัคซีนไข้หวัดใหญ่ทุกปี
chǎn-chìit-wák-siin-khâi-wàt-yài-thúk-bpii I have been vaccinated for influenza every year.
4 – ผ่าตัด
Pronunciation:phàa-dtàt English meaning: to operate
Part of speech: verb
Example: พ่อเคยผ่าตัดเพื่อรักษาโรคนิ่ว
phâaw-khooei-phàa-dtàt-phûuea-rák-sǎa-rôok-nìu Dad was operated on to treat his gallstones.
5 – เข้าเฝือก
Pronunciation: khâo-fùueak English meaning: to splint
Part of speech: verb
Example: น้องสาวเคยเข้าเฝือกเพื่อรักษาอาการแขนหัก
náawng-sǎao-khooei-khâo-fùueak-phûuea-rák-sǎa-aa-gaan-khǎaen-hàk My sister was splinted to treat her broken arm.
6 – ตรวจชิ้นเนื้อ
Pronunciation:dtrùuat-chín-núuea English meaning: biopsy
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอถูกตรวจชิ้นเนื้อที่ปอด
thooe-thùuk-dtrùuat-chín-núuea-thîi-bpàawt She had a lung biopsy.
7 – ยา
Pronunciation:yaa English meaning: medicine
Part of speech: noun
Example: อย่าลืมกินยานะ
yàa-luuem-gin-yaa-ná Don’t forget to take the medicine.
8 – ยาชา
Pronunciation:yaa-chaa English meaning: anesthetic
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณหมอทายาชาให้ก่อนทำแผล
khun-mǎaw-thaa-yaa-chaa-hâi-gàawn-tham-phlǎae The doctor applied an anesthetic before treating the wound.
9 – เจาะเลือด
Pronunciation:jàw-lûueat English meaning: todraw blood
Part of speech: verb
Example: ฉันไม่อยากเจาะเลือดเลย
chǎn-mâi-yàak-jàw-lûueat-looei I don’t want my blood to be drawn.
10 – เอกซเรย์
Pronunciation:ék-sá-ree English meaning: X-ray
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณยายกำลังจะเอกซเรย์ปอด
khun-yaai-gam-lang-jà-ék-sá-ree-bpàawt Grandma is about to get a lung X-ray.
11 – ซีทีแสกน
Pronunciation:sii-thii-sà-gaaen English meaning: CT scan
Part of speech: noun
Example: หมอสั่งให้ทำซีทีแสกน
mǎaw-sàng-hâi-tham-sii-thii-sà-gaaen The doctor ordered a CT scan.
12 – วัดความดัน
Pronunciation:wát-khwaam-dan English meaning: to measure blood pressure
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณวัดความดันแล้วหรือยัง
khun-wát-khwaam-dan-láaeo-rǔue-yang Have you measured the blood pressure yet?
13 – วัดไข้
Pronunciation:wát-khâi English meaning: to measure body temperature
Part of speech: verb
Example: แม่เพิ่งวัดไข้เมื่อกี๊
mâae-pôoeng-wát-khâi-mûuea-gíi Mom just measured her body temperature.
14 – ตรวจสุขภาพ
Pronunciation: dtrùuat-sùk-khà-phâap English meaning: health check-up
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอควรตรวจสุขภาพปีละครั้ง
thooe-khuuan-dtrùuat-sùk-khà-phâap-bpii-lá-khráng You should do a health check-up once a year.
15 – หาหมอ
Pronunciation:hǎa-mǎaw English meaning: to go see the doctor
Part of speech: verb
Example: ฉันรู้สึกไม่ค่อยดี พรุ่งนี้ฉันจะไปหาหมอ
chǎn-rúu-sùek-mâi-khâauy-dii phrûng-níi-chǎn-jà-bpai-hǎa-mǎaw I’m not feeling very well. I will go see a doctor tomorrow.
16 – ปวดหัว
Pronunciation:bpùuat-hǔua English meaning: to have a headache
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณตาปวดหัวรึเปล่า ตาดูไม่ค่อยดีเลย
khun-dtaa-bpùuat-hǔua-rúe-bplàao dtaa-duu-mâi-khâauy-dii-looei [talking to Grandpa] Do you have a headache? You don’t look so well.
17 – ปวดท้อง
Pronunciation:bpùuat-tháawng English meaning: to have a stomachache
Part of speech: verb
Example: เมื่อวานฉันกินอาหารไม่สะอาด วันนี้เลยปวดท้อง
mûuea-waan-chǎn-gin-aa-hǎan-mâi-sà-àat wan-níi-looei-bpùuat-tháawng Yesterday, the food I ate wasn’t very clean. Today, I have a stomachache.
18 – ปวดหลัง
Pronunciation:bpùuat-lǎng English meaning: to have a backache
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอนั่งทำงานทั้งวัน ไม่ได้ออกกำลังกาย ก็เลยปวดหลัง
thooe-nâng-tham-ngaan-tháng-wan mâi-dâi-àawk-gam-lang-gaai gâaw-looei-bpùuat-lǎng She sits and works all day, and doesn’t exercise. So, she has a backache.
19 – ชัก
Pronunciation: chák English meaning: to convulse
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอเคยเห็นคนชักมั้ย
thooe-khooei-hěn-khon-chák-mái Have you ever seen anybody convulse?
20 – ข้อเท้าพลิก
Pronunciation:khâaw-tháo-plík English meaning: sprained ankle
Part of speech: noun
Example: เมื่อวานฉันข้อเท้าพลิก เจ็บมาก
mûuea-waan-chǎn-khâaw-tháo-plík jèp-mâak I had a sprained ankle yesterday. It hurts.
21 – เจ็บ
Pronunciation:jèp English meaning: hurt
Part of speech: adjective
Example: เจ็บมากมั้ย
jèp-mâak-mái Are you hurt badly?
22 – ไข้ขึ้น
Pronunciation:khâi-khûen English meaning: to have a fever
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอไข้ขึ้นสูงมาก
thooe-khâi-khûen-sǔung-mâak She has a very high fever.
23 – ผื่น
Pronunciation:phùuen English meaning: rash
Part of speech: noun
Example: เขามีผื่นที่แขน
khǎo-mii-phùuen-thîi-khǎaen He has a rash on his arm.
24 – เบื่ออาหาร
Pronunciation:bùuea-aa-hǎan English meaning: to lose one’s appetite
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณยายรู้สึกเบื่ออาหาร
khun-yaai-rúu-sùek-bùuea-aa-hǎan Grandma lost her appetite.
25 – เป็นลม
Pronunciation:bpen-lom English meaning: to faint
Part of speech: verb
Example: อากาศร้อนมากเลยจนเพื่อนของฉันเป็นลม
aa-gàat-ráawn-mâak-looei-jon-phûuean-khǎawng-chǎn-bpen-lom The weather is so hot that my friend fainted.
26 – เวียนหัว
Pronunciation:wiian-hǔua English meaning: dizzy
Part of speech: adjective
Example: ตอนคุณแม่ท้อง คุณแม่เวียนหัวทุกเช้า
dtaaw-khun-mâae-tháawng khun-mâae-wiian-hǔua-thúk-cháo While my mother was pregnant, she felt dizzy every morning.
27 – คัดจมูก
Pronunciation:khát-jà-mùuk English meaning: to have nasal congestion
Part of speech: verb
Example: ฉันรู้สึกคัดจมูก ฉันหายใจไม่ค่อยออก
chǎn-rúu-sùuek-khát-jà-mùuk chǎn-hǎai-jai-mâi-khâauy-àawk I have nasal congestion. I can’t breathe well.
28 – จาม
Pronunciation: jaam English meaning: to sneeze
Part of speech: verb
Example: ฉันจามไม่หยุดมาตั้งแต่เมื่อวาน
chǎn-jaam-mâi-yùt-maa-dtâng-dtàae-mûuea-waan I have been sneezing non-stop since yesterday.
29 – น้ำมูกไหล
Pronunciation:nám-mûuk-lǎi English meaning: to have a runny nose
Part of speech: verb
Example: แม่น้ำมูกไหล อาจจะเป็นหวัด
mâae-nám-mûuk-lǎi àat-jà-bpen-wàt Mom has a runny nose. She may have a cold.
30 – ไอ
Pronunciation:ai English meaning: to cough
Part of speech: verb
Example: ผานิตไอจนรู้สึกเจ็บคอ
phǎa-nít-ai-jon-rúu-sùek-jèp-khaaw Panit coughed until she had a sore throat.
31 – เจ็บคอ
Pronunciation:jèp-khaaw English meaning: to have a sore throat
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณรู้สึกเจ็บคอรึเปล่า
khun-rúu-sùek-jèp-khaaw-rúe-bplàao Do you have a sore throat?
4. Advanced Legal Words
Another set of advanced-level Thai words you should start learning are those related to the legal system in Thailand. Learning this terminology will help you have more complex conversations, avoid unfortunate misunderstandings, and more effectively study law if that’s where your path takes you!
1 – กฎหมาย
Pronunciation:gòt-mǎai English meaning: law
Part of speech: noun
Example: หนังสือเล่มนี้เกี่ยวกับกฎหมาย
nǎng-sǔue-lêem-níi-gìiao-gàp-gòt-mǎai This book is about the law.
2 – รัฐธรรมนูญ
Pronunciation:rát-thà-tham-má-nuun English meaning: constitution
Part of speech: noun
Example: รัฐธรรมนูญเป็นหนึ่งในกฎหมายที่สำคัญ
rát-thà-tham-má-nuun-bpen-gòt-mǎai-thîi-sǎm-khan The Constitution is an important law.
3 – ผู้พิพากษา
Pronunciation:phûu-phí-phâak-sǎa English meaning: judge
Part of speech: noun
Example: เพื่อนของฉันเป็นผู้พิพากษา
phûuean-khǎawng-chǎn-bpen-phûu-phí-phâak-sǎa My friend is a judge.
My friend is a judge.
4 – ทนายความ
Pronunciation:thá-naai-khwaam English meaning: lawyer
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันอยากเป็นทนายความในอนาคต
chǎn-yàak-bpen-thá-naai-khwaam-nai-à-naa-khót I want to be a lawyer in the future.
5 – อัยการ
Pronunciation:ai-yá-gaan English meaning: prosecutor
Part of speech: noun
Example: อัยการทำหน้าที่อะไร
ai-yá-gaan-tham-nâa-thîi-à-rai What is the duty of the prosecutor?
6 – โจทก์
Pronunciation:jòot English meaning: plaintiff
Part of speech: noun
Example: ใครคือโจทก์ของคดีนี้
khrai-khuue-jòot-khǎawng-khá-dii-níi Who is the plaintiff of this case?
7 – จำเลย
Pronunciation:jam-looei English meaning: defendant
Part of speech: noun
Example: จำเลยของคดีนี้เป็นคนมีชื่อเสียง
jam-looei-khǎawng-khá-dii-níi-bpen-khon-mii-chûue-sǐiang The defendant of this case is a famous person.
8 – พยาน
Pronunciation:phá-yaan English meaning: witness
Part of speech: noun
Example: คดีนี้มีพยานกี่คน
khá-dii-níi-mii-phá-yaan-gìi-khon How many witnesses are there in this case?
9 – คดีความ
Pronunciation:khá-dii-khwaam English meaning: lawsuit / case
Part of speech: noun
Example: คนไทยไม่ชอบมีคดีความ
khon-thai-mâi-châawp-mii-khá-dii-khwaam Thai people don’t like to be involved in lawsuits.
10 – คดีดำ
Pronunciation:khá-dii-dam English meaning: undecided case
Part of speech: noun
Example: เธอรู้รึเปล่าว่าคดีดำคืออะไร
thooe-rúu-rúe-bplào-wâa-khá-dii-dam-khuue-à-rai Do you know what an “undecided case” is?
11 – คดีแดง
Pronunciation: khá-dii-daaeng English meaning: decided case
Part of speech: noun
Example: นี่คือคดีแดงหมายเลขอะไร
nîi-khuue-khá-dii-daaeng-mǎai-lêek-à-rai What is the number of this decided case?
12 – คดีอาญา
Pronunciation:khá-dii-aa-yaa English meaning: criminal case
Part of speech: noun
Example: การลักทรัพย์เป็นคดีอาญา
gaan-lák-sáp-bpen-khá-dii-aa-yaa Burglary is a criminal case.
13 – คดีแพ่ง
Pronunciation:khá-dii-pâaeng English meaning: civil case
Part of speech: noun
Example: การฟ้องล้มละลายเป็นคดีเพ่ง
gaan-fáawng-lóm-lá-laai-bpen-khá-dii-pâaeng Bankruptcy is a civil case.
14 – ศาล
Pronunciation: sǎan English meaning: court
Part of speech: noun
Example: ศาลตั้งอยู่ที่ไหน
sǎan-dtâng-yùu-thîi-nǎi Where is the location of the court?
15 – การลงโทษ
Pronunciation:gaan-long-thôot English meaning: punishment
Part of speech: noun
Example: การลงโทษสำหรับคดีนี้คืออะไร
gaan-long-thôot-sǎm-ràp-khá-dii-níi-khuue-à-rai What is the punishment for this case?
16 – การประหารชีวิต
Pronunciation: gaan-bprà-hǎan-chii-wít English meaning: death penalty
Part of speech: noun
Example: การประหารชีวิตเป็นการลงโทษที่รุนแรงที่สุด
gaan-bprà-hǎan-chii-wít-bpen-gaan-long-thôot-thîi-run-raaeng-thîi-sùt The death penalty is the most severe punishment.
17 – ขังคุก
Pronunciation:khǎng-khúk English meaning: to be imprisoned
Part of speech: verb
Example: เขาถูกขังคุกมา 10 ปี
khǎo-thùuk-khǎng-khúk-maa-sìp-bpii He has been imprisoned for ten years.
18 – การริบทรัพย์สิน
Pronunciation: gaan-ríp-sáp-sǐn English meaning: forfeiture of property
Part of speech: noun
Example: การริบทรัพย์สินเป็นการลงโทษที่เบาที่สุด
gaan-ríp-sáp-sǐn-bpen-gaan-long-thôot-thîi-bao-thîi-sùt The forfeiture of property is the least severe of punishments.
19 – มีความผิด
Pronunciation:mii-khwaam-phìt English meaning: guilty
Part of speech: adjective
Example: เขาถูกตัดสินให้มีความผิด
khǎo-thùuk-dtàt-sǐn-hâi-mii-khwaam-phìt He is guilty as charged.
20 – พ้นผิด
Pronunciation:phón-phìt English meaning: to be acquitted
Part of speech: verb
Example: เขาถูกตัดสินให้พ้นผิด
khǎo-thùuk-dtàt-sǐn-hâi-phón-phìt He is acquitted.
21 – ประกันตัว
Pronunciation:bprà-gan-dtuua English meaning: to bail out
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอต้องใช้เงินกี่บาทในการประกันตัวเขา
thooe-dtâawng-chái-ngoen-gìi-bàat-nai-gaan-bprà-gaan-dtuua-khǎo
How many Baht will you need to bail him out?
22 – คำสั่งศาล
Pronunciation:kham-sàng-sǎan English meaning: court decree
Part of speech: noun
Example: นี่คือคำสั่งศาล
nîi-khuue-kham-sàng-sǎan
This is a court decree.
23 – เรียกร้องสินไหมทดแทน
Pronunciation:rîiak-ráawng-sǐn-mǎi-thót-thaaen English meaning: to call for damage
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอควรเรียกร้องสินไหมทดแทนในกรณีนี้
thooe-khuuan-rîiak-ráawng-sǐn-mǎi-thót-thaaen-nai-gaaw-rá-nii-níi
You should call for damage in this case.
24 – การหมิ่นประมาท
Pronunciation:gaan-mìn-bprà-màat English meaning: defamation
Part of speech: noun
Example: นี่คือตัวอย่างของการหมิ่นประมาท
nîi-khuue-dtuua-yàang-khǎawng-gaan-mìn-bprà-màat
This is an example of defamation.
25 – ค่าปรับ
Pronunciation:khâa-bpr̀ap English meaning: fine
Part of speech: noun
Example: ค่าปรับในการฝ่าฝืนกฎจราจรคือเท่าไหร่
khâa-bpràp-nai-gaan-fàa-fǔuen-gòt-jà-raa-jaawn-khuue-thâo-rài
How much is the fine for the violation of traffic rules?
5. Alternative Words for More Sophisticated Writing & Speech
As you approach an advanced level in Thai, there are several formal words you should start memorizing and learning how to use. We will cover some of them in this section, but you can also go through our advanced Thai course to gain an even greater understanding of these words and more!
The first five words are those you’ll often find in formal letters. The rest are formal alternatives to more casual words, which you would use when speaking to elders or people you respect. Keep in mind that some of these formal alternatives have both a spoken version and a written version.
Advanced Words for Formal Letters
1 – เรียน
Pronunciation:riian English meaning: to inform (equivalent to “Dear” in English)
Part of speech: verb
Example: เรียน ผู้จัดการอาคาร
phûu-jàt-gaan-aa-khaan Dear building manager
2 – ด้วยความนับถือ / ด้วยความเคารพ
Pronunciation:dûuay-khwaam-náp-thǔue, dûuay-khwaam-khao-róp English meaning: best regards (used in letters)
Part of speech: conjunction
Example: ด้วยความนับถือ
มนัท (manager)
dûuay-khwaam-náp-thǔue, má-nát, phûu-jàt-gaan
Best regards,
Manut, manager
3 – จึงเรียนมาเพื่อทราบ
Pronunciation:jueng-riian-maa-phûuea-sâap English meaning: please be informed accordingly
Part of speech: conjunction
Example: วันจันทร์ที่ 26 เมษายนจะมีการตัดไฟ จึงเรียนมาเพื่อทราบ
wan-jan-thîi-yîi-sîp-hòk-mee-sǎa-yon-jà-mii-gaan-dtàt-fai jueng-riian-maa-phûuea-sâap There will be no electricity on Monday, April 26. Please be informed accordingly.
4 – เนื่องด้วย
Pronunciation:nûueang-dûuay English meaning: because
Part of speech: conjunction
Example: วันจันทร์ที่ 26 เมษายน จะไม่สามารถใช้ลิฟท์ได้ เนื่องด้วยจะมีการตัดไฟ
wan-jan-thîi-yîi-sîp-hòk-mee-sǎa-yon jà-mâi-sǎa-mâat-chái-líp-dâi nûueang-dûuay-jà-mii-gaan-dtàt-fai On Monday, April 26, the elevator will be unavailable because of no electricity.
5 – ด้วยเหตุนี้
Pronunciation:dûuay-hèet-níi English meaning: hence
Part of speech: conjunction
Example: วันจันทร์ที่ 26 เมษายนจะมีการซ่อมท่อประปา ด้วยเหตุนี้ โปรดสำรองน้ำไว้ใช้
wan-jan-thîi-yîi-sîp-hòk-mee-sǎa-yon-jà-mii-gaan-sâawm-thâaw-bprà-bpaa dûuay-hèet-níi bpròot-sǎm- raawng-nám-wái-chái On Monday, April 26, there will be a plumbing repair. Hence, please reserve water for use.
Polite Words
6 – สุนัข
Pronunciation:sù-nák English meaning: dog
Spoken language: หมา (mǎa)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ที่บ้านฉันมีสุนัข 2 ตัว
thîi-bâan-chǎn-mii-sù-nák-sǎawng-dtuua There are two dogs at my house.
สุนัข [sù-nák] is the polite word for “dog” in Thai.
7 – กระบือ
Pronunciation:grà-buue English meaning: buffalo
Spoken language: ควาย (kwaai)
Part of speech: noun
Example: Part of speech: noun
thooe-khooei-hěn-grà-buue-rǔue-bplào Have you ever seen a buffalo?
8 – สุกร
Pronunciation:sù-gaawn English meaning: pig
Spoken language: หมู (mǔu)
Part of speech: noun
Example: สุกรเป็นคำสุภาพของหมู
sù-gaawn-bpen-kham-sù-phâap-khǎawng-mǔu Sù-gaawn is the polite word for “pig.”
9 – โค
Pronunciation:khoo English meaning: ox / cow
Spoken language: วัว (wuua)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันชอบดื่มน้ำนมโค
chǎn-châawp-dùuem-nám-nom-khoo I like to drink cow milk.
10 – นกกา
Pronunciation:nók-gaa English meaning: crow
Spoken language: อีกา (ii-gaa)
Part of speech: noun
Example: นกการ้องเสียงดังมาก
nók-gaa-râawng-sǐiang-dang-mâak The crow sings very loudly.
11 – ข้าพเจ้า
Pronunciation:khâ-phá-jâo English meaning: I (male, female)
Spoken language: ฉัน (chǎn)
Part of speech: pronoun
Example: ข้าพเจ้าไม่เห็นด้วย
khâ-phá-jâo-mâi-hěn-dûuay I disagree.
12 – ผม
Pronunciation:phǒm English meaning: I (male)
Spoken language: ฉัน (chǎn)
Part of speech: pronoun
Example: ผมอนุญาต
phǒm-à-nú-yâat I allow that.
Additional information: ข้าพเจ้า (khâ-phá-jâo) is more formal than ผม (phǒm).
13 – ดิฉัน
Pronunciation:dì-chǎn English meaning: I (female)
Spoken language: ฉัน (chǎn)
Part of speech: pronoun
Example: ดิฉันจะเข้าร่วมการประชุมด้วย
dì-chǎn-jà-khâo-rûuam-gaan-bprà-chum-dûuay I will join the meeting, too.
Additional information: ข้าพเจ้า (khâ-phá-jâo) is more formal than ดิฉัน (dì-chǎn).
14 – สามี
Pronunciation:sǎa-mii English meaning: husband
Spoken language: ผัว (phǔua)
Part of speech: noun
Example: สามีของฉันเป็นแพทย์
sǎa-mii-khǎawng-chǎn-bpen-phâaet My husband is a doctor.
15 – ภรรยา
Pronunciation:phan-rá-yaa English meaning: wife
Spoken language: เมีย (miia)
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณมีภรรยาแล้วหรือยัง
khun-mii-phan-rá-yaa-láaeo-rǔue-yang Do you have a wife?
16 – บิดา
Pronunciation:bì-daa English meaning: father
Spoken language: พ่อ (phâaw)
Part of speech: noun
Example: กรุณาเขียนชื่อบิดาของคุณตรงนี้
gà-rú-naa-khǐian-chûue-bì-daa-khǎawng-khun-dtrong-níi Please write the name of your father here.
17 – มารดา
Pronunciation:maan-da English meaning: mother
Spoken language: แม่ (mâae)
Part of speech: noun
Example: มารดาของคุณอายุเท่าไหร่แล้ว
maan-daa-khǎawng-khun-aa-yú-thâo-rài-láaeo How old is your mother?
18 – บุตร
Pronunciation:bùt English meaning: child (male, female)
Spoken language: ลูก (lûuk)
Part of speech: noun
Example:
คุณมีบุตรกี่คน
khun-mii-bùt-gìi-khon How many children do you have?
19 – ธิดา
Pronunciation: thí-daa English meaning: daughter
Spoken language: ลูกสาว (lûuk-sǎao)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ใส่จำนวนธิดาตรงนี้
sài-jam-nuan-thí-daa-dtrong-níi Put your daughter’s number here.
20 – แพทย์
Pronunciation: phâaet English meaning: doctor
Spoken language:หมอ (mǎaw) Part of speech: noun
Example: โรงพยาบาลนี้มีแพทย์หลายคน
roong-phá-yaa-baan-níi-mii-phâaet-lǎai-khon There are many doctors in this hospital.
21 – อาจารย์
Pronunciation:aa-jaan English meaning: teacher
Spoken language: ครู (khruu)
Part of speech: noun
Example: อาจารย์คนโปรดของคุณคือใคร
aa-jaan-khon-bpròot-khǎawng-khun-khuue-khrai Who is your favorite teacher?
22 – โสเภณี
Pronunciation:sǒo-phee-nii English meaning: prostitute
Spoken language: กะหรี่ (ga-rǐi)
Part of speech: noun
Example: โสเภณีเป็นอาชีพที่ผิดกฎหมายในไทย
sǒo-phee-nii-bpen-aa-chîip-thîi-phìt-gòt-mǎai-nai-thai Prostitution is an illegal occupation in Thailand.
23 – พระสงฆ์
Pronunciation:phrá-sǒng English meaning: monk
Spoken language: พระ (phrá)
Part of speech: noun
Example: พระสงฆ์ฉันอาหารวันละ 2 มื้อ
phrá-sǒng-chǎn-aa-hǎan-wan-lá-sǎawng-múue The monk eats two meals a day.
24 – รับประทาน / ทาน
Pronunciation:ráp-bprà-thaan / thaan English meaning: to eat
Spoken language: กิน (gin)
Part of speech: verb
Example 1: ผู้สูงอายุไม่ควรรับประทานของหวานมากเกินไป
phûu-sǔung-aa-yú-mâi-khuuan-ráp-bprà-thaan-khǎawng-wǎan-mâak-gooen-bpai The elderly shouldn’t eat too many sweets.
Example 2: เธอทานข้าวแล้วหรือยัง
thooe-thaan-khâao-láaeo-rǔue-yang Have you eaten yet?
Additional note: รับประทาน (ráp-bprà-thaan) is often shortened to ทาน (thaan) in daily conversations. The shortened version is also considered formal, though the longer version is slightly more formal.
25 – อุจจาระ
Pronunciation: ùt-jaa-rá English meaning: feces
Spoken language: ขี้ (khîi)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ลักษณะอุจจาระของผู้ป่วยเป็นอย่างไร
lák-sà-nà-ùt-jaa-rá-khǎawng-phûu-bpùuay-bpen-yàang-rai How is the patient’s feces?
26 – ปัสสาวะ
Pronunciation:bpàt-sǎa-wá English meaning: urine
Spoken language: ฉี่ (chìi)
Part of speech: noun
Example: เราต้องการปัสสาวะ 5 มิลลิลิตรในการตรวจ
rao-dtâawng-gaan-bpàt-sǎa-wá-hâa-min-lí-lít-nai-gaan-dtrùuat I need five ml. of urine for a sample.
27 – ถึงแก่กรรม
Pronunciation:thǔeng-gàae-gam English meaning: to die
Spoken language: ตาย (dtaai)
Part of speech: verb
Example: เขาถึงแก่กรรมตอนอายุ 80 ปี
khǎo-thǔeng-gàae-gam-dtaawn-aa-yú-bpàaet-sìp-bpii He died at the age of 80.
28 – ตั้งครรภ์
Pronunciation:dtâng-khan English meaning: pregnant
Spoken language: ท้อง (tháawng)
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอตั้งครรภ์มา 8 สัปดาห์แล้ว
thooe-dtâng-khan-maa-bpàaet-sàp-daa-láaeo She has been pregnant for eight weeks now.
29 – อาเจียน
Pronunciation:aa-jiian English meaning: to vomit
Spoken language: อ้วก (ûuak)
Part of speech: verb
Example: ญาดารู้สึกอยากอาเจียน
yaa-daa-rúu-sùek-yàak-aa-jiian Yada wants to vomit.
30 – ทราบ
Pronunciation:sâap English meaning: to know
Spoken language: รู้ (rúu)
Part of speech: verb
Example: เธอทราบเรื่องอาการป่วยของคุณตาหรือยัง
thooe-sâap-rûueang-aa-gaan-bpùuay-khǎawng-khun-dtaa-rǔue-yang Have you known about Grandfather’s sickness?
31 – เห็นสมควร
Pronunciation:hěn-sǒm-khuuan English meaning: to agree
Spoken language: เห็นด้วย (hěn-dûuay)
Part of speech: verb
Example: คุณเห็นสมควรกับเรื่องนี้หรือไม่
khun-hěn-sǒm-khuuan-gàp-rûueang-níi-rǔue-mâi Do you agree with this?
32 – ต่อว่า
Pronunciation:dtàaw-wâa English meaning: to scold
Spoken language: ดุ (dù) / ด่า (dàa)
Part of speech: verb
Example: นักเรียนถูกต่อว่าเมื่อทำผิด
nák-riian-thùuk-dtàaw-wâa-mûuea-tham-phìt Students are scolded when they do something wrong.
33 – กล่าว
Pronunciation:glàao English meaning: to say
Spoken language: พูด (phûut)
Part of speech: verb
Example: อาจารย์กล่าวชื่นชมนักเรียน
aa-jaan-glàao-chûuen-chom-nák-riian The teacher says compliments to students.
34 – โรงภาพยนตร์
Pronunciation:roong-phâap-phá-yon English meaning: cinema
Spoken language: โรงหนัง (roong-nǎng)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ในกรุงเทพ ฯ มีโรงภาพยนตร์กี่แห่ง
nai-grung-thêep-mii-roong-phâap-phá-yon-gìi-hàaeng How many cinemas are there in Bangkok?
35 – โรงพยาบาล
Pronunciation:roong-phá-yaa-baan English meaning: hospital
Spoken language: โรงบาล (roong-baan) => Thai people shorten the word.
Part of speech: noun
Example: โรงพยาบาลที่ใกล้ที่สุดอยู่ที่ไหน
roong-phá-yaa-baan-thîi-yùu-glâi-thîi-sùt-yùu-thîi-nǎi Where is the nearest hospital?
36 – ห้างสรรพสินค้า
Pronunciation: hâang-sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa English meaning: department store
Spoken language: ห้าง (hâang) Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณแม่ไปซื้อของที่ห้างสรรพสินค้า
khun-mâae-bpai-súue-khǎawng-thîi-hâang-sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa Mom goes shopping at the department store.
37 – มหาวิทยาลัย
Pronunciation:má-hǎa-wít-thá-yaa-lai English meaning: university
Spoken language: มหาลัย (má-hǎa-lai) => Thai people shorten the word.
Part of speech: noun
Example: คุณเรียนจบมาจากมหาวิทยาลัยอะไร
khun-riian-jòp-maa-jàak-má-hǎa-wít-thá-yaa-lai-à-rai Which university did you graduate from?
38 – ร้านสะดวกซื้อ
Pronunciation:ráan-sà-dùuak-súue English meaning: convenience store
Spoken language: call by the brand name of the convenience store, such as “7-Eleven” or “Family Mart”
Part of speech: noun
Example: แถวนี้มีร้านสะดวกซื้อหลายร้าน
thǎaeo-níi-mii-ráan-sà-dùuak-súue-lǎai-ráan There are many convenience stores in this area.
39 – สำนักงาน
Pronunciation:sǎm-nák-ngaan English meaning: office
Spoken language: ออฟฟิศ (áawp-fít)
Part of speech: noun
Example: สำนักงานของบริษัทคุณอยู่ที่ไหน
sǎm-nák-ngaan-khǎawng-baaw-rí-sàt-khun-yùu-thîi-nǎi Where is the office of your company?
40 – สุขา
Pronunciation:sù-khǎa English meaning: toilet
Spoken language: ห้องน้ำ (hâawng-nám)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ช่วยบอกทางไปสุขาหน่อยได้มั้ยคะ
chûuay-bàawk-thaang-bpai-sù-khǎa-nàauy-dâi-mái-khá Can you tell me how to get to the toilets?
41 – ภาพยนตร์
Pronunciation:phâap-phá-yon English meaning: movie
Spoken language: หนัง (nǎng)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ภาพยนตร์เรื่องนี้ดังมาก
phâap-phá-yon-rûueng-níi-dang-mâak This movie is very famous.
42 – ธนบัตร
Pronunciation:thá-ná-bàt English meaning: banknote
Spoken language: แบงค์ (báaeng)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันไม่มีเหรียญ มีแต่ธนบัตร chǎn-mâi-mii-rǐian mii-dtàae-thá-ná-bàt I don’t have any coins. I have only a banknote.
43 – สุรา
Pronunciation: sù-raa English meaning: alcoholic beverage
Spoken language: เหล้า (lâo) Part of speech: noun
Example: การดื่มสุราไม่ดีต่อสุขภาพ
gaan-dùuem-sù-raa-mâi-dii-dtàaw-sùk-khà-phâap Drinking alcohol isn’t good for your health.
Drinking alcohol isn’t good for your health.
44 – อาหาร
Pronunciation:aa-hǎan English meaning: food
Spoken language: ข้าว (khâo) => Sometimes, Thai people refer to food as ข้าว (khâo) when they could actually refer to a specific type of food (such as noodles).
Part of speech: noun
Example: ฉันชอบอาหารทอด
chǎn-châawp-aa-hǎan-thâawt I like fried food.
45 – เครื่องดื่ม
Pronunciation:khrûueang-dùuem English meaning: drinks
Spoken language: น้ำ (nám) => This word can also refer to both drinking water or drinking other beverages such as juice, tea, etc.
Part of speech: noun
Example: นี่คือเครื่องดื่มแนะนำของเราค่ะ
nîi-khuue-khrûueang-dùuem-náe-nam-khǎawng-rao-khà This is our recommended drink.
46 – ศีรษะ
Pronunciation:sǐi-sà English meaning: head
Spoken language:หัว (hǔua) Part of speech: noun
Example: การจับศีรษะของคนอื่นไม่สุภาพ
gaan-jàp-sǐi-sà-khǎawng-khon-ùuen-mâi-sù-phâap It is not polite to touch another’s head.
47 – เท้า
Pronunciation:tháo English meaning: foot
Spoken language: ตีน (dtiin) => rude word
Part of speech: noun
Example: อย่าวางเท้าไว้บนโต๊ะ
yàa-waang-tháo-wái-bon-dtó Don’t put your feet on the table.
48 – บะหมี่กึ่งสำเร็จรูป
Pronunciation: bà-mìi-gùeng-sǎm-rèt-rûup English meaning:instant noodles Spoken language: มาม่า (maa-mâa) => This is the most famous instant noodle brand in Thailand, so Thai people often use it to refer to instant noodles in general.
Part of speech: noun
Example: บะหมี่กึ่งสำเร็จรูปราคาไม่แพง
bà-mìi-gùeng-sǎm-rèt-rûup-raa-khaa-mâi-phaaeng Instant noodles are not expensive.
49 – หีบศพ
Pronunciation:hìip-sòp English meaning: coffin
Spoken language: โรงศพ (roong-sòp)
Part of speech: noun
Example: ร้านขายหีบศพอยู่ที่ไหน
ráan-khǎai-hìip-sòp-yùu-thîi-nái Where is the coffin store?
6. Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of advanced Thai words and found it useful as you progress in your studies. Let us know in the comments what you thought of this article or if you have any questions about what we covered today.
Learning advanced Thai vocabulary is a crucial step in your language learning journey, but it’s also good to add variety to your studies. We suggest you browse through some other interesting lessons at ThaiPod101.com to make your learning even more fun:
Once you have a good base vocabulary and understand the basic grammar rules, you should focus on acquiring more advanced words.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most important intermediate Thai words for learners who are ready to level up. Each word has been handpicked to provide you with a variety of terms you can use to discuss more complex topics, craft longer sentences, and express yourself more completely and accurately.
The first group of intermediate Thai words you should know are the larger numbers in Thai. You’ll use these often in daily life for things like buying or selling items.
…เอ็ด (…-èt) = …one
ยี่สิบ (yîi-sìp) = twenty
ร้อย (ráauy) = hundred
พัน (phan) = thousand
หมื่น (mùuen) = ten thousand
แสน (sǎaen) = hundred thousand
ล้าน (láan) = million
…ล้าน (…-láan) = …million
2. Nouns
As a beginner, you learned many basic nouns that allowed you to get your point across and describe the world around you. To bulk up your vocabulary, you should now focus on memorizing more advanced nouns that refer to more specific things. The intermediate Thai words below will help you talk about a greater variety of topics with native speakers.
Knowing the names of the months in Thai will help you set appointments, follow conversations, and more.
เดือน (duuean) = month
มกราคม (má-gà-raa-khom / mók-gà-raa-khom) = January
กุมภาพันธ์ (gum-phaa-phan) = February
มีนาคม (mii-naa-khom) = March
เมษายน (mee-sǎa-yon) = April
พฤษภาคม (phrúet-sà-phaa-khom) = May
มิถุนายน (mí-thù-naa-yon) = June
กรกฎาคม (gà-rá-gà-daa-khom) = July
สิงหาคม (sǐng-hǎa-khom) = August
กันยายน (gan-yaa-yon) = September
ตุลาคม (dtù-laa-khom) = October
พฤศจิกายน (phrúet-sà-jì-gaa-yon) = November
ธันวาคม (than-waa-khom) = December
What is “January” in Thai?
2 – Organs and Other Body Parts
At the beginner level, you learned the names of basic body parts in Thai. Now it’s time to expand that list by learning the names of organs and more specific body parts.
สมอง (sà-mǎawng) = brain
กระดูก (grà-dùuk) = bone
เส้นเอ็น (sên-en) = tender
กล้ามเนื้อ (glâam-núuea) = muscle
กล่องเสียง (glàawng-sǐiang) = larynx
เส้นเลือด (sên-lûueat) = blood vessel
เลือด (lûueat) = blood
หลอดอาหาร (làawt-aa-hǎan) = esophagus
หลอดลม (làawt-lom) = windpipe
หัวใจ (hǔa-jai) = heart
ตับ (dtàp) = liver
ไต (dtai) = kidney
ปอด (bpàawt) = lung
ม้าม (máam) = spleen
กระเพาะ (grà-páw) = stomach
ลำไส้เล็ก (lam-sâi-lék) = small intestine
ลำไส้ใหญ่ (lam-sâi-yài) = large intestine
กระเพาะปัสสาวะ (grà-páw-bpàt-sàa-wá) = bladder
กะบังลม (gà-bang-lom) = diaphragm
มดลูก (mót-lûuk) = uterus
ถุงน้ำดี (thǔng-nám-dii) = gallbladder
3 – Education
These words will be especially useful if you plan to study in Thailand.
Below are several intermediate words in Thai about places and locations.
ทวีป (thá-wîip) = continent
ประเทศ (bprà-thêet) = country
ภาค (phâak) = region
จังหวัด (jang-wàt) = province
อำเภอ (am-phooe) = district
เขต (khèet) = district (used in Bangkok only)
ตำบล (dtam-bon) = sub-district
แขวง (khwǎaeng) = sub-district (used in Bangkok only)
หมู่บ้าน (mùu-bâan) = village
ชุมชน (chum-chon) = community
เกาะ (gàw) = island
เมืองหลวง (muueang-lǔuang) = capital city
5 – Religions
Religion is an important part of life in Thailand, as our culture and lifestyle are closely tied to Buddhism. For this reason, it’s a good idea to add the names of world religions to your intermediate Thai vocabulary.
Thai culture and lifestyle are closely tied to Buddhism.
6 – Holidays
Everybody loves holidays. They give us the opportunity to relax and spend time with loved ones. Let’s learn the names of public holidays in Thailand and around the world.
วันหยุด (wan-yùt) = holiday
วันปีใหม่ (wan-bpii-mài) = New Year’s Day
วันตรุษจีน (wan-dtrùt-jiin) = Chinese New Year’s Day
วันสงกรานต์ (wan-sǒng-graan) = Thai New Year’s Day
วันแรงงาน (wan-raaeng-ngaan) = Labor Day
วันแม่ (wan-mâae) = Mother’s Day
วันพ่อ (wan-phâaw) = Father’s Day
วันเด็ก (wan-dèk) = Children’s Day
วันลอยกระทง (wan-laauy-grà-thong) = Loy Krathong Day
วันสิ้นปี (wan-sîn-bpii) = New Year’s Eve
7 – Vehicles
You’ll find a number of different vehicles in the air, on the water, and throughout the streets of Thailand. Here are the names of just a few of them:
At the intermediate level, you should also become familiar with the names of electrical appliances in Thai. After all, these are items we use every day!
Our next list consists of essential verbs in Thai for intermediate learners. Memorizing these more advanced action words will allow you to better express yourself and add nuance to your conversations.
1 – In the Kitchen
What do you do in the kitchen? This is the perfect list for those who love cooking!
ทำอาหาร (tham-aa-hǎan) = to cook
ล้าง (láang) = to wash
หั่น (hàn) = to chop
หั่นลูกเต๋า (hàn-lûuk-dtǎo) = to dice
หั่นเป็นเส้น (hàn-bpen-sên) = to julienne
สับ (sàp) = to chop
แล่ (lâae) = to slice
ปอก (bpàawk) = to peel
ปรุงรส (bprung-rót) = to season
บด (bòt) = to mince
ดอง (daawng) = to pickle
ผสม (phà-sǒm) = to mix
คน (khon) = to stir
พลิก (phlík) = to flip
เท (thee) = to pour
ใส่ (sài) = to put…in
ตอก (dtàawk) = to crack (used for eggs only)
นวด (nûuat) = to knead
ผัด (phàt) = to stir fry
ทอด (thâawt) = to fry
ต้ม (dtôm) = to boil
ตุ๋น (dtǔn) = to simmer
อบ (òp) = to bake
ย่าง (yâang) = to grill
นึ่ง (nûeng) = to steam
2 – Giving Directions
Another key set of Thai vocabulary for intermediate learners is words for giving and asking for directions. The following words will help you offer and understand more complex instructions.
ตรงไป (dtrong-bpai) = go straight
เลี้ยว (líiao) = to turn
กลับรถ (glàp-rót) = to make a U-turn
กลับหลังหัน (glàp-lǎng-hǎn) = to turn around
หยุด (yùt) = to stop
ขึ้น (khûen) = to go up
ลง (long) = to go down
ไปที่… (bpai-thîi) = to go to…
How do I get to the hotel?
3 – Learning
เรียน (riian) = to learn
คิด (khít) = to think
วิเคราะห์ (wí-khráw) = to analyze
อ่าน (àan) = to read
เขียน (khǐian) = to write
ฟัง (fang) = to listen
พูด (phûut) = to speak
วาด (wâat) = to draw
ระบายสี (rá-baai-sǐi) = to paint
จด (jòt) = to take notes
ทดลอง (thót-laawng) = to do an experiment
แต่ง (dtàaeng) = to compose
ทำงานกลุ่ม (tham-ngaan-glùm) = to do group work
ทำการบ้าน (tham-gaan-bâan) = to do homework
ทำรายงาน (tham-raai-ngaan) = to do a report
ทบทวน (thóp-thuuan) = to revise
ท่อง (thâawng) = to memorize
ฝึกฝน (fùek-fǒn) = to practice
เตรียมสอบ (dtriiam-sàawp) = to prepare for a test
สอบ (sàawp) = to take a test
ส่งงาน (sòng-ngaan) = to turn in (work / homework / report)
เล่นดนตรี (lên-don-dtrii) = to play a musical instrument
สะสม… (sà-sǒm) = to collect…
วาดรูป (wâat-rûup) = to draw
ถ่ายรูป (thàai-rûup) = to take a photo
ทำอาหาร (tham-aa-hǎan) = to cook
ดูหนัง (duu-nǎng) = to watch a movie
ท่องเที่ยว (thâawng-thîiao) = to travel
ตั้งแคมป์ (dtâng-kháaem) = to camp
ปั่นจักรยาน (bpàn-jàk-grà-yaan) = to cycle
เต้นรำ (dtên-ram) = to dance
ตกปลา (dtòk-bplaa) = to fish
ทำสวน (tham-sǔuan) = to garden
เล่นเกมส์ (lên-geem) = to play a game
ซื้อของ (súue-khǎawng) = to go shopping
เล่นกีฬา (lên-gii-laa) = to play a sport
ดำน้ำ (dam-nám) = to go snorkeling
ร้องเพลง (ráawng-phleeng) = to sing
Camping is a popular hobby in Thailand.
4. Adjectives / Adverbs
A fun way to expand your Thai vocabulary as an intermediate learner is to pick up a few adjectives and adverbs. These words will help you express your thoughts and feelings in greater detail.
→ If you would like to learn even more of these useful words, make sure to visit our blog posts on Thai adjectives and Thai adverbs.
Who loves watching movies? If you’re a cinema buff, you’ll find these words very useful.
ดราม่า (draa-mâa) = drama
แอ็คชั่น (áaek-chân) = action
บู๊ (búu) = action
ครอบครัว (khrâawp-khruua) = family
ระทึกขวัญ (rá-thúek-khwǎn) = thriller
สารคดี (sǎa-rá-khá-dii) = documentary
การ์ตูน (gaa-tuun) = animation
แฟนตาซี (faaen-dtaa-sii) = fantasy
สยองขวัญ (sà-yǎawng-khwǎn) = horror
วิทยาศาสตร์ (wít-thá-yaa-sàat) = scientific
โรแมนติก (roo-maaen-dtìk) = romantic
ตลก (dtà-lòk) = comedy
5. Prepositions
Prepositions make up an essential set of intermediate words in Thai. Learning them will allow you to make your statements clearer and give additional information where needed.
พอ…ก็… (phaaw-…-gâaw-…) = When A happens, B happens.
ถึง…ก็… (thǔeng-…-gâaw-…) = Although A happens, B happens.
แม้…ก็… (máae-…-gâaw-…) = Although A happens, B happens.
เพราะ…จึง… (phráw-…-jueng-…) = Because A happens, B happens.
…ดังนั้น…จึง… (…dang-nán-…-jueng-…) = A happens, so B happens.
มิฉะนั้น (mí-chà-nán) = or else
7. Interjections
Using interjections can make a conversation sound more natural and help you express your feelings more clearly.
คำอุทาน (kham-ù-thaan) = interjection
โอ๊ย (óoi) = interjection for when you get hurt
โอย (ooi) = interjection for when you get hurt
เฮ้ย (hóoei) = interjection for when you’re surprised (male)
ว้าย (wáai) = interjection for when you’re surprised (female)
โว้ย (wóoi) = interjection for when you’re angry
โธ่ (thôo) = interjection to show that you feel pity
8. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned not only beginner vocabulary, but also the essential intermediate Thai words.
This might seem like a lot of vocabulary to pick up, but your efforts will be well worth it. Did you find this article difficult? If you need any help or encouragement, feel free to drop us a comment below or check out our article on how to overcome the most common difficulties in Thai language learning.
While you’re waiting for our upcoming article on advanced Thai words, we recommend you go through our intermediate Thai courseto become familiar with more advanced grammar structures, vocabulary, and cultural concepts. You can also explore our other exciting lessons, such as…
When a baby starts learning their native language, animal names are one of the first word categories their parents teach them. As a Thai learner, you’ll find it beneficial to learn the names of animals in Thai early on—this is a natural way to expand your vocabulary, and doing so will help you start conversations with native speakers. After all, who doesn’t love talking about their pets or favorite animals?
In this article, we’ll teach you the names of common animals in Thai. This includes:
Pets
Farm animals
Wild animals
Marine animals
Bugs and insects
Birds
Reptiles and amphibians
In addition, we’ll teach you what to call the different body parts of animals and what sounds animals make according to Thai onomatopoeia. Make sure to stick around until the end, where we’ll introduce you to frequently used idioms that mention animals; this will help familiarize you with Thai culture and give you an idea of how these words might be used in a sentence.
The most popular pets among Thai people are dogs and cats, though some people own smaller mammals or even birds and fish. Here’s a list of common pets in Thailand:
สุนัข (sù-nák) = “dog” (formal)
หมา (mǎa) = “dog” (informal)
แมว (maaeo) = “cat”
กระต่าย (grà-dtàai) = “rabbit”
แฮมสเตอร์ (haaem-sà-dtôoe) = “hamster”
ปลาทอง (bplaa-thaawng) = “goldfish”
นก (nók) = “bird”
Dogs are a popular pet in Thailand.
2. Farm Animals
Do you know which farm animals are most common in Thailand? Most of them are the same animals you’d expect to find on a farm in other countries. Take a look:
โค (khoo) = “ox” / “cow” (formal)
วัว (wuua) = “ox” / “cow” (informal)
กระบือ (grà-buue) = “buffalo” (formal)
ควาย (khwaai) = “buffalo” (informal)
สุกร (sù-gaawn) = “pig” (formal)
หมู (mǔu) = “pig” (informal)
เป็ด (bpèt) = “duck”
ไก่ (gài) = “chicken”
ห่าน (hàan) = “goose”
ม้า (máa) = “horse”
ล่อ (lâaw) = “mule”
ลา (laa) = “donkey”
3. Wild Animals
Below, you’ll find the names of different wild animals in the Thai language. Many of these animals can only be found in zoos and national parks, and some of them are currently endangered or extinct.
As with wild animals, Thai people most often get to see marine life in zoos or aquariums. Here are the names of common sea animals in the Thai language:
Below, you’ll find the names of common birds in Thailand and abroad. While Thai people can encounter some of these species in their daily lives, others can only be seen in zoos.
นกพิราบ (nók-phí-râap) = “pigeon”
นกกระจอก (nók-grà-jàawk) = “sparrow”
นกแก้ว (nók-gâaeo) = “parrot”
นกกระจอกเทศ (nók-grà-jàawk-thêet) = “ostrich”
นกยูง (nók-yuung) = “peacock”
นกอินทรี (nók-in-sii) = “eagle”
นกกะเรียน (nók-gà-riian) = “flamingo”
นกฮูก (nók-hûuk) = “owl”
นกนางนวล (nók-naang-nuan) = “seagull”
หงส์ (hǒng) = “swan”
แร้ง (ráaeng) = “griffon”
อีกา (ii-gaa) = “crow”
เหยี่ยว (yìiao) = “hawk”
เพนกวิน (phen-gwîn) = “penguin”
7. Reptiles & Amphibians
In Thailand, there is a famous crocodile show held at the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo. If you plan on visiting the country anytime soon, make sure to check it out!
Here are the names of common reptiles and amphibians in Thailand:
In each country, people associate animals with different onomatopoeic sounds. If you live in the United States, for example, you likely say that dogs go “woof” and cats go “meow.” But do you know their sounds in Thai?
Notice that most of the sounds below are doubled, as this is how they’re represented in the Thai language.
โฮ่ง ๆ (hôong-hôong) = dog’s sound
เหมียว ๆ (mǐiao-mǐiao) = cat’s sound
อู๊ด ๆ (úut-úut) = pig’s sound
มอ ๆ (maaw-maaw) = ox’s sound
ฮี่ ๆ (hîi-hîi) = horse’s sound
เอ้กอีเอ้ก ๆ (êek-ii-êek-êek) = cock’s sound
จิ๊บ ๆ (jíp-jíp) = bird’s sound
ก้าบ ๆ (gâap-gâap) = duck’s sound
เจี๊ยบ ๆ (jíiap-jíiap) = chick’s sound
เจี๊ยก ๆ (jíiak-jíiak) = monkey’s sound
แปร๋น ๆ (brǎaen-brǎaen) = elephant’s sound
อ๊บ ๆ (óp-óp) = frog’s sound
10. Animal-Related Idioms in Thai
There are many idioms in Thai that mention animals. Learning them will give you a better idea of how we view animals in Thai culture, and using them yourself will help you sound more like a native speaker. Below, we’ve listed and explained the ten most common animal idioms.
1 – กระต่ายหมายจันทร์
Pronunciation:grà-dtàai mǎai jan
Literal translation: Rabbit wants the moon.
Idiom meaning: This idiom comes from a children’s story, and it refers to a man who loves a woman of higher social or financial status. It compares a man to a rabbit and a woman to the moon. Despite how much the rabbit wants the moon, it can do nothing but stare. There are two ways to use this idiom: to say that a man is like a rabbit or to compare a man’s actions to those of a rabbit.
Example: เมฆชอบดาวมาก แต่เขาก็เป็นได้แค่กระต่ายหมายจันทร์
mêek-châawp-daao-mâak dtàae-khǎo-gâaw-bpen-dâi-khâae-grà-dtàai-mǎai-jan “Mek likes Dow a lot, but there is nothing he can do (because Dow is richer or has a much higher social status).”
2 – หนูตกถังข้าวสาร
Pronunciation: nǔu-dtòk-thǎng-khâao-sǎan
Literal translation: A rat falls into a bucket of rice.
Idiom meaning: When a rat falls into a bucket of rice, it suddenly has a lot of food without needing to do anything. In the same way, a man who marries a richer woman gets more money without having to work for it. This idiom is typically used as an insult directed toward men who marry women of higher financial status.
Example: วินแต่งงานกับคนรวย เลยถูกดูถูกว่าเป็นหนูตกถังข้าวสาร
win-dtàaeng-ngaan-gàp-khon-ruuay looei-thùuk-duu-thùuk-wâa-bpen-nǔu-dtòk-thǎng-khâao-sǎan “Win married a rich woman, so others look down on him.”
3 – วัวแก่กินหญ้าอ่อน
Pronunciation: wuua-gàae-gin-yâa-àawn
Literal translation: Old ox eats young grass.
Idiom meaning: This idiom refers to a man who marries (or is in a relationship with) a much younger woman. The saying stems from the eating habits of oxen; young oxen only eat young grass, but old oxen can choose to eat either old or young grass. Older men who marry younger women are like an old ox that chooses to eat only young grass. We normally use this idiom in a negative way, as this type of relationship is quite improper in Thailand.
Example: ลุงเป็นวัวแก่กินหญ้าอ่อน เมียของลุงอายุน้อยกว่าลุงตั้ง 15 ปี
lung-bpen-wuua-gàae-gin-yâa-àawn miia-khǎawng-lung-aa-yú-náauy-gwàa-lung-dtâng-sìp-hâa-bpii “Uncle is in a relationship with a young woman. His wife is 15 years younger than him.”
4 – รีดเลือดกับปู
Pronunciation:rîit-lûueat-gàp-bpuu
Literal translation: Squeeze blood from crab
Idiom meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where someone tries to benefit or receive financial gain from those who have nothing to give. Crabs have little blood, so trying to get blood from them is next to impossible.
Example: เขารู้ว่าคนที่เช่าที่เขาไม่มีเงิน แต่ก็จะขึ้นค่าเช่า รีดเลือดกับปูชัด ๆ
Khǎo-rúu-wâa-khon-thîi-châo-thîi-khǎo-mâi-mii-ngoen dtàae-gâaw-jà-khûen-khâa-châo rîit-lûueat-gàp-bpuu-chát-chát “The landlord knows that his tenant has no money. Still, he increases the rent. He threatens to get benefits from those who have nothing to give.”
5 – ขี่ช้างจับตั๊กแตน
Pronunciation: khìi-cháang-jàp-dták-gà-dtaaen
Literal translation: Ride an elephant to catch grasshoppers
Idiom meaning: This Thai idiom refers to investing a lot only to get a little in return. Traditionally, elephants were used in big events such as war or long-distance travel; it wouldn’t make sense to use such a large animal for something small or insignificant (like catching grasshoppers). Likewise, one should not invest heavily in something that does not promise a high yield.
Example: ถ้าจะเปิดร้านขายขนม แล้วต้องใช้เงินเยอะขนาดนี้ ดูยังไงก็ขี่ช้างจับตั๊กแตนนะ
thâa-jà-bpòoet-ráan-khǎai-khà-nǒm láaeo-dtâawng-chái-ngoen-yóe-khà-nàat-níi duu-yang-ngai-gâaw-khìi-cháang-jàp-dták-gà-dtaaen-ná “If you invest this much money to open a bakery shop, it is like investing a lot to get a little in return.”
Literal translation: Small bird builds its nest big enough for itself.
Idiom meaning: You should adjust your spending patterns based on how much money you have, and never buy what you can’t afford. Just like a bird can build its nest with the basic materials it finds, so can we build our homes and our lives with however much money we have.
Example: แม่ว่ากระเป๋าใบนั้นราคาแพงไปหน่อยนะ นกน้อยต้องทำรังแต่พอตัวนะจ๊ะ
mâae-wâa-grà-bpǎo-bai-nán-raa-khaa-phaaeng-bpai-nàuuy-ná nók-náauy-dtâawng-tham-rang-dtàae-phaaw-dtuua-ná-já (Mother talking to daughter) “I think that bag is too expensive. You should buy things based on the amount of money you have.”
7 – หมากัดอย่ากัดตอบ
Pronunciation:mǎa-gàt-yàa-gàt-dtàawp
Literal translation: Dog bites, don’t bite back.
Idiom meaning: This Thai proverb means that we should not lower ourselves to the level of those who hurt us or do bad things. In Thailand, we view those who do bad things or act inappropriately as lower-class people. By doing the same actions in order to get back at them, one is no better than they are. It’s okay to be angry, but we should never stoop down to their level.
Example: ถึงเขาจะทำตัวหยาบคายใส่เรา แต่เราต้องไม่ทำแบบนั้น หมากัดอย่ากัดตอบ
thǔeng-khǎo-jà-tham-dtuua-yàap-khaai-sài-rao dtàae-rao-dtâawng-mâi-tham-bàaep-nán mǎa-gàt- yàa-gàt-dtàawp “Although he acted rudely, we must not act rudely back. Don’t do bad things in order to get back at bad people.”
8 – จับปลาสองมือ
Pronunciation:jàp-bplaa-sǎawng-muue
Literal translation: Catch fish with two hands
Idiom meaning: This idiom refers to doing two difficult tasks at the same time, which will render your efforts unsuccessful. Think about trying to catch one fish in your right hand and another fish in your left hand at the same time; it would be very difficult! It’s better to do one thing at a time.
Example: เธอจะขับรถหรือจะโทรศัพท์ ทำทีละอย่าง อย่าจับปลาสองมือ
thooe-jà-khàp-rót-rǔue-jà-thoo-rá-sàp tham-tii-lá-yàang yàa-jàp-bplaa-sǎawng-muue “Are you going to drive or use your mobile phone? Do one thing at a time. Do not do two things at the same time.”
9 – ชี้โพรงให้กระรอก
Pronunciation: chíi-phroong-hâi-grà-râawk
Literal translation: Point to a hollow for a squirrel
Idiom meaning: This Thai proverb warns people to be careful when speaking, because our words can encourage others to do bad things (even if that was not our intention). For example, imagine that a woman is telling a friend that her window is broken and that she’s afraid a thief will come in that way. If someone in need of money happens to overhear, they may decide to break into that woman’s house to steal. A saying with a similar meaning in English might be, “Keep honest people honest.”
Example: เธอพูดแบบนี้ ชี้โพรงให้กระรอกชัด ๆ
thooe-phûut-bàaep-níi chíi-proong-hâi-grà-râawk-chát-chát “Your saying this is like encouraging someone to do a bad thing.”
10 – สอนจระเข้ให้ว่ายน้ำ
Pronunciation: sǎawn-jà-rá-khêe-hâi-wâi-nám
Literal translation: Teach a crocodile to swim
Idiom meaning: This idiom refers to teaching something to someone who can already do that thing well. Because crocodiles can already swim, there’s no need to teach them how.
Example: เธอจะไปสอนแนนทำอาหารทำไม สอนจระเข้ให้ว่ายน้ำชัด ๆ
thooe-jà-bpai-sǎawn-naaen-tham-aa-hǎan-tham-mai sǎawn-jà-rá-khêe-hâi-wâi-nám-chát-chát Why will you teach Nan how to cook? She already cooks well.
11. Conclusion
In this article, you learned several Thai animal names and some other relevant vocabulary. We also introduced you to the ten most common Thai idioms and proverbs that mention animals. It will take some time to memorize all of the words and phrases in this article, but you’re sure to get there if you practice often. Having these Thai words for animals up your sleeve will help you converse with native speakers about pets, favorite animals, and even nature in general!
If you would like to continue learning Thai in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way possible, make sure to create your free lifetime account on ThaiPod101.com today. We offer our students a variety of audio and video lessons, vocabulary lists, and other free resources to help them make the most of their study time.
Not sure where to start? We recommend you check out these fun articles:
While chat applications and social media have grown in popularity over the years, phone calls are still an important means of communication. It’s through phone calls that we make appointments, stay in close contact with friends and family, ask for information, and complete other essential tasks.
Because telephone communication is such an integral part of life, learning even a few basic Thai phone call phrases will greatly benefit you as a language learner.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a phone call in Thai. We will cover a variety of phrases and expressions you’ll need for answering the phone, introducing yourself, stating your reason for calling, handling connection issues, ending the call, and more! In addition, we’ve provided two sample phone conversations in Thai so you can see how these phrases might be used during an actual call.
There are a couple of different ways a telephone conversation in Thailand might begin, depending on whether it’s a formal or informal situation. In either case, the call will begin with a greeting and the caller will ask if they have the right number.
In a formal context, the caller will introduce themself and then state their purpose for calling. But if the context is informal, the caller will simply ask if they can speak to someone.
With this in mind, here are the most typical Thai phone call phrases for greeting, checking, and self-introductions.
1 – Greeting
There are two common ways to answer the phone in Thai:
In formal situations, it’s proper to introduce yourself before stating your reason for calling. In many cases, the person who receives your call will inquire about who you are.
Question:
Thai: ติดต่อมาจากไหน
Pronunciation:dtìt-dtàaw-maa-jàak-nǎi English: Who is calling?
Answer:
Thai: ดิฉันชื่อ…ติดต่อมาจาก… (Female answer)
Pronunciation:dì-chǎn-chûue-…-dtìt-dtàaw-maa-jàak-… English: My name is ___. I’m calling from ___.
Thai: ผมชื่อ…ติดต่อมาจาก… (Male answer)
Pronunciation: phǒm-chûue-…-dtìt-dtàaw-maa-jàak-… English: My name is ___. I’m calling from ___.
2. Stating Your Reason for Calling
During a formal call, the next step is usually to give your reason for calling. You can also skip this step and just ask if you can speak to someone (which is most often how an informal call goes). Below are several Thai phone conversation phrases you can use for these purposes.
1 – I want to…
Question:
Thai: ต้องการติดต่อเรื่องอะไร
Pronunciation:dtâawng-gaan-dtìt-dtàaw-rûueang-à-rai English: How can I help you?
Answer:
Thai: ต้องการสอบถามเรื่อง…
Pronunciation:dtâawng-gaan-sàawp-thǎam-rûueang-… English: I want to ask about…
Thai: ต้องการจอง…
Pronunciation:dtâawng-gaan-jaawng-… English: I want to book…
Thai: ต้องการนัด…
Pronunciation: dtâawng-gaan-nát-… English: I want to make an appointment…
Thai: ต้องการเสนอ…
Pronunciation:dtâawng-gaan-sà-nǒoe… English: I want to offer…
Thai: ขอเรียนสายคุณ ___
Pronunciation: khǎaw-riian-sǎai-khun-___ English: May I speak to ___?
Informal situation
Thai: ขอสาย___หน่อย
Pronunciation: khǎaw-sǎai-___-nàauy
English: May I speak to ___?
3 – Please wait a moment…
Formal situation
Thai: รบกวนถือสายสักครู่
Pronunciation: róp-guuan-thǔue-sǎai-sàk-khrûu English: Please wait for a moment.
Thai: รอสักครู่ จะโอนสายให้
Pronunciation: raaw-sàk-khrûu jà-oon-sǎai-hâi English: Wait for a moment, I will put you on the line.
Informal situation
Thai: รอแป๊บนะ
Pronunciation:raaw-bpáep-ná English: Wait a minute.
Thai: ถือสายแป๊บนะ
Pronunciation:thǔue-sǎai-bpáep-ná English: Hold on for a minute.
3. When They’re Not Available
Sometimes, you may not be able to contact the person you intended to. In this case, the receiver will let you know why that person is unavailable and you’ll have the opportunity to leave a message.
1 – Reason for unavailability
Thai: ___ไม่อยู่
Pronunciation: ___mâi-yùu English: ___ is not here.
Thai: ตอนนี้___ไม่สะดวกรับสาย
Pronunciation:dtaawn-níi-___-mâi-sà-dùuak-ráp-sǎai English: ___ can’t answer the phone now.
Thai: ตอนนี้สายไม่ว่าง
Pronunciation: dtaawn-níi-sǎai-mâi-wâng English: The line is not available now.
Thai: ตอนนี้___ติดประชุมอยู่ Pronunciation:dtaawn-níi-dtìt-bprà-chum-yùu English: ___ is in a meeting now.
2 – Leaving a message
In formal situations, the receiver will likely ask if you would like to leave a message. Here are a couple of phrases you could use to do so:
Thai: ฝากข้อความเอาไว้ให้ได้มั้ย
Pronunciation:fàak-khâaw-kwaam-ao-wái-hâi-dâi-mái English: Can I leave a message?
Thai: ให้โทรกลับมาที่___ได้มั้ย
Pronunciation:hâi-thoo-glàp-maa-thîi-___-dâi-mái English: Can ___ call back at ___?
Can he call back?
4. Problems During the Call
Any number of issues could arise during your phone call, such as a bad connection or unclear message. These Thai phone call phrases can help you navigate this type of situation:
Thai: ช่วยพูดเสียงดังหน่อยได้มั้ย ไม่ค่อยได้ยินเลย
Pronunciation: chûuai-phûut-sǐiang-dang-nàauy-dâi-mái mâi-khâauy-dâi-yin-looei English: Can you speak louder? I can’t hear you.
Thai: สัญญาณไม่ค่อยดีเลย ได้ยินมั้ย
Pronunciation:sǎn-yaan-mâi-khâauy-dii-looei dâi-yin-mái English: The connection is not so good. Can you hear me?
Thai: ไม่ได้ยินเลย
Pronunciation:mâi-dâi-yin-looei English: I can’t hear you.
Thai: ไม่แน่ใจว่าสะกดยังไง
Pronunciation:mâi-nâae-jai-wâa-sà-gòt-yang-ngai English: I’m not sure how to spell this.
Thai: แล้วเจอกัน
Pronunciation: láaeo-jooe-gan English: See you.
6. Sample Phone Conversations
Now that you’ve learned all the essential Thai phone call phrases, let’s see how they might be used in real phone conversations. Below are two sample conversations: one casual call between friends and one formal call about booking a table.
Okay, I will repeat it again. You want to book a table for two people on Saturday, November 19, at ten a.m. and order one coconut crepe.
เอ:
ถูกต้องค่ะ
thùuk-dtâawng-khà
That is correct.
พนักงานร้านอาหาร:
ขอทราบชื่อลูกค้าด้วยครับ
khǎaw-sâap-chûue-lûuk-kháa-dûuai-khráp
What is your name?
เอ:
เอค่ะ
ee-khà
My name is A.
พนักงานร้านอาหาร:
เรียบร้อยครับ ขอบคุณครับ
rîiap-ráauy-khráp khàawp-khun-khráp
All done, thank you.
7. Conclusion
In this article, you learned many different Thai phone call phrases for use in typical phone conversations. You should now have more confidence to make and take phone calls, but don’t forget to practice often!
What are some common phone phrases in your language? How different are they from those in Thai? Let us know in the comments!
Now that you know how to make a phone call in the Thai language, you may want to explore other interesting topics here at ThaiPod101.com. Here are suggestions for you:
When you start learning any language, it’s important to begin by memorizing the most basic words and phrases. You need words to form sentences, and practicing sentence formation is the best way to gain an understanding of the language’s grammar. In other words, the basics serve as a foundation on which you can build up your language skills.
In this lesson, you’ll learn the most useful Thai words for beginners along with their pronunciation. We’ve categorized the words on this list according to their part of speech, so you’ll get to see and start memorizing all of the essentials in one place.
→ If you’re just starting out, remember that ThaiPod101 also has a series of Thai beginner lessons to help you get your foot in the door!
Another key set of beginner words in Thai are the pronouns, or คำสรรพนาม (kham-sàp-phá-naam). To make it easier for you to remember and use them, we’ve categorized them based on type: personal, demonstrative, and interrogative.
Personal Pronouns
ผม (phǒm) = I [male]
ฉัน (chǎn) = I [female]
คุณ (khun) = you [formal / male / female]
พวกเรา (phûuak-rao) = we
พวกเขา (phûuak-khǎo) = they [human]
พวกมัน (phûuak-man) = they [animal / object]
เขา (khǎo) = he
เธอ (thooe) = she
มัน (man) = it
Demonstrative Pronouns
นี่ (nîi) = this / these
นั่น (nân) = that / those (far from the speaker but near the listener)
โน่น (nôon) = that / those (far from both speaker and listener)
As a beginner, you’ll want to focus a lot of your efforts on learning as many nouns as you can. In Thai, these are called คำนาม (kham-naam). Below is a list of some easy Thai nouns in several different categories.
Verbs are the words we use to identify actions and states of being. In Thai, they’re known as คำกริยา (kham-grì-yaa) and they’re some of the most useful words for beginners to pick up. Let’s take a look.
Daily Routine Verbs
ตื่นนอน (dtùuen-naawn) = wake up
อาบน้ำ (àap-nám) = take a bath
แปรงฟัน (bpraaeng-fan) = brush [your teeth]
แต่งตัว (dtàaeng-dtuua) = get dressed
กิน (gin) = eat
ดื่ม (dùuem) = drink
ทำงาน (tham-ngaan) = work
เรียน (riian) = study
ไป (bpai) = come
มา (maa) = go
ขับรถ (khàp-rót) = drive
ดูทีวี (duu-thii-wii) = watch TV
ฟังเพลง (fang-phleeng) = listen to music
ซื้อของ (súue-khǎawng) = buy
ทำความสะอาด (tham-kwaam-sà-àat) = clean
ซักผ้า (sák-phâa) = wash clothes
รีดผ้า (rîit-phâa) = iron clothes
นอน (naawn) = sleep
Other Common Verbs
เดิน (dooen) = walk
วิ่ง (wîng) = run
ว่ายน้ำ (wâai-nám) = swim
เล่น (lên) = play
ออกกำลังกาย (àawk-gam-lang-gaai) = exercise
ยิ้ม (yím) = smile
หัวเราะ (hǔua-ráw) = laugh
ร้องไห้ (ráawng-hâi) = cry
นั่ง (nâng) = sit
ยืน (yuuen) = stand
กระโดด (grà-dòot) = jump
ให้ (hâi) = give
รับ (ráp) = take
เอามา (ao-maa) = bring
เปิด (bpòoet) = open / turn on [electrical appliance]
ปิด (bpìt) = close / turn off [electrical appliance]
As a Thai beginner, you’ll find that learning at least a few adjectives will go a long way! You can use these words to flavor your speech or add flair to your writing. In Thai, adjectives are known as คำวิเศษณ์ (kham-wí-sèet). Here are the most common ones in a variety of categories:
Learning a few Thai conjunctions will help you sound more like a native speaker!
และ (láe) = and
หรือ (rǔue) = or
แต่ (dtàae) = but
เพราะว่า (práw-wâa) = because
ดังนั้น (dang-nán) = so
แล้วก็ (láaeo-gâaw) = then
อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai-gâaw-dtaam) = however
7. Ending Particles and Auxiliary Words
Let’s conclude our list of Thai beginner words with some particles and auxiliaries that you’ll find useful as you continue your studies.
ครับ (khráp) = ending particle for males; makes the sentence formal
ค่ะ (khà) = ending particle for females; makes the sentence formal
จะ (jà) = will
ต้อง (dtâawng) = must
ไม่ (mâi) = not
เคย (khooei) = used to
กำลัง (gam-lang) = [verb]ing
8. Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just taken your first major step into Thai language learning. We hope that you’ll practice and memorize these 200 Thai beginner words, and that they prove useful to you.
What did you think about this list? Do you think it’ll be difficult to remember all of these words? Let us know in the comments!
Once you have these beginner words down, you may want to try other basic Thai lessons at ThaiPod101.com. You might find our lessons Fine-Tuning Your Thai Vowels and Cracking the Thai Writing System particularly helpful at this stage in your learning journey.
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