Dialogue - Thai

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Vocabulary

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สวัสดี sà-wàt-dii Hello.
ค่ะ khâ particle added at the end of the sentence or phrase in order to increase the level of politeness when the speaker is female
ครับ khráp particle added at the end of the sentence or phrase in order to increase the level of politeness when the speaker is a male
ไหม mái a particle indicating a yes/no question
แล้ว láaeo already, and then, as for, later
คุณ khun you (polite)
ผม phǒm I (when the speaker is male)
ดิฉัน dì-chǎn I (when the speaker is female)
สบายดี sà-baai-dii I'm fine.
คะ khá a polite ending particle for female speakers for questions and requests

Lesson Notes

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Grammar

The Focus of This Lesson Is Asking about Someone's Well-Being and Question Words.
สบายดีไหมครับ
sà-baai-dii mái khráp.
"How are you?"

 

1. Asking about Someone's Well-being

สบายดี (sà-baai-dii) literally means "comfortable" or "good." By adding the question particle, ไหม (mái), it becomes a question, สบายดีไหม (sà-baai-dii mái), meaning "Are you well?" When the subject is understood, we can leave it out of the sentence. We can offer a positive answer by repeating the verb or adjective: in this case, สบายดี (sà-baai-dii).

 

2. Question Word

ไหม (mái) is a particle we put at the end of a statement to turn it into a question. We often best translate it in English simply as a question mark.

 


Cultural Insights

How to Greet Someone in Thai

The most common and basic greeting in Thai is สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii). It comes from the Indian word for "auspiciousness," and we use it as both "hello" and "good-bye" at any time of the day.

 

Politeness is an important consideration in speaking Thai. There are words you can add to the end of your sentences to sound more polite. The word you use depends on the gender of the speaker. Male speakers should use ครับ (khráp) with a high tone. Female speakers should use ค่ะ (khâ) with a falling tone when making statements and คะ (khá) with a high tone when asking a question.

 

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Lesson Transcript

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INTRODUCTION
Pim:Hello everyone! I'm Pim, and welcome to ThaiPOD101.com.
Ryan:With us, you'll learn to speak Thai with fun and effective lessons.
Pim:We also provide you with cultural insights...
Ryan:...and tips you won't find in a textbook.
Ryan:In this lesson, you'll learn about basic greetings in Thai and how to ask about people's well-being.
Pim:"ใช่ค่ะ(châi khâ)" "That's right!"
Ryan:So, "khruu" Pim, where does this conversation take place?
Pim:"ทางสไกป์ค่ะ(thaang sà-gâi khâ)" which means via Skype. Mr.Steve, our main character, is talking to his Thai teacher, "khruu" Viraporn. "เอาล่ะค่ะไปฟังบทสนทนากันเลยดีกว่า(ao lâ khâ bpai fang bòt sŏn-thá-naa gan looei dii gwàa)" "Let's listen to the conversation!"
DIALOGUES
สตีฟ:สวัสดีครับ ครูวิราภรณ์ (sà-wàt-dii khráp khruu wí-raa-phaawn)
วิราภรณ์:สวัสดีค่ะ คุณสตีฟ (sà-wàt-dii khâ khun sà-dtíip)
สตีฟ:สบายดีไหมครับ (sà-baai-dii mái khráp)
วิราภรณ์:ดิฉันสบายดีค่ะ แล้วคุณสตีฟสบายดีไหมคะ (dì-chǎn sà-baai-dii khâ. láaeo khun sà-dtíip sà-baai-dii mái khá)
สตีฟ:ผมสบายดีครับ (phǒm sà-baai-dii khráp)
Ryan:Host: Let’s hear the conversation one time slowly.
สตีฟ:สวัสดีครับ ครูวิราภรณ์ (sà-wàt-dii khráp khruu wí-raa-phaawn)
วิราภรณ์:สวัสดีค่ะ คุณสตีฟ (sà-wàt-dii khâ khun sà-dtíip)
สตีฟ:สบายดีไหมครับ (sà-baai-dii mái khráp)
วิราภรณ์:ดิฉันสบายดีค่ะ แล้วคุณสตีฟสบายดีไหมคะ (dì-chǎn sà-baai-dii khâ. láaeo khun sà-dtíip sà-baai-dii mái khá)
สตีฟ:ผมสบายดีครับ (phǒm sà-baai-dii khráp)
Ryan:Host: Now let’s hear it with the Ryan:translation.
สตีฟ:สวัสดีครับ ครูวิราภรณ์ (sà-wàt-dii khráp khruu wí-raa-phaawn)
Ryan:Hello, teacher Viraporn.
วิราภรณ์:สวัสดีค่ะ คุณสตีฟ (sà-wàt-dii khâ khun sà-dtíip)
Ryan:Hello, Mr. Steve.
สตีฟ:สบายดีไหมครับ (sà-baai-dii mái khráp)
Ryan:How are you?
วิราภรณ์:ดิฉันสบายดีค่ะ แล้วคุณสตีฟสบายดีไหมคะ (dì-chǎn sà-baai-dii khâ. láaeo khun sà-dtíip sà-baai-dii mái khá)
Ryan:I am fine. And how are you?
สตีฟ:ผมสบายดีครับ (phǒm sà-baai-dii khráp)
Ryan:I am fine.
POST CONVERSATION BANTER
Ryan:"สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii)" is the most common and basic greeting in Thai, right?
Pim:"ใช่ค่ะ(châi khâ)" "That's right!" "สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii)" can either mean "hello" or "good-bye" in Ryan:and can also be used at any time of the day.
Ryan:That's convenient! And what about the words "ครับ(khráp)" and "ค่ะ(khâ)"?
Pim:"ครับ(khráp)" and "ค่ะ(khâ)" are polite particles that end a sentence in Thai. You know, politeness is very important in Thai society. Thai people are polite. And in return, they expect to be treated in a polite manner by others. So, the easiest way to be polite to Thai people is to end your sentence with either the word "ครับ(khráp)" or "ค่ะ(khâ)."
Ryan:Okay, so can you tell us the about usage of "ครับ(khráp)" and "ค่ะ(khâ)? "
Pim:"ได้ค่ะ(dâai khâ)" Sure! "ครับ(khráp)" is only used by males and can end any sentence, while "ค่ะ(khâ)" is only used by females to end statements. Anyway, when asking questions, the pronunciation is changed from "ค่ะ(khâ)" to "คะ(khá)," using a high tone. I know it's a little bit tricky here, but the more you practice, the more you'll be familiar with them.
Ryan:Okay, on to the vocabulary.
VOCAB LIST
Ryan:Let's take a look at the vocabulary for this lesson.
:The first word we shall see is:
Pim:สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) [natural native speed]
Ryan:Hello.
Pim:สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:สบายดี (sà-baai-dii) [natural native speed]
Ryan:I'm fine.
Pim:สบายดี (sà-baai-dii) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:สบายดี (sà-baai-dii) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:ดิฉัน (dì-chǎn) [natural native speed]
Ryan:I (when the speaker is female)
Pim:ดิฉัน (dì-chǎn) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:ดิฉัน (dì-chǎn) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:ผม (phǒm) [natural native speed]
Ryan:I (when the speaker is male)
Pim:ผม (phǒm) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:ผม (phǒm) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:คุณ (khun) [natural native speed]
Ryan:you
Pim:คุณ (khun) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:คุณ (khun) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:แล้ว ( láaeo) [natural native speed]
Ryan:already, and then, as for, later
Pim:แล้ว ( láaeo) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:แล้ว ( láaeo) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:ไหม (mái) [natural native speed]
Ryan:a particle indicating a yes/no question
Pim:ไหม (mái) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:ไหม (mái) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:ครับ (khráp) [natural native speed]
Ryan:particle added at the end of the sentence or phrase in order to increase the level of politeness when the speaker is a male
Pim:ครับ (khráp) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:ครับ (khráp) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:ค่ะ (khâ) [natural native speed]
Ryan:particle added at the end of the sentence or phrase in order to increase the level of politeness when the speaker is female
Pim:ค่ะ (khâ) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:ค่ะ (khâ) [natural native speed]
Next:
Pim:คะ (khá) [natural native speed]
Ryan:a polite ending particle for female speakers for questions and requests
Pim:คะ (khá) [slowly - broken down by syllable]
Pim:คะ (khá) [natural native speed]
KEY VOCAB AND PHRASES
Ryan:Let's have a closer look at the usage for some of the words and phrases from this lesson.
Pim:The first word/phrase we’ll look at is....
Ryan:Let's take a closer look at the usage for some of the words and phrases from this lesson.
Pim:Okay, Ryan, I'd like to start with a set of formal pronouns, "ดิฉัน(dì-chăn)," "ผม(phŏm)" and "คุณ(khun)." The first two words, "ดิฉัน(dì-chăn)" and "ผม(phŏm)," mean exactly the same thing. They both mean "I" in English.
Ryan:Oh…so I can just use them interchangeably?
Pim:No, you can't. Because the big difference between the two is that "ดิฉัน(dì-chăn)" is only used by females while "ผม(phŏm)" is only used by males!!
Ryan:Oh…I see. And what about the word "คุณ(khun)?"
Pim:"คุณ(khun)" means "you" in English. However, "คุณ(khun)" can also be used as a title of address, equivalent to "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Miss," before a person's name to show politeness when addressing others, like "คุณไรอัน(khun rai-ân)," which is the equivalent of "Mr. Ryan," for example.
Ryan:The next word is?
Pim:"สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii)."
Ryan:"Hello" or "good-bye." However, "ลาก่อน(laa gàawn)" also means "Goodbye" but it is usually used in a situation where you are leaving or being left by someone and it seems like you are not going to meet each other again for quite some time.
Pim:Right! So, if you want to say good-bye to your friend, and you will definitely meet him or her again the next day, you would say "สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii)" to your friend. On the other hand, if you break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the last word you would say to him or her would be "ลาก่อน(laa gàawn)."
Ryan:Next, we have a phrase.
Pim:"สบายดี(sà-baai dii)"
Ryan:"Fine" or "well." So, how do you say "I'm fine?"
Pim:"ดิฉันสบายดีค่ะ(dì-chăn sà-baai dii khâ)" for females or "ผมสบายดีครับ(phŏm sà-baai dii khráp)" for males.
Ryan:Can we hear them one more time? Now, listeners please repeat after "khruu" Pim.
Pim:"ดิฉันสบายดีค่ะ(dì-chăn sà-baai dii khâ)"
Ryan:[pause] "I'm fine" for females.
Pim:"ผมสบายดีครับ(phŏm sà-baai dii khráp)"
Ryan:[pause] "I'm fine" for males. Okay. Let's move on to the grammar section.

Lesson focus
Ryan:In this lesson, we'll focus on the question word "ไหม(mái)."
Pim:Right. "ไหม(mái)" is a particle that is placed at the end of a statement to turn it into a question. For example, "คุณชอบอาหารไทย(khun châawp aa-hăan thai)" is "You like Thai food." So "คุณชอบอาหารไทยไหม(khun châawp aa-hăan thai mái)" means?
Ryan:"Do you like Thai food?"
Pim:Good. One more, "อาหารไทยอร่อย(aa-hăan thai a-ràuy)" is "Thai food is delicious." So, "อาหารไทยอร่อยไหม(aa-hăan thai a-ràuy mái)" means?
Ryan:"Is Thai food delicious?"
Pim:Very good.
Ryan:Okay. Listeners, please repeat after "khruu" Pim. "Do you like Thai food?"
Pim:"คุณชอบอาหารไทยไหม(khun châawp aa-hăan thai mái)" [pause]
Ryan:"Is Thai food delicious?"
Pim:"อาหารไทยอร่อยไหม(aa-hăan thai a-ràuy mái)" [pause]
Ryan:Next, could you please tell us how to respond to questions ending with "ไหม(mái)?"
Pim:Sure. The easiest way to answer this type of question is to repeat the verb or adjective. For example, for the question, "Do you like Thai food?" "คุณชอบอาหารไทยไหม(khun châawp aa-hăan thai mái)," if you want to answer "Yes, I do," you would say "ชอบ," which is the verb "to like."
And next, Ryan, if you are asked by a girl, "อาหารไทยอร่อยไหมคะ(aa-hăan thai a-ràuy mái khá)" ("Is Thai food delicious?") and your answer is "Yes, it is," how would you reply to her?
Ryan:"อร่อยครับ(a-ràuy khráp)."
Pim:Right! Here, you repeat the adjective "อร่อย(a-ràuy)," which means "delicious."
Ryan:So how do you form a negative answer then?
Pim:Easy! You just place the word "ไม่(mâi)" in front of a verb or an adjective. This way, your answer will become "don't blah blah blah" or "not blah blah blah." For example, "ไม่ชอบ(mâi châawp)" means "don't like" and "ไม่อร่อย(mâi a-ràuy)" means "not delicious."
Ryan:Okay. Listeners, now it's time for review! So, how would you ask your friend whether he or she likes Thai food? [pause] "khruu" Pim, the answer is?
Pim:"คุณชอบอาหารไทยไหม(khun châawp aa-hăan thai mái)"
Ryan:And if your friend likes Thai food, how would he or she reply? [pause] The answer is?
Pim:"ชอบ(châawp)"
Ryan:And the last one, if your friend doesn't like Thai food, how would he or she reply? [pause] "khruu" Pim, the answer is?
Pim:"ไม่ชอบ(mâi châawp)"
Ryan:Okay. That's all for this lesson.
Pim:"มีคำถามอะไรไหมคะ(mii kham-thăam a-rai mái khá)"
Ryan:Do you have any questions?
Pim:If you do, please ask us in the comment section. "แล้วพบกันใหม่ค่ะ(láaeo phóp gan mài khâ)"
Ryan:See you next time!
Wrap-up
Ryan:That just about does it for today.
Ryan:Before we go, we want to tell you about a way to improve your pronunciation drastically.
Pim:The voice-recording tool!
Ryan:Yes, the voice-recording too...
Pim:Record your voice with a click of a button,
Ryan:...and then play it back just as easily.
Pim:Record and listen. Then...
Ryan:Compare it to the native speakers...
Pim:...and adjust your pronunciation!
Ryan:This will help you improve your pronunciation fast!

Outro
Ryan:Bye.
Pim:สวัสดีค่ะ(sà-wàt-dii khâ)
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