Learn Thai · Travelers
Learn Thai for Travelers
You don’t need to be fluent to travel Thailand well, a handful of the right phrases changes everything. Here are the ones that actually help on a trip, with the Thai script, how to say it, and what it means.
Start with the basics
Two words carry a surprising amount of goodwill in Thailand: hello and thank you. Add the polite particle, khráp if you’re a man, khâ if you’re a woman, and locals immediately warm up.
| Thai | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| สวัสดี | sà-wàt-dii | Hello |
| ขอบคุณ | khàawp-khun | Thank you |
| ขอโทษ | khǎaw-thôot | Sorry / excuse me |
| ใช่ / ไม่ใช่ | châi / mâi-châi | Yes / No |
Taxis, tuk-tuks and getting around
Most short trips are smoother if you can say where you’re going and ask them to use the meter. Have your hotel name written in Thai if you can.
| Thai | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ไป… | bpai… | Go to… |
| สนามบิน | sà-nǎam-bin | the airport |
| โรงแรม | roong-raem | the hotel |
| เปิดมิเตอร์ | bpèrt mí-dtêr | Use the meter, please |
| จอดที่นี่ | jàawt thîi-nîi | Stop here |
Ordering food
Thai food is one of the best parts of the trip. These few words let you order comfortably, and control the spice level, which matters more than you’d expect.
| Thai | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| อันนี้ | an-níi | This one (point at it) |
| อร่อย | à-ròi | Delicious |
| ไม่เผ็ด | mâi-phèt | Not spicy |
| น้ำ | náam | Water |
| เช็คบิล | chék-bin | Check, please |
Shopping and markets
At markets, a little Thai and a smile go a long way, and gentle bargaining is normal.
| Thai | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| เท่าไหร่ | thâo-rài | How much? |
| แพงไป | phaeng-bpai | Too expensive |
| ลดได้ไหม | lót dâai-mǎi | Can you lower it? |
| เอาอันนี้ | ao an-níi | I’ll take this one |
If you get stuck
| Thai | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ไม่เข้าใจ | mâi-khâo-jai | I don’t understand |
| พูดไทยไม่เก่ง | phûut-thai mâi-gèng | I don’t speak Thai well |
| ช่วยหน่อยได้ไหม | chûay-nàuy dâai-mǎi | Can you help me? |
| ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน | hông-náam yùu thîi-nǎi | Where is the toilet? |
Read next: Survival Thai Phrases, The dozen phrases every visitor needs: hello, thank you, numbers, help and more.
How Dublo teaches this
Dublo sequences travel Thai in the order a visitor needs it: greeting, airport, taxi, hotel, food and shopping. Each phrase becomes part of a reusable pattern, then returns in a later situation.
Read the complete Dublo methodSpeak these on your trip
Dublo teaches these exact phrases as a real journey, from the airport to feeling at home. 14-day refund on your first payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much Thai do I need for a trip?
Very little to get by, and a little goes a long way. The phrases above cover most everyday moments, greetings, taxis, food and shopping. Locals appreciate any effort, even a single sentence.
Do I need to read the Thai alphabet?
Not for a trip. The romanized pronunciations above are enough to be understood. Dublo teaches speaking, so its lessons read in romanization, and the Thai script sits in a separate Alphabet section for whenever you want it.
Why are the tones important?
Thai is tonal, the pitch of a word changes its meaning. Dublo breaks each word down by syllable and tone so you can see the pitch shape, and reads it aloud for you to practise against. See our guide to Thai tones and pronunciation.
Keep learning
BasicsSurvival Thai Phrases
The dozen phrases every visitor needs: hello, thank you, numbers, help and more.
BasicsBasic Thai Phrases
The common, everyday words and short sentences you’ll reach for most as a beginner.
PronunciationThai Tones & Pronunciation
How the five tones work, why they change meaning, and how to be understood, made simple.
GuideHow to Learn Thai
A simple, practical plan to start speaking real Thai, what to learn first, and how to make it stick.