Learning Thai can feel intimidating at first, but even a handful of basic words makes travelling in Thailand far more fun and engaging. These simple phrases will help you order food, shop, greet people, and navigate daily life with a bit more confidence.

Useful Thai Phrases and Words

This isn’t a full language lesson — just practical, everyday Thai you’ll actually use. And yes, the numbers are at the end!

The Basics

You’ll often hear khráp (men) and khâ (women) at the end of sentences. They don’t translate directly into English — they’re simply polite particles.

• Hello – Sawadee (khráp/khâ)
• Yes – Chai (khráp/khâ)
• No – Mai (khráp/khâ)
• Thank you – Khop khun (khráp/khâ)
• Sorry / Excuse me – Khor thoad (khráp/khâ)
• Where is the restroom? – Hong nam yoo tee nai (khráp/khâ)
• No problem – Mai pen rai

Basic Thai Greetings

A few more phrases that help with everyday interactions. Add khráp or khâ for politeness.

• Hello – Sawadee
• How are you? – Sabai dee mai
• I’m fine – Sabai dee
• I’m not well – Mai sabai
• Thank you – Khop kun
• Can you speak English? – Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai

Thai Shopping Phrases

Perfect for markets, bartering, and getting a better deal.

• How much? – Taorai
• Very expensive – Paang mak
• Can you reduce the price? – Lod noi dai mai
• I want this one – Ao annii

Eating and Ordering Food

From street food to restaurants, these phrases will help you order like a pro.

• Not spicy – Mai phet
• A little spicy – Phet nit nawy
• Really spicy – Phet mak
• Chicken – Gai
• Rice – Khao
• Cold – Yen
• Hot – Rone
• Vegetarian – Mawng sa vee rat
• Vegan – Gin jay
• Water – Naam
• Delicious – Aroy

Thai Phrases for a Night Out

Useful for bars, clubs, and social nights.

• Having fun? – Sanuk mai
• Cute – Nalak
• Drunk – Mow
• Cheers / Good luck – Chok dee

Basic Thai Numbers

Handy for shopping, prices, and general conversation.

1 – Nung
2 – Song
3 – Sam
4 – See
5 – Haa
6 – Hok
7 – Jet
8 – Bpeet
9 – Gaao
10 – Sip

20 – Yii sip
21 – Yii sip et
22 – Yii sip song
30 – Sam sip
40 – See sip
50 – Haa sip
60 – Hok sip
70 – Jet sip
80 – Bpeet sip
90 – Gaao sip
100 – Nung rooi

Conclusion

These useful Thai phrases and words should help you get around, order food, shop, and connect with people during your trip. Even a little Thai goes a long way — locals really appreciate the effort.

If you want to learn more, these resources are great:

• Lonely Planet Thai Phrasebook & Dictionary
• Thai for Beginners
• Complete Thai: Teach Yourself (book + audio recommended)

I’ve also been enjoying the Ling app, available on iOS and Android. It includes quizzes, writing practice, flashcards, and more — a fun way to build confidence with Thai.

Feel free to share your favourite Thai phrases in the comments.