This week’s Thai Phrasebook teaches you three simple phrases that go a long way in Thailand.
They’re short. They’re friendly. And they’re the kind of thing Thai people love hearing from foreigners.
You’ll learn how to:
- Say “Thank you”
- Say “Sorry”
- Say “Don’t worry about it” (aka “It’s okay” or “No problem”)
Let’s get into it!
1) "thank you"
Say: kòp-kun kráp/kâ
ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- kòp-kun = thank you — ขอบคุณ
- kráp/kâ = polite particle (male/female) — ครับ / ค่ะ
Use this anytime someone helps you out or hands you something.
2) "sorry"
Say: khǎaw-tôot kráp/kâ
ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- khǎaw-tôot = sorry — ขอโทษ
- kráp/kâ = polite particle (male/female) — ครับ / ค่ะ
Use this if you bump into someone, step in front of them, or need to get past politely.
3) "don't worry about it/it's okay"
Say: mâi bpen-rai kráp/kâ
ไม่เป็นไรครับ/ค่ะ
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- mâi bpen rai = a set phrase that means “don’t worry about it,” “no problem,” or “it’s okay” — ไม่เป็นไร
- kráp/kâ = polite particle (male/female) — ครับ / ค่ะ
Use this when someone apologizes, or when you want to politely decline something small like a receipt at 7-Eleven. It’s the natural Thai way of saying ‘no worries'.
Key Things To Remember:
These three phrases might feel small, but they carry a lot of warmth.
Politeness matters in Thai culture and when you use these correctly, it shows you care and makes every interaction feel more friendly and respectful.
Use them often. Thai people will love it.
Ready To Speak Thai For Real?
The Thai Language Challenge is a 100-day program I built to take you from zero to having a 10-minute conversation entirely in Thai.
Every student who completes the challenge proves it in a live exam with me.
And every single one has passed.
The next cohort opens September 4.
Spots are limited to 50 students only.
Curious what my students really sound like?
Click here to watch their final conversation exam fully in Thai.
See you in next week’s Thai Phrasebook!
~ Kru Fah
P.S. To make sure you keep receiving these emails, just reply “yes” to this one.
