How to say thank You in Thailand language? The phrase “Thank You” is the most essential universal magic word to say as part of showing politeness and gratitude. Including in Thailand, which highly values ethics and respect.
Though it might sound simple, saying “Thank You” in a proper way implies appreciation for the culture and naturally helps build a stronger connection with the local community. So, before visiting Thailand, let’s learn together how to say “Thank You” the Thai way!
The Importance of Saying "Thank You" in Thailand Language
As mentioned before, saying thank you in Thai language not only conveys our gratitude, but also indirectly expresses that we, as newcomers, respect their local language and culture.
By learning Thai language beforehand, locals will feel that we genuinely appreciate them and therefore give the impression that we intend to build a closer bond with them by speaking in their everyday language.
How Do You Say “Thank You” in Thailand Language?
Like most languages, there are two ways to say the basic phrase “Thank You” in Thai language. First is the formal way, which can be used when speaking to superiors, elders, or in formal settings. Next, is the informal form that can be used when talking to peers, close friends, or someone younger. Here’s how to say “Thank You” in formal and informal form:
Say Thank You in Thailand Language with Formal Way
As mentioned in the site Berlitz Thailand, the standard phrase commonly used to say “Thank You” in Thai language for any kind of situation is “Khop Khun” (ขอบใจ).
To add politeness, you can say “Khop khun khráp” (ขอบคุณครับ) for men or “Khop khun khâ” (ขอบคุณค่ะ) for women.
Say Thank Uou in Thailand Language with Informal way
When talking to younger people, peers or close friends in informal settings, you can say thank you casually by using this simple phrase, which is “Khob jai” (ขอบใจ). Based on learnthaifromawhiteguy.com and Australian Translation Service page, you can also use these following phrases as an alternative for “thank you” in Thai language:
- Khop Khun (ขอบคุณ): thank you
- Khàawp khun mâak (ขอบคุณมาก): Thanks a lot!
- Khàawp jai jaa (ขอบใจจ้ะ): Thanks (for female)
How to Pronounce "Thank You" the Right Way
In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the phrase “Khàawp khun” (ขอบคุณ) is pronounced as kʰàawp kʰun, according to Thai explorer webpage. The first sound “kh” sounds like an aspirated ‘k’ and “àawp” is pronounced in a low tone. Similar to the initial sound, the word “khun” also begins with an aspirated ‘k’ sound but with a more neutral tone.
Examples in Everyday Settings
For reference, here are a few examples of how you can show gratitude and appreciation in everyday settings, such as when you received a gift from someone or when someone provides service for you:
- Khop khun samrap khong kwaan (ขอบคุณสำหรับของขวัญ): Thank you for the gift
- Khop khun samrap aharn (ขอบคุณสำหรับอาหาร): Thank you for the food
- Khop khun samrap kan chǔay lǔa (ขอบคุณสำหรับการช่วยเหลือ): Thank you for your help (referring to a service provider)
- Khop khun samrap kan tôn ráp (ขอบคุณสำหรับการต้อนรับ): thank you for your support
- Khop pra khun maak khráp/khâ (ขอบพระคุณมากครับ/ค่ะ): thank you very much (to someone with a higher status)
Gender Specific Pronunciation
In Thai, you can attach gender-specific particles at the end of the phrase to emphasize politeness. Here are some variations on how to say “Thank You” the formal way with gender particles, according to Italki website:
For Male
If you’re a male, the suffix added after “Thank You” or “Khop Khun” (ขอบคุณ) is “Khráp” (ครับ ). Here are some examples:
- Khop Khun Khráp (ขอบคุณครับ) → thank you (polite phrase for everyday situations)
- Khop Khun Maak Khráp (ขอบพระคุณมากครับ) → thank you very much (used to express extra gratitude)
- Khop Pra Khun Khráp (ขอบพระคุณครับ) → Thank you (polite phrase often used in professional situations)
For Female
On the other hand, for females, you can add the particle “khâ” (ค่ะ) at the end. Here’s the breakdown:
- Khop Khun Khâ (ขอบคุณค่ะ) → thank you (polite phrase for everyday settings)
- Khop Khun Maak Khâ (ขอบคุณมากค่ะ) → Thank you very much (used to express extra gratitude)
- Khop pra khun khâ (ขอบพระคุณค่ะ) → thank you (polite phrase commonly used in professional settings)
Other Phrases to Say “Thank You” in Thailand Language
Want to express your gratitude in a more profound way? Worry not, here are other alternative phrases you can choose from:
- Khàawp Khun Maak (ขอบคุณมาก): Thank you very much
- Khàawp khun mak mak (ขอบคุณมากๆ): Thank you so much
- Khàawp khun jàak jai (ขอบคุณจากใจ): Thank you from the heart
- Khun jai dii mâak (คุณใจดีมาก): that is very kind of you
- Khàawp khun săm-ràp kham phûut dii dii khǎawng khun (ขอบคุณสำหรับคำพูดดีๆ ของคุณ): thanks for the kind words (used for replying compliments)
- Khàawp khun thîi maa nai wan níi (ขอบคุณที่มาในวันนี้): Thank you for coming today
- Khàawp khun thîi chái wee-laa yùu gàp rao (ขอบคุณที่ใช้เวลาอยู่กับเรา): Thank you for spending time with us
- Khàawp khun sǎm-ràp gaan phì-jaa-rà-naa khǎawng khun (ขอบคุณสำหรับการพิจารณาของคุณ): Thank you for your consideration
Tips to Say “Thank You” With Confidence
One thing to watch out for when learning a new language is pronunciation. Speaking Thai can be challenging for some people, especially if you’re not yet familiar with the language. Keep these tips in mind to avoid mispronunciation and say “thank you” like a pro:
1. Use the right gender particle
Some people may tend to confuse the particle “Khráp” and “Khâ” since it sounds quite similar. To show proper etiquette and sound more fluent, always remember to add “Khráp” if you’re a male and use “Khâ” if you’re a female.
2. Know the difference between formal and informal situations
Depending on the circumstances or the person you’re speaking with, be sure to differentiate the expression you’re using. Stay polite and avoid saying the casual form “Khob jai” to elders, superiors, or strangers.
3. Do the “Wai” gesture When Needed
“Wai” is part of Thailand’s traditional greeting where you put your palms together like praying while slightly bowing your head. It could come off as disrespectful to not do this gesture. So, be sure to show this gesture appropriately when speaking to elders or in formal settings.
4. Pronounce the tones and particles correctly
According to Preply.com, language consists of 5 tones, namely mid, low, high, rising, and falling. Rather than polite, saying the wrong tone when saying thank you could make you sound demanding. You can practice repeating one tone at a time and listen to native speakers to prevent tone errors.
Practice with Interactive Exercises
Referencing from the Ling App website, you can check out this brief dialog below to get a better understanding on the usage of the phrase “thank you” in Thai:
A: สวัสดีค่ะ ขอโทษค่ะ ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหนคะ (sà wát dii kâ kɔ̌ɔ tôot kâ hɔ̂ɔng náam à yûu tîi nǎi ká) → Hello, excuse me! Where is the toilet?
B: อยู่ตรงหัวมุม (à yûut rong hǔa mum) → It’s at the corner
A: ขอบคุณค่ะ (kɔ̀ɔp kun kâ) → Thank you!
B: ไม่เป็นไรค่ะ (mâi bpen rai kâ) → You are welcome!
In addition, you can also improve your fluency in speaking Thai by watching and doing some shadowing to basic Thai conversations in the video above.
Mastering the art of saying “thank you” in Thai is a simple yet powerful way to demonstrate respect and engage with the local community. With a little practice, you’ll be able to convey your gratitude naturally and warmly in any situation.
