How to Say Hello in Thai: A Warm Welcome Guide!

Want to say hi in Thai but have no idea where to start? Don’t worry—you’re in the right place! Saying hi in Thai is easy and can lead to great conversations. If you’re going to Thailand or meet someone from the Thai community, a hello can make a big difference. Let’s get started and find

If you’ve listened to Thais greet each other, you’ve heard “Sawasdee” (สวัสดี). It’s the standard and polite way to say hello and fits all occasions. But there’s a small catch—Thais like to add a bit extra to make the greeting even warmer.

How Do Most People Say Hi in Thai?

You’ve heard Thai folks use the word “Sawasdee” (สวัสดี when they greet each other. This salutation is appropriate in every case and seems the most courteous way to say hello.

But Thai people like adding something to make their hello even more friendly. For guys it’s “Sawasdee krub” (สวัสดีครับ) and for girls it’s “Sawasdee ka” (สวัสดีค่ะ). That “krub” or “ka” at the end signifies respect and politeness. It’s not that difficult to catch on to, right?

When Do You Use “Sawasdee”?

You can say Sawasdee at any hour, Sawasdee Mai, Sawasdee Bpeen, Sawasdee Yen. It’s like saying “hello,” “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good evening” all rolled into one! Here are a few examples:

• Sawasdee krub (if you’re a man) when meeting someone new or greeting a friend.
• Sawasdee ka (if you’re a woman) when you walk into a shop or greet a colleague.

It is the one-size-fits-all, generic, greeting that will make you feel like you fit in.

Why Do Men and Women Speak Differently?

You may wonder why men and women use such different words at the end of sentences. It’s all about showing respect and being polite. These are Thai endings that are added to words to make the conversation more polite, krub for males and ka for females.

Think of it as a little bow on top of your “Hello. It’s the little things that really count, and if you can’t be bothered to do the little things, then you don’t give a rat’s ass about the other person’s feelings. Also, it makes you sound very friendly and polite!

Should You Bow When You Say Hello?

Yes, but not the kind of bow you might be thinking of! You know when a Thai person says “Sawasdee” they always do that “wai” thing, where you put your hands together like you’re praying and give a little bow.

No, you don’t have to bow like that, just a little nod with your hands clasped at your chest is ok. It’s a lovely way to show respect, and you’ll see it everywhere in Thailand—from greeting a friend to saying hello to someone in a shop.

What Are Some Other Ways to Say Hello in Thai?

You know Sawasdee is just the general way to say hello but you can say others depending on the situation. Let’s look at a few:

• “Sabai Dee Mai?” (สบายดีไหม?) – How Are You?

After you feel you’ve mastered Sawasdee you move on to Sabai Dee Mai? This phrase means “How are you?” And is a good ice breaker in a friendly conversation. Here’s how you can use it:

• Sawasdee krub/ka + Sabai dee mai? = “Hello! How are you?”

It is very easy and it makes the conversation seem more personal.

• “Yin Dee Tee Dai Rue Jak” (ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก)  Nice to Meet You.

The Thai word for “Nice to meet you” is Yin Dee Tee Dai Rue Jak. It’s a polite and friendly way to show you’re happy to meet them.

• Sawasdee krub/ka + Yin Dee Tee Dai Rue Jak = “Hello! Nice to meet you.”

It’s a great icebreaker for that first initial meeting.

• “Waan Dee” (วันดี) – Good Day!

Waan means good day if you want to tell someone to have a good day.

How Can You Practice Saying Hello in Thai?

Learning to say hello in Thai is just the first step, and you’re already halfway there! So how do you make it stick? Here are a few tips:

• Practice in Front of a Mirror: Say Sawasdee krub or Sawasdee ka in the mirror. Try the movement (the wai) and get a feel for it. Soon, it’ll come naturally.

• Use It Every Day: If you don’t live in Thailand, at least use the greeting as often as you can. If you meet someone Thai or walk into a Thai restaurant, greet them with a big smile and a Sawasdee!

• Watch Thai Movies or Shows: Hear native speakers say hello under normal circumstances. You can watch Thai dramas or movies, or even YouTube videos, and get a sense of how the greeting is used in everyday life.

Feeling Confident? Give It a Try!

Ok. Now that you all know how to say hello in Thai, let’s try it out. The next person you meet just says Sawasdee krub/ka and smiles. It’s such a simple phrase but it will allow you to relate to the people of Thailand on a much deeper level.

Happy greeting! Sawasdee!