To say sorry informally in Thai, use โทษที (thôot thii) or โทษนะ (thôot ná) for friends, which roughly mean "sorry" or "my bad". For a slightly more affectionate or soft tone, you can add "na" (นะ) to the main phrase: ขอโทษนะ (khǎw-thôt ná).
The go-to phrase for saying sorry in Thai is ขอโทษ (khǎw thôt), which means “I'm sorry” or “excuse me.” This versatile expression handles most situations where you need to apologize or politely get someone's attention.
"Jub jub" (จุ๊บจุ๊บ) in Thai is an onomatopoeia for a kiss, like "mwah mwah" or "smooch," used playfully to mean "kiss, kiss," and is a cute way to express affection, similar to a peck on the cheek or a sweet little smooch, often sent in messages. The actual word for a longer kiss is จูบ (joob), while จุ๊บ (jub) is for a quick peck, making "jub jub" a sweet, repeated expression.
While “I'm sorry” is typically the go-to, other words for sorry can be more effective. Formal apologies include “I beg your pardon” and “My apologies.” Informal apologies include “My bad” and “Oops.” Whether in formal or informal situations, choosing the right words for your apology is key to delivering it effectively.
You might get asked: "Bai nai?" - "What are you doing?" which is often used instead of "How are you?". A good response is: "Bai tee-o" which means "I'm going out socially". When you meet someone, it is also common to use traditional greeting, the wai.
Pronounce it like this: my-cow-jai. Meaning: I don't understand. Very handy when you're stuck in a social interaction with someone who is talking fast at you.
Gomennasai ごめんなさい is the polite form of saying “I'm sorry” in Japanese. It is suitable for most everyday situations, especially when you want to express sincere regret.
Out of all the essentials, being able to say hello, how are you and thank you are the absolute traveller basics. Master these three words and you will most likely make a friend or impress a local. Hello – Sawadee khrup/ka. How are you? – Sa bai dee mai khrup/ka.
Honorifics: Thais typically address someone by stating the first name preceded by 'Khun' (e.g. Khun Simon). However, if the people conversing are close friends or familiar with each other, they will omit khun.
In Thai, "Susu" (สู้ๆ) is a popular cheer meaning "Fighting!", "Keep going!", or "You got this!", used to encourage someone facing a challenge, like exams, sports, or tough times, similar to the Chinese "jiāyóu" (加油). It comes from the word "สู้" (sûu), meaning "to fight," and repeating it reinforces the message of never giving up.
In everyday conversation, 大丈夫 (daijoubu) generally means “okay” or “all right.” It's a handy word to use when reassuring someone that you're fine, unharmed, or uninjured. In these situations, you can politely say 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu) to mean “I'm okay.”
Person Bowing Emoji Meaning. A person bowing deeply, which is known as dogeza in Japan. Generally used to express a sincere apology or to request a large favour. It can also be used in a self-deprecating manner to express embarrassment or, due to the person's positioning, convey exhaustion.
This can be done by saying things like, “I hope you can forgive me for everything that has happened” or “Please forgive me for what I've done. I'm really sorry for compromising our relationship.” If this is your partner's apology language, these words will certainly melt their heart.”
This is also another very common phrase you'll love to hear and use on your Thailand trip. It means “I'm feeling good” or “Take it easy”. If someone asks you “Sabai dee mai?” (How are you?), you can reply “Sabai sabai”, meaning you're feeling fine.
In the Lanna language, which is spoken in the northern region of Thailand, a common greeting is "Sa-wat-dii jao" (สวัสดีเจ้า). It is similar to the Thai greeting "Sa-wat-dii" but with the addition of "jao," which is a polite term used to address someone.
