Asking to repeat
❃ Asking to repeat
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เข้าใจไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ khao-jai mai khrap/kha ] -
Do you understand?
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เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ
[ khao-jai khrap/kha ] -
I understand
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ไม่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ
[ mai khao-jai khrap/kha ] -
I don't understand
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พูดอีกทีได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ phuut iik thii dai mai khrap/kha ] -
Can you repeat that?
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พูดช้าๆ หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ phuut chaa chaa noi dai mai khrap/kha ] -
Can you speak slowly please?
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พูดดังๆ หน่อยครับ/ค่ะ
[ phuut dang dang noi khrap/kha ] -
Please speak louder
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นี่แปลว่าอะไรครับ/ค่ะ
[ nii plae waa a-rai khrap/kha ] -
What does this mean?
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ภาษาไทยเรียกว่าอะไรครับ/ค่ะ
[ phaa-saa thai riak waa a-rai khrap/kha ] -
How do you say this in Thai?
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คำนี้ออกเสียงยังไงครับ/ค่ะ
[ kham nii ok-siang yang-ngai khrap/kha ] -
How do you pronounce this word?
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เสียงสูงหรือเสียงต่ำครับ/ค่ะ
[ siang suung rue siang tam khrap/kha ] -
Is it a high tone or a low tone?
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พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ phuut phaa-saa ang-krit dai mai khrap/kha ] -
Do you speak English?
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ผม/ฉันพูดภาษาไทยได้นิดหน่อยครับ/ค่ะ
[ phom/chan phuut phaa-saa thai dai nit-noi khrap/kha ] -
I speak a little Thai
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ผม/ฉันกำลังเรียนภาษาไทยครับ/ค่ะ
[ phom/chan kam-lang rian phaa-saa thai khrap/kha ] -
I am learning Thai
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ช่วยเขียนให้หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ chuai khian hai noi dai mai khrap/kha ] -
Can you write it down please?
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อันนี้อ่านว่าอะไรครับ/ค่ะ
[ an nii aan waa a-rai khrap/kha ] -
How do you read this?
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พิมพ์ให้หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ phim hai noi dai mai khrap/kha ] -
Can you type it for me?
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พูดแบบนี้ถูกไหมครับ/ค่ะ
[ phuut baep nii thuuk mai khrap/kha ] -
Is it correct to say it like this?
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ไม่แน่ใจครับ/ค่ะ
[ mai nae-jai khrap/kha ] -
I'm not sure
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เมื่อกี้พูดว่าอะไรนะครับ/ค่ะ
[ muea-kii phuut waa a-rai na khrap/kha ] -
What did you just say?
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อ๋อ เข้าใจแล้วครับ/ค่ะ
[ o, khao-jai laew khrap/kha ] -
Oh, I get it now
One of the most intimidating aspects of the Thai language for Western learners is that it is a tonal language, known in Thai as ภาษาไทย (phasa thai). The language features five distinct tones: mid, low, falling, high, and rising. This means that a single syllable can have completely different meanings based solely on the pitch and contour of your voice. A classic example is the syllable 'mai', which can mean 'new', 'burn', 'wood', 'not', or act as a question particle, depending entirely on the tone used. Consequently, foreigners often find themselves misunderstood despite using the correct vocabulary, leading to situations where they have to say ไม่เข้าใจ (mai khao jai), meaning 'I do not understand'. When this happens, it is important not to get frustrated or raise your voice. Instead, politely ask the person to repeat by saying พูดอีกที (phuut ik thi) or ask them to speak slowly with พูดช้าๆ (phuut cha cha). Fortunately, Thai people are incredibly patient and encouraging when foreigners try to speak their language. They are well aware of the extreme difficulty of their tonal system and will often rely on context to figure out what you are trying to say. Clarifying tones is an excellent way to practice and show dedication. You might ask เสียงสูงหรือเสียงต่ำ (siang sung rue siang tam), meaning 'Is it a high tone or a low tone?'. Embracing the musicality of the language, rather than fearing it, turns communication into a fun, interactive experience with the locals.
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