Thai language and useful easy Thai word

The Thai language has five tones: mid tone, high tone, low tone, rising tone and falling tone. The sounds are very similar and indistinctive to none native ears but with vast differences in meanings, as far as complimenting and insulting. This language is a tonal language that means the same word can have a completely different meaning depending on it is pronounced. For example, this Thai word "mai", its meanings include "not", "silk", "new", "wood" and "burn". Please be careful speaking with an incorrect tone can change the entire meaning of a sentence or phrase.

Even it is not easy for a foreigner to pronounce Thai word correctly, here are some recommendations:

- The rising tone is approximately similar to English when indicating a question.

- The falling tone is like when you are calling someone's name from far away.

- The low and high tones are pronounced near the relative bottom and top of your vocal range.

However, don't let that intimidate you from trying! Most Thais don't expect a foreigner to be able to speak any of Thai language. On the other hand, Thais appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language. Plus, it's a sure bet that when bargaining for prices, the foreigner who speaks a smattering of Thai or a fairly small of Thai word will get discounted prices at shops and markets. Besides they can make friends amongst the locals.

See topic in Thailand culture shock for more information of how the Thai pronouce English word or example of Thai word.

Click here for useful link of Thai language, www.learn-thail.com

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