In Thai, we typically say “hello” or “hi” as “Sa-Wat-Dee”. Thai greetings include gender-specific polite particles: males add “khrap” at the end, while females use “kha”. This makes the greeting both polite and formal.
When greeting elders, people in higher positions (like your boss), or anyone older than you, it’s customary to accompany the greeting with wai. A wai involves bringing your palms together and bowing slightly, showing respect. Wai is also used when expressing gratitude, such as when saying “thank you.”
Below, you’ll find a guide to better understand how to use Sa-Wat-Dee and wai appropriately in different situations.
Male – (sa wat dee khrap) Hello
Female – (sa wat dee kha) Hello
The Thai greeting “Sawasdee” is commonly used in polite or formal situations, such as first meetings or customer interactions. However, it is less frequent in casual or intimate settings. Instead of “hello,” Thai people often greet each other with phrases like “Where are you going?”, “Did you eat yet?”, or “How are you?” (sabai dee mai?). The choice of greeting depends on the relationship and social context.
Additional Notes for Saying Hi in Thai
When greeting someone in Thai, it’s not necessary to specify the time of day, such as “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening.” Although these expressions exist and can be heard on TV, they’re rarely used in everyday conversation unless you’re making a joke.