You probably know the word "ใช่ châi" as "yes", and "ไม่ใช่ mâi châi" as "No". They are the most commonly used ones, however, this is a common mistake Thai learners make. There are many ways to say "Yes/No" in Thai. In this lesson, you will learn how to reply to a question correctly and naturally.

Key Takeaways:

There are different ways to say "Yes and No" in Thai. Depending on the type of question. You can easily observe the question word.

Case 1: If the question word is "ใช่ไหม châi mǎi". (It seeks confirmation.)

>> Use ใช่ châi as "yes", and use ไม่ใช่ mâi-châi as "no".

Case 2: If the question word is "ไหม mǎi". (general question)

>> Repeat the verb as "yes" or say ไม่ mâi + verb as "no"

For polite particles, you can put a word at the end of the sentence and make your sentence sound more polite. You only add this word when you're talking with strangers, colleagues, or someone who is older or in a higher status.

1. ค่ะ kâ is used by a female speaker for statements and negative sentences
2. คะ kà is used by a female speaker for questions
3. ครับ kráp is used by a male speaker