How not to sound rude in Thai

When learning Thai, one of the essential aspects to understand is the importance of politeness in communication. Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness, so knowing how to speak politely is crucial to making a good impression. Here are some tips to help you navigate conversations without coming across as rude.

Use polite particles (ending words)

In Thai, polite particles like ค่ะ (kâ), คะ (ká), and ครับ (kráp) are used to convey respect and politeness in conversation. They help soften statements and show respect to the listener. Here’s a breakdown of each:

🚫 Common Mistake:


It’s not about the gender of the people you’re talking to. It’s YOUR gender. If you’re a female speaker, you just keep saying “kâ”

Address others as “คุณ kun”

In Thai culture, the way you address someone can convey respect, familiarity, and the nature of your relationship. One of the most commonly used terms is “คุณ kun“, but it's important to understand when and how to use it appropriately.

Formal settings

The word “kun” translates to "you" or can be used as a prefix similar to "Mr." or "Ms." in English. Here are some key points to consider when using “kun”:

• Semi-Formal Setting:
  “คุณ kun” is typically used in semi-formal situations, especially during your first meeting with someone or in a work environment. It demonstrates politeness and respect, making it a safe choice when you're unsure about how to address someone.
  
  
• Neutral Usage:
  This term can be used for both men and women and is generally well-received across various age groups. It's a good default when you're getting to know someone or in a professional context.

💡 Fun Fact
The word “คุณ kun” is also a personal pronoun for “you” which is used in a semi-formal to formal setting. Though it sounds polite, it can imply some distance in the relationship. Let’s learn how to casually address others in Thai in the next topic.

Address others by their names

Casual settings

While “kun” is polite, it's not always necessary, especially in casual settings or when speaking to someone younger than you. Here are alternative ways to address people:

1. First Names: In informal situations or among friends, you can simply use the person’s first name. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere and shows familiarity.

Example: If your friend is called สมชาย (Somchai), you can just call him สมชาย (Somchaii) without “kun”

2. Family Terms: Thai culture places a strong emphasis on familial relationships, even among friends. Using terms like พี่ (pîi) for older siblings or friends and น้อง (náawng) for younger siblings or friends can enhance warmth and closeness in conversation.

From the picture, “Mali” (one on the left) is younger than “Anne” (one on the right). She then calls her “pîi Anne”, while Anne calls her “náawng Mali” or just by her name because Mali is younger.

📖 Summary

Understanding how to address people in Thai according to the social hierarchy and relationship dynamics will enhance your communication skills and reflect your respect for Thai culture. Using appropriate language and polite endings can help you build stronger connections in both personal and professional interactions.

Here's a table to help illustrate how to address people in Thai and when to use polite ending words based on the level of formality and the relationship between speakers:

🙋🏽‍♀️ Insider’s Tip

I personally enjoy incorporating polite ending words into my speech as it adds a touch of sweetness and warmth, making my sentences sound more polite and gentle. This practice allows me to show respect and maintain good manners, even when conversing with friends, close colleagues, and acquaintances. However, when I’m with very good friends, I feel comfortable skipping the polite endings.

Did you know that we, Thais, call everyone else, even a stranger, as part of our family? We might address an old man selling fruits on the street, “ลุง lung” (uncle), or a young waitress serving our food, “น้อง náawng” (younger sister or brother).