top of page
Writer's pictureBYU

How to Say “sà-wàt-dee” and Wai Properly in Thailand (Bits of Thai Culture)

สวัสดี sà-wàt-dee everyone! Thanks for tuning in and watching my video. Today I want to share bits of Thai culture. I will demonstrate how to say “sà-wàt-dee” and do the Wai properly. Plus, I will also introduce beautiful meanings behind them. Enjoy learning!

How to Say “sà-wàt-dee” Accurately


สวัสดี

sà-wàt-dee

sà-wàd-dii

Hello! (Good day!)


Male final particle ครับ kráp

Female final particle ค่ะ kâ


3 Levels of Wai

  1. First Level (The Highest Level of Wai)

We use this highest Wai to respect a picture of The King, Buddhist monks, and Buddha images at temples. Put your palms together in front of your chest and slightly bow your head so that your thump fingers touch between your eyebrows and your index fingers touch your forehead.


  1. Second Level (The Basic Wai)

Thais mostly use this basic Wai to show respect or greet older people, teachers, or respectful people. First, put your palms together in front of your chest and slightly nod your head so that your thump fingers touch your nose and your index fingers touch between your eyebrows.


  1. Third Level (The Casual Wai)

This casual Wai is basically used for greeting people who are around the same age or 1-2 years older than you. We also use this Wai to receive the Wai (ráp wâai) from people younger than you. Put your palms together in front of your chest and slightly bow your head so that your index fingers touch your nose and your thump fingers touch around your chin.


Tips How to Wai

  • Thai greeting only requires people to slightly bend their necks, almost like a nod. Don’t bend at the hips or your back!

  • Thais believe that the Wai resembles giving beautiful lotus to show someone respect so don’t forget to make your lotus plump and beautiful.

  • If you visit Thailand, you will majorly see “The Casual Wai”.


- R E S O U R C E S -


Learn more “Thai phrases for tourists”! ▸ http://bit.ly/ThaiPhrases

Learn Thai in various topics by reading! ▸ http://bit.ly/easythaireading

Commentaires


Thai Mini Lessons (Monthly)

$15

15

Every month

Monthly $15 /month

Bite-Sized Lessons: Quick and Easy-to-Digest Lessons

Interactive Exercises: Engage with Quizzes and Audio Clips

Native Speaker Audio: Improve Your Listening Skills

Real-World Scenarios: Learn Practical Thai for Everyday Use

Cultural Insights: Learn Thai within the Context of Culture

Thai Mini Lessons (Yearly)

$120

120

Every year

Yearly $10 /month

Exclusive Content: Get access to Special Lessons & Materials

Unlimited Access: Enjoy Full and Unlimited Access

Flexible Learning: Access Lessons Anytime and Anywhere

Cost Savings: Save Significantly Compared to Monthly Payment

Cultural Immersion: Access Bonus Content on Thai culture

bottom of page