The 100 most useful Thai words for your trip

Add khráp (if you are a man) or khâ (if you are a woman) at the end to sound polite.

In everyday life many Thais simply say sà-wàt-dii again when leaving.

Pair it with a small wai, palms together, for elders.

Put it before what you want: khǎw náam means "water, please".

Same word as "excuse me".

Say it to the cook. It lands every time.

Thai vegetarian (jay) food also skips garlic and onion; say gin jay for that.

Mâi phèt is still a little spicy. Mâi phèt loei means "not spicy at all".

Point at the item first. Markets expect a counter-offer.

For a real allergy, carry a written card checked by a native speaker.

Men say phǒm, women say chǎn.