20 Useful Isaan Words You Need to Know

Isaan is a region in northeastern Thailand, known for its rich culture, unique traditions, and distinct language, Lao (or Isaan). Although Thai is the official language, many people in this area speak Isaan on a daily basis. If you’re planning to visit this part of Thailand, knowing a few words in Isaan can make your experience even more immersive and enjoyable. Here are 20 helpful words in Isaan that you should know!

1. Sabaai (สบาย)

Meaning: Good, comfortable, comfortable
This word is used to ask how someone is doing or to express that everything is fine.

Example:

• “Sabaai dee mai?” – How are you?

2. Khon (คน)

Meaning: No one
It is a common word to talk about a person or a human being.

Example:

• “Khon Lao” – A Lao (Isaan people).

3. Bpai (ไป)

Meaning: To go
This word is used to express the fact of going somewhere.

Example:

• “Bpai nai?” – Where are you going?

4. Yindee (ยินดี)

Meaning: Welcome, happy to meet you
Used to welcome someone or to express one’s joy at meeting someone.

Example:

• “Yindee ton rap” – Happy to meet you.

5. Chao (เจ้า)

Meaning: You, you (used respectfully)
A respectful word used to address someone in a formal context.

Example:

• “Chao bor?” – How are you?

6. May (ไหม)

Meaning: No, not
Used to ask questions, it is the equivalent of “not” or “no” in Thai.

Example:

• “Chai mai?” – Is that correct?

7. Khun (คุณ)

Meaning: You (formal)
This is the equivalent of “vous” in French, used to show respect towards another person.

Example:

• “Khun sabai dee mai?” – How are you?

8. Aroi (อร่อย)

Meaning: Delicious
Used to describe a delicious or tasty dish.

Example:

• “Aroi mak!” – This is so delicious!

9. Wai (ไหว)

Meaning: Make a respectful bow
It is the action of joining hands and bowing slightly as a sign of respect.

Example:

• “Wai kha” – Hello, respectful greeting.

10. Jao (เจ้า)

Meaning: You (respectful term)
Often used to address a person politely.

Example:

• “Jao sabai mai?” – How are you?

11. Jai (ใจ)

Meaning: Heart, mind
It refers to someone’s state of mind or emotion.

Example:

• “Jai dee” – Good heart, good intention.

12. Pee (พี่)

Meaning: Elder (brother or sister)
Used to address someone older or to show respect to an older person.

Example:

• “Pee Chai” – My older brother.

13. Nong (น้อง)

Meaning: Youth (sibling)
Used to address a younger person.

Example:

• “Nong chai” – My younger brother.

14. Ban (บ้าน)

Meaning: Home, Home
A common word to talk about home.

Example:

• “Ban hao?” – Where is the house?

15. Sook (สุข)

Meaning: Happy, Joy
Used to express happiness or a joyful mood.

Example:

• “Sookjai” – To be happy.

16. You (ถ้วย)

Meaning: Glass, Cup
Used to talk about containers or cups.

Example:

• “Toi kha” – A cup of tea.

17. Phom (ผม)

Meaning: Hair
The word “phom” refers to hair. Used to talk about hairstyle or hair.

Example:

• “Phom ai” – My hair.

18. Na (นะ)

Meaning: Please, okay
Used to ask for something politely or to reinforce a sentence.

Example:

• “Mai na?” – Please do it.

19. Tao rai (เท่าไหร่)

Meaning: How many?
It is the way of asking for the price or quantity of something.

Example:

• “Tao rai?” – How much does it cost?

20. Rao (เรา)

Meaning: We
Used to talk about oneself and other people in a group.

Example:

• “Rao pai” – We go.

Conclusion

Learning a few words in Isaan can be a great way to connect with the locals and enrich your travel experience in Thailand. Although Thai is widely spoken, the people of Isaan really appreciate it when you try to communicate in their local language. These 20 useful words are a great starting point for navigating everyday life on Koh Mak, Koh Kood , and beyond.