50 English Words You Can Use Directly in Thailand
When you travel to Thailand, you don’t need to be fluent in Thai to make yourself understood. Hundreds of English words are used every day, even in areas that are not very touristy. They have been adopted into everyday life, often with a local pronunciation, but remain easily recognizable.
Here is a selection of 50 English words that you can use directly on the spot : on the street, in a restaurant, at the market or in a hotel. They are grouped by theme to make your life easier during your stay.
1. Basic everyday words
| English | Common use |
|---|---|
| Hello | To say hello |
| Bye-bye | To say goodbye |
| OK | Confirmation, agreement |
| Sorry | Apologize or get attention |
| No | Simply saying no |
| Yes | Say yes |
| Thank you | Thank |
| Toilet | Request the toilet |
| Hotel | To book or request a room |
| Taxi | Used everywhere to call a driver |
2. To order food or drink
| English | Common use |
|---|---|
| Menu | Request the restaurant menu |
| Chicken | Chicken |
| Rice | Rice |
| Spicy | Spicy |
| Not spicy | Non-spicy |
| Water | Water |
| Beer | Beer |
| Ice | Ice |
| Coffee | Coffee |
| Check bill | Request the bill |
3. For shopping
| English | Common use |
|---|---|
| Discount | Reduction |
| Cheap | Cheap |
| Expensive | Expensive |
| Small | Small |
| Big | Big |
| Price | Price |
| Size | Waist |
| Free | Free |
| Promotion | Special Offer |
| Dirty | Sale |
4. Services and technologies
| English | Common use |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Request internet connection |
| Password | Password |
| Air-con | Air conditioning |
| Room | Room |
| Booking | Reservation |
| Phone | Telephone |
| App | Mobile App |
| Internet | Login or access search |
| Social media (often requested or used) | |
| Line | Widely used messaging app in Thailand |
5. Transportation and travel
| English | Common use |
|---|---|
| Bus | Local or long-distance bus |
| Train | Train |
| Airport | Airport |
| Ticket | Ticket |
| Because | Car |
| Boat | Boat |
| Gasoline | Petrol |
| Stop | Stop |
| Go | Going somewhere |
| Left/Right | Indicate direction (left/right) |
Why are these words used so much?
Thailand has integrated a lot of English into its daily life for several reasons:
- English is taught from primary school onwards
- International products and brands use English
- The tourist areas are very frequented by foreigners
- The use of short, simple words is widely preferred to long sentences
Pronunciation Tips
Some English words are pronounced differently in Thai:
- “Hotel” can be pronounced “ho-tèn”
- “Coffee” often becomes “kaw-fi”
- “Wi-Fi” is pronounced as in English, but in a slow and accentuated way
You don’t have to speak perfectly : the important thing is to keep it simple and clear. A well-placed word is enough to make you understand.
Can we get by with these words alone?
Absolutely. You can:
- Order food
- Getting around by taxi
- Book a hotel
- Buying in the markets
- Request basic services
And all this, with a few well-chosen words. A small smile and a friendly tone do the rest.
Conclusion
Traveling to Thailand without speaking the local language is totally possible. With this list of 50 English words that are understood everywhere, you will be able to handle 90% of everyday situations. Don’t hesitate to memorize them, or keep them in your phone in case of need.
Thailand remains one of the most welcoming countries for foreigners, and this linguistic mix is part of its charm. With these words in your pocket, you have no reason to hesitate to explore!
