How differences between Thai and English

In order to understand and use the Thai language properly, foreigners are required to know a few linguistic differences between Thai and English as follows:

1. Thai; the tonal language

In the Thai language, there are 5 levels of tone. Foreigners ought to be careful about easily mispronouncing words which may lead to miscommunication.

2. The level of meaning of words

Different word choise can make enormouly misleading connotation in Thai. There are many words, for instance, that mean "to eat", ranging from common usage to polite, impolite, or even rude, to the dignified words preserved for the royal family.

3. The missing subject

In English, people have to say in full sentence, including subject, verb and, in many cases, object. It is acceptable but not popular in Thai. Thai people usually omit the subject and begin the sentence with the verb. For example, the phrase "Where have you been?" can be said in Thai; "Pai-nãi-mah?" or "where have been?" in English.

4. Words after sentences "Khráhb" and "Khàh"

These 2 words indicate politencess in Thai culture. The first one is for men, while the second one is for women. Adding them after sentences make the conversation smoother and more pleasing.

5. Men and Women's first person singular pronoun

Just like the words "Khráhb" and "Khàh" it is polite to use the pronoun "Phõhm" for the male "I", and "Dì-Chãhn" for the female "I", instead of saying "Chãhn" which is a neutral word for "I" .

Symbols for tonal pronunciation

There are five basic tones in Thai. They range from the lowest level of pitch to 4 levels higher.

Subjects / Objects

You can use the same words to indicate both subjects and objects in Thai.