Thai is the national language of Thailand.Thai are spoken in the north, northeast and souht of the country.But the language of the Central Region is regarded as the standard and is used both in school and for official purposes throughout the country.
Thai people are among the friendliest in the world and greatly appreciate any efforts made by foreigners to learn their language.We hope you enjoy with Thai language and can create new friendships in Thailand.
1.Consonants:
k - similar to g in get
kh - similar to k in king
ng - similar to -ng in song
j - similar to j in jar
t – similar to t in stop
th – similar to th in Thailand
p – similar to p in spy
ph – similar to p in power
b – similar to b in boy
d – similar to d in door
f – similar to f in fun
h – similar to h in honey
l – similar to l in love
r- similar to r in run
s – similar to s in Singapore
w – similar to w in way
m – similar to m in man
n – similar to n in new
2.Short & Long Vowels
a – similar to A in Alaska
aa-similar to a in father
i – similar to i in tip
ii-similar to ee in see
u – similar to u in put
u-similar to u in ruler(but longer)
e-similar to e in pet
e-similar to a in play(but longer)
ue-similar to thm in rhythm
ue-similar to thm in rhythm (but longer)
ae-similar to a in cat
ae-similar to a in sad
o-similar to a in law
oe-similar to er in offer
oo-similar to o in go
ua-similar to oo in poor
ao-similar to ou in proud
ia-similar to ia in piano
ai-similar to ai in Thai
uea- long diphthong with no equivalent in English(but with a smile)
3.Final consonants
-k -t -p
-m -n -ng -i -w
4.Consonant clusters
Kr-as in krung-thêp =Bangkok
Kl-as in klai=far
Kw-as in kwâang=wide
Khr-as in khrai=who
Khl-as in khláai= to resemble
Khw-as in khwăa= right
Pr-as in prà-tu=door
Pl-as is plaa = fish
Phr-as in phrá = monk
Phl-as in phláat= to miss, fail
tr-as in trong= straight
5.Tones
Middle -
Low ̀
Falling ̂
High ́
Rising ̌
Chapter1 arai?= what?
Mr.Thanon: khun cheu arai khrap?.(what is your name)
Mr.David: phom cheu David khrap. khun la khrap? (My name is David and you?)
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