Sawasdee
Reviewed by the Samui Local Hub team ·
Pronunciation
sa-wat-dee
Thai script
สวัสดี
Meaning
Hello (and goodbye). Add krap (men) or ka (women) to be polite: 'Sawasdee krap/ka'.
When to use it
Every greeting - entering shops, meeting drivers, hotel staff. Pairs with the wai gesture.
Summary
Sawasdee is the all-purpose Thai greeting, used any time of day, with a smile and often a wai.
Details
Sawasdee is the all-purpose Thai greeting, used any time of day, with a smile and often a wai.
Local tips
- All-day hello; men add 'krap', women add 'ka'
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Thai?
'Sawasdee' (สวัสดี), plus 'krap' if you are male or 'ka' if you are female: 'Sawasdee krap/ka'.
Sources
Plus local research.
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