The wai gesture originated in Buddhism and has similar origins as namaste in Hinduism. It was basically a yogic posture of the palms and signifies the equal meeting of the two palms. It means that the other party is treated as an equal human being.
“Hello” in the Thai language is สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii). The word “hello,” in Thai means goodness, beauty, prosperity, and safety. Because of its good meaning, Thai people use this word as a greeting to wish other parties well. Sà-wàd-dee has been formally used as “hello” and “goodbye” in Thailand since January 22, 1943.
Thai Wai. The Thai greeting called Wai includes a slight bow, with arms pressed together as done while praying. This traditional Thai greeting looks the same as an Indian 'Namaste'. Thai people mostly perform a Wai when they say khop khun (thank you), or Sawasdee (hello).
2) Khap and Ka
If you listen to Thai people speak you will hear it frequently at the end of sentences. Its use denotes manners and respect, so get in the habit of using it if you are learning any Thai even if it's just for your two week holiday or vacation.
Mod: ครับผม 'krap pom' is a polite particle used by male speakers. It is usually used to response 'yes, ok, I got it' by a younger man speaking to an older person or when speaking to a person in a higher position. It can also be used like ครับ 'krap' as well. For example, A hotel guest: สบายดีมั้ย sabaai dii mai?
Do use “ka” and “krab” – If you are a woman, it is appropriate to end sentences or greetings with “ka.” For example, “sawasdee” is hello in Thai…as a woman, you would say “sawasdee ka.” If you are a man, your sentences should end with “krab,” so “sawasdee krab” is a proper hello.
Mabuhay means “long live” and it's too formal for a casual conversation.
SAWADIKA. "Sawadika" for females and "Sawadikap" for male is a formal greeting of respect in the Thai culture. Our small dancers from our Children's Project wanted to send out some greetings to all our followers.
Ordinary, Thai people use the word "Sawatdee khrap/kha" [สวัสดี ครับ/ค่ะ], meaning in Thai "Hello" for greeting each other. It is used by Thai people for saying greeting when they meet anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Sawattdii khrap(สวัสดีครับ) Hello, everyone.
The Namaste is an archetype of Indian philosophy, which when used for greeting a single person means 'I bow to you,' and Namaskar, which when used to address many, is the act of bowing or reverence.
The word comes from Sanskrit and literally means “bowing to you” or “I bow to you,” and is used as a greeting. Sanskrit is the ancient and classical literary language of Hinduism which today serves as a learned language and lingua franca among scholars.
Namaste Meaning
Namaste is widely used as a greeting in India and Nepal. Along with the uttered word “Namaste”, it is also accompanied by a gesture. The hands are pressed together and placed near your chest with palms touching and fingers pointed upwards. Also, you bow down a little.
Thai women end sentences with “ka” while Thai men use “krub” as dictated by social etiquette. What's surprising is that many Thais still feel the need to say “ka” or “krub” even when they are not speaking or writing in Thai. “In Thai 'krub' and 'ka' are polite particles added to the end of a sentence.
Greetings are accompanied by the gesture known as a 'wai', which is the placing of two palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. A wai indicates the level of respect for another person and is an acknowledgement of seniority. A person should bow their head with their palms pressed together to indicate respect.
Directly translated into English, the word 'sabai' (สบาย) means comfortable. In Thai, repeating a word twice will put more emphasis on that word or intensify its meaning.
chok di khrap. [example sentence, formal] definition. [spoken by a male] "Good luck!"
ทำใจ /tam-jai/ to control emotion , accept the fact, put up with something. เอาแต่ใจ /ao dtàe jai/ to be self. จริงใจ /jing jai/ to be sincere. เห็นใจ /hěn jai / to feel for someone.
aroi mak mak means delicious in Thai.
definition. warrior; one who fights to defend or protect. components. นัก nakH.
Mai pet krap/ka: Not spicy!
Thai food is well known for being very spicy, with chilies used in abundance. For most Western palates, it is too hot to handle. A little spicy by Thai standards is often still way too much! To ask for no spice you can say mai pet krap/ka.
Put simply, satu is the Buddhist equivalent of “Amen”. Thais use a single “satu” when receiving well-wishes or compliments, as if to manifest the kind words into existence.