Polite particles

There are a number of particles that are added to the end of Thai sentences to convey mood, emotion and feeling. This beginner course can’t go into detail about all of them, but there are two very important ones you must know. And use!

These words tagged on the end of your sentences make you polite. Use them as much as you like – they can’t be overused, but they can be underused.

You can add khráp or khâ to the end of almost any sentence. If you are having a conversation, there is no need to use it every time you speak but feel free to use it liberally. You should always try to include it in your opening and closing sentences.

You may also use khráp or khâ on their own as an acknowledgment or affirmative answer. If you listen to a Thai man on the phone you will often hear ‘….khráp…..khráp….khráp‘ acknowledging what is being said at the other end. Similarly, when you collect your parking ticket from the attendant at a car park he will usually acknowledge you with a simple khráp. You can reply likewise.