Thai Alphabet
Thai Alphabet
Thai Alphabet
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Thai alphabet
Creator Ramkhamhaeng
Brāhmi
Predecessors
Tamil-Brahmi
o Pallava
Khmer
Thai alphabet
Letters 44 consonants,
18 vowels and 6 diphthongs
Unicode U+0E00–U+0E7F
The Thai alphabet ( Thai : อักษรไทย , akson thai) is used to write the Thai language
and other languages belonging to the linguistic minorities of Thailand and Laos . It
has forty-four consonants (Thai: พยัญชนะ , phyanchana) and fifteen vowel symbols
(Thai: สระ , sara) that combine into at least twenty-eight vowel forms, and four tone
marks (Thai: วรรณยุกต์ , wannay uk).
Thai has its own set of Thai numerals (Thai: ตัวเลขไทย , tualek thai), but Indo-Arabic
numerals (Thai: ตัวเลขอารบิก , tualek arabik) are also in common use.
Index
1 Origin
2 Features
3 Alphabet
o 3.1 Consonants
o 3.2 Vowels
o 3.3 Numbers
4 References
Origin
The Thai alphabet is derived from the Cambodian alphabet ( อักขระเขมร ), which is
inspired by the Brahmi script of the Indo-Aryan languages . Just as the Burmese
adopted the Mon alphabet (which also has Indic origins), the Thais adopted a
modified form of the Cambodian alphabet to create their own writing system. While
the oldest known inscription in Cambodian dates back to 611 AD. C., inscriptions in
the Thai alphabet began to appear around 1292 AD. c
Features [ edit ]
Alphabet
Consonants [ edit ]
Royal
Institute
Symbol Name
Initial Final
ก ko kai (chicken) k k
ซ so so (string) yes t
ฎ do cha-da (headdress) d t
ฏ to pa-tak (sting) t t
ด do dek (child) d t
ต to tao (turtle) t t
น no nu (mouse) n n
บ bo baimai (leaf) b p
ป po plaa (fish) p p
ฝ fo fa (cover) F -
ฟ fo fan (tooth) F p
ม mo ma (horse) m m
ร ro ruea (ship) r n
ล lo ling (monkey) l n
ว wo waen (ring) w w
ศ your room ( Pavilion ) yes t
ห ho hip (chest) h -
ฬ lo chu-la (kite) l n
อ or ang (basin) ʔ -
ฮ ho nok-huk (owl) h -
Vowels
Vowel sounds and diphthongs are written by mixing vowel symbols with consonant
and combinations of vowel symbols. Each vowel is shown in its correct position
relative to an initial consonant (represented here by a stroke "–") and sometimes
also relative to a second consonant (a second stroke). Vowels can go above,
below, to the left, or to the right of the consonant, or in combinations of these
locations. If a vowel has parts before and after the initial consonant, and the
syllable begins with a group of consonants, the separation will go around the entire
consonant group.
The pronunciation of the vowels in the table is indicated according to the IFA
International Phonetic Alphabet and the transliteration according to the General
Transcription System of the Royal Thai Institute .
– to implicit to to
eith
–– or implicit either
er
–รร– ro han * ɑ to
–ว– tua wo * ua ua
–อ sarah or ɔː either
I
–อย sara oi ɔːj
heard
–ะ sarah a aʔ to
–ั – mai han-akat to to
–ัย sara ai ɑj ai
–ัว sara ua ua ua
–า sarah a to aa
–ำ sara am ɑm A.M
–ิ sarah i Yo Yo
–ิว sara io iw io
–ี sarah i Yo ii
–ึ sara eu ɯ EU
–ื sara eu ɯː EU
–ุ sara u or or
–ู sara u or or
เ–อ sara oe ɤː oe
เ–อะ sara oe ɤʔ oe
เ–ิ – sara oe ɤ oe
aw
เ–า sara ao year
w
เ–าะ sarah or ɔʔ either
แ– sara ae ɛː ae
แ–ะ sara ae ɛʔ ae
แ–็ – sara ae ɛ ae
eith
โ– sarah or either
er
sara ai mai
ใ– ɑj ai
muan
sara ai mai
ไ– ɑj ai
malai
ฤ ro rue (short) * rɯ rue
This page contains a course that teaches the alphabet in Thai , with examples such as:
pronunciation, the sounds of all letters, and spelling , and a video to reinforce basic
grammar in Thai. After completing this course, please visit our main Learn Thai page for
more lessons.
The
Are Prononciation example
alphabet
Consonants
ก k as in ko kai (chicken)
ซ yes as in so so (chain)
ฎ d as in do cha-da (headdress)
ณ n as in no nen (samanera)
The
Are Prononciation example
alphabet
ด d as in do dek (child)
ต t as in to tao (turtle)
น n as in no nu (mouse)
บ b as in bo baimai (leaf)
ป p as in po pla (fish)
ฝ F as in fo fa (lid)
ฟ F as in fo fan (teeth)
ม m as in mo ma (horse)
ร r as in ro ruea (boat)
ล l as in ling (monkey)
ว w as in wo waen (ring)
ห h as in ho hip (chest)
ฬ l as in chu-la (kite)
อ * as in o ang (basin)
ฮ h as in ho nok-huk (owl)
Vowels
– to u as in in nut
eith
–– er
or like in boat
–รร an an as in in tun
–รร– to u as in in nut
A.
–รรม M
um as in in hum
–็อ– eith
er
or as in in not
I
–อย hear oy as in in boy
d
–ะ to u as in in nut
–ั – to u as in in nut
–ัย ai i as in in hi
–า to as in father
The
Are Prononciation example
alphabet
–าย ai ye as in in bye
–ิ Yo and as in in greedy
–ิว io ew as in in new
–ี Yo ee as in in see
–ึ EU u as in French du (short)
–ุ or oo as in in look
–ู or oo as in in too
เ– and as in in lame
เ–อ oe u as in in burn
เ–อะ oe e as in in the
เ–ิ – oe e as in in the
เ–ว eo ai + ow as in in rainbow
เ–าะ eith
er
or as in in not
The
Are Prononciation example
alphabet
เ–ีย ia ea as in in ear
แ– ae as in in ham
แ–ะ ae a as in in at
แ–็ – ae a as in in at
โ– eith
er
or as in in go
โ–ะ eith
er
or as in poke
ใ– ai i as in in I
ไ– ai i as in in I
ฤ rue ri as in Krishna
ฤๅ rue
ฦ lue li as in in leak
After examining the previous table on the alphabet in Thai, try to create other examples
using the mêmes letters that you have apprised from this list.
Pronunciation in Thai
Here is a video that may be more useful and related to the topic: pronunciation, the sound
of all letters, and spelling. Try to remember the new letters and make note of any grammar
patterns you have learned.
Pronunciation in Thai
Phrases in Thai
Phrases in Thai
Learning Thai phrases is très important, parce que sa structure est
utilisée dans toutes les conversations quotidiennes. La seule
solution est de maîtriser la grammaire et el vocabulary pour être
en mesure de parler la langue couramment. These are some
examples:
The phrases
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: everyday expressions, greetings and useful
phrases. Try to memorize new words and take note of any
grammar patterns you have learned.
the old red house บ้าน เก่า สีแดง - bâan gào sĕe daeng
a very nice friend เพื่อน ที่ดี มาก - pêuan têe dee mâak
I read a book sometimes ฉัน อ่าน หนังสือ บาง ครั้ง - chăn àan năng-sĕu baang kr
I will never smoke ฉัน จะ ไม่ สูบบุหรี่ - chăn jà mâi sòop bù rèe
you are alone? อยู่ คนเดียว หรือเปล่า - yòo kon dieow rĕu bplào
Thai vocabulary
Thai vocabulary
Learning vocabulary in Thai is very important, because its
structure is used in all everyday conversations. La seule solution
est de maîtriser la grammaire et el vocabulary pour être en mesure
de parler la langue couramment. These are some examples:
The vocabulary
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: phrases, words, and expressions. Try to
memorize new words and take note of any grammar patterns you
have learned.
different objects ความแตกต่าง ของ สิ่งของ - kwaam dtàek dtàang kŏng sìng kŏng
forest ป่ า - bpàa
rain ฝน - fŏn
Numbers in Thai
This page contains a course that teaches numbers in Thai , with
examples such as: cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, digits, et
les numéros , and a vocabulary list to improve your basic Thai
grammar. After completing this course, please visit our main Learn
Thai page for more lessons.
Numbers in Thai
Learning numbers in Thai is very important, because its structure
is used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master
the grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language
fluently. But first we must understand the role that Thai numbers
play in the language.
Grammar Tips:
The cardinal indicates the number or quantity of elements of a set, whether
this quantity is finite or infinite ( three books)
An ordinal number is a number that denotes the position of an element
belonging to an ordered sequence. For example, I am the first , she is the
second .
six หก - hòk
The numbers
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, digits, et
les numéros. Try to memorize new words and take note of any
grammar patterns you have learned.
Pronouns in Thai
Pronouns in Thai
Learning Thai pronouns is very important, because its structure is
used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master the
grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language fluently.
But first we must understand the role that Thai pronouns play in
the language.
Grammar Tips:
The pronouns are: personal pronouns (they refer to people who speak, the
people we talk about) for example: I, we...
Indefinite pronouns: nobody, anything, everyone, everyone.
Relative pronouns (that connect parts of the sentence): listen to me .
Reciprocal or reflexive pronouns: I feel.
Pronouns
he เขา - kăo
I ฉัน - chăn
us เรา - rao
The pronouns
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: Personal pronouns, indefinite pronouns,
relative pronouns, reflexive or reciprocal pronouns. Try to
memorize new words and take note of any grammar patterns you
have learned.
their book (they) หนังสือ ของ พวกเขา - năng-sĕu kŏng pûak kăo
This page contains a course that teaches the plural in Thai , with
examples such as: the singular, the masculine, and a list of
animals , and a vocabulary list to improve your basic Thai
grammar. After completing this course, please visit our main Learn
Thai page for more lessons.
The plural in Thai
Learning the plural in Thai is very important, because its structure
is used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master
the grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language
fluently. But first we must understand the role that the plural in
Thai plays in the language.
Grammar Tips:
The plural is used when talking about two or more entities of the same type
(singular vs. plural).
Our daughters ลูกสาว ( มากกว่าหนึ่ง คน ) ของ เรา - lôok săao (mâak gwàa nèung kon) kŏng rao
The plural
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: the singular, the masculine, and a list of
animals. Try to memorize new words and take note of any
grammar patterns you have learned.
bird นก - nók
donkey ลา - laa
mouse หนู - no
mice หนู - no
snake งู - ngoo
Wolves หมาป่ า ( มากกว่าหนึ่ง ตัว ) – măa bpàa (mâak gwàa nèung dtua)
Nouns in Thai
Nouns in Thai
Learning nouns in Thai is very important, because its structure is
used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master the
grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language fluently.
But first we must understand the role that Thai nouns play in the
language.
Grammar Tips:
The noun is a word used to designate a person, animal, place, object or
abstract ideas. Nouns are the most important part of vocabulary.
After examining the table above about nouns in Thai, try creating
other examples using the same words you learned from this list.
It's always helpful to know how to play with these words in a
sentence.
The nouns
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: names, and body part words. Try to memorize
new words and take note of any grammar patterns you have
learned.
ear หู - hŏo
eye ตา - dtaa
hand ผม - pŏm
lip ขา - kăa
nose คอ - kor
Adjectives in Thai
Learning Thai adjectives is very important, because its structure is
used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master the
grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language fluently.
But first we must understand the role that Thai adjectives play in
the language.
Grammar Tips:
The adjective is the word that accompanies the noun or name to determine
or qualify it; expresses characteristics or properties attributed to a noun,
whether concrete (the green book, the big book).
the old red house บ้าน เก่า สีแดง - bâan gào sĕe daeng
The adjectives Adjectives in Thai
a very nice friend เพื่อน ที่ดี มาก - pêuan têe dee mâak
The adjectives
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: colors, sizes, shapes. Try to memorize new
words and take note of any grammar patterns you have learned.
colors สี - sĕe
bitter ขม - kŏm
cool สด - sòt
Well ดี - dee
noisy ระเบ็ง , เสียงดัง , หนวก หู , จอแจ - rá-beng, sĭang dang, nùak hŏo, jor-jae
some - baang jam- nuan , baang yàang , by bprà - maan , baang sùan
After examining the table above about the feminine in Thai, try
creating other examples using the same words you have learned
from this list. It's always helpful to know how to play with these
words in a sentence.
The feminine
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: gender, masculine, and a list of objects. Try to
memorize new words and take note of any grammar patterns you
have learned.
dress ชุด กระโปรง (noun), แต่งตัว (verb) - chút grà-bprohng (noun), dtàeng dtua (verb
Questions in Thai
Questions in Thai
Learning questions in Thai is very important, because its structure
is used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master
the grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language
fluently. But first we must understand the role that questions in
Thai play in the language.
Grammar Tips:
A Question can be a linguistic expression used to have an answer.
Generally, questions start with "Why...?", "How...?", "When...?" Where...?"
After examining the table above about Thai questions, try creating
other examples using the same words you learned from this list.
It's always helpful to know how to play with these words in a
sentence.
The questions
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: interrogative, asking someone, and intonation.
Try to memorize new words and take note of any grammar
patterns you have learned.
Why are you sad? ทำไม คุณ ถึง เสียใจ - tam-mai kun tĕung sĭa jai
how would you like to pay? คุณ ต้องการจะ จ่าย อย่างไร - kun dtông-gaan-jà jàai yàang rai
I can go? ฉัน สามารถ มา ได้ ไหม - chăn săa-mâat maa dâi măi
The questions Questions in Thai
he is sleeping? เขา นอนหลับ อยู่ หรือ - kăo non làp yòo rĕu
do you know me? คุณ รู้จัก ฉัน ไหม - kun róo jàk chăn măi
you have my book? คุณ มี หนังสือ ของ ฉัน ไหม - kun mee năng-sĕu kŏng chăn măi
how big is? มัน ใหญ่ แค่ไหน - man yài kâe năi
I can help you? ผม สามารถ ช่วย คุณ ได้ อย่างไร - pŏm săa-mâat chûay kun dâi yàa
can you help me? - kun săa -mâat chûay chăn dâi yàang rai
speak English? คุณ พูด ภาษาอังกฤษ หรือเปล่า - kun pôot paa-săa ang-grìt rĕu bplà
where you live? คุณ อาศัยอยู่ ที่ไหน - kun aa-săi yòo têe năi
Denial in Thai
This page contains a course teaching negation in Thai , with
examples such as: the use of no, double negation, and verb
conjugation , and a vocabulary list to improve your basic Thai
grammar. After completing this course, please visit our main Learn
Thai page for more lessons.
Denial in Thai
Learning negation in Thai is very important, because its structure
is used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master
the grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language
fluently. But first we must understand the role that negation in
Thai plays in the language.
Grammar Tips:
Negation is the process of turning an affirmative statement (I am happy)
into a negative meaning (I am not happy).
he is not here เขา ไม่อยู่ ที่นี่ - kăo mâi yòo têe nêe
Phrases in Thai
Phrases in Thai
Learning Thai phrases is très important, parce que sa structure est
utilisée dans toutes les conversations quotidiennes. La seule
solution est de maîtriser la grammaire et la vocabulary pour être
en mesure de parler la langue couramment. These are some
examples:
After examining the table above about Thai phrases, try creating
other examples using the same words you learned from this list.
It's always helpful to know how to play with these words in a
sentence.
The phrases
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: everyday expressions, greetings and useful
phrases. Try to memorize new words and take note of any
grammar patterns you have learned.
the old red house บ้าน เก่า สีแดง - bâan gào sĕe daeng
a very nice friend เพื่อน ที่ดี มาก - pêuan têe dee mâak
I read a book sometimes ฉัน อ่าน หนังสือ บาง ครั้ง - chăn àan năng-sĕu baang kr
I will never smoke ฉัน จะ ไม่ สูบบุหรี่ - chăn jà mâi sòop bù rèe
you are alone? อยู่ คนเดียว หรือเปล่า - yòo kon dieow rĕu bplào
Adverbs in Thai
Learning Thai adverbs is very important, because its structure is
used in all daily conversations. The only solution is to master the
grammar and vocabulary to be able to speak the language fluently.
But first we must understand the role that Thai adverbs play in the
language.
later ต่อมา , หลังจากนั้น , ระยะหลัง - dtòr maa , lăng jàak nán , rá-yá l
next week สัปดาห์ ถัด ไป , อาทิตย์ หน้า - sàp-daa tàt bpai , aa-tít nâa
immediately - nai tan tee tan dai , dĭeow née, doi duay
adverbs of place กริยาวิเศษณ์ ของ สถานที่ - gà-rí-yaa wí-sàyt kŏng sà-tăan têe
wherever ทุกแห่ง , ที่ไหน ก็ตาม - túk hàeng , têe năi gôr dtaam
good ดี - dee
Grammar Tips:
The adverb is the kind of word that acts as the nucleus of the adverbial
phrase. Modifies the verb, an adjective or another adverb.
I read a book sometimes ฉัน อ่าน หนังสือ บาง ครั้ง - chăn àan năng-sĕu baang kráng
The adverbs Adverbs in Thai
I will never smoke ฉัน จะ ไม่ สูบบุหรี่ - chăn jà mâi sòop bù rèe
you are alone? อยู่ คนเดียว หรือเปล่า - yòo kon dieow rĕu bplào
The adverbs
Here is a list of additional vocabulary that may be useful and
related to the topic: adverbs of time, place, and form. Try to
memorize new words and take note of any grammar patterns you
have learned.