The Thai script – lesson 1
For those who regularly stay in Thailand or have Thai family, it is useful to have the Thai language to make it your own. With enough motivation, practically anyone of any age can learn the language. I really don't have a language talent myself, but after about a year I can still speak basic Thai. In the following lessons a short introduction with the commonly used characters, words and sounds. Lesson 1 today.
Thai vowels and consonants
The Thai alphabet consists of 44 consonants, although 2 of 44 are no longer used. Some consonants have a different sound when they are at the end of a syllable. Take, for example, the Thai S, which is then pronounced T: this is how you write สวัสดี (swaSdie) but say [sà-wàT-die].
Vowels are written before, after, above or below the consonant. There are about 12 vowel signs. By combining them, even more sound combinations can be made, such as with us the E plus U makes the sound 'eu'.
Because the phonetic conversion of Thai text to our alphabet remains an approximation (various sources use different conversions) and because you will encounter texts in Thai in Thailand, you actually have to learn the Thai script from day 1. Little by little. You don't just learn the language from a book, in the end you can't avoid looking up a Thai-speaking person to practice the correct pronunciation together.
Show
Thai is a tonal language, so the tone/sound of a syllable is very important. Thai has five different tones: middle tone (no), falling tone (no!), rising tone (no?), high tone (NÉÉ) or low tone (saying No with a deep voice).
In Thai script, there are several characters and rules that dictate tone. Below are the three most common characters that indicate a change in tone:
ห (hoh hip). Looks a bit like a collapsed H.
่ (maai ehk). Looks a bit like a 1.
้ (mái thoo). Looks a bit like a graceful 2.
We will come back to these tricky tone rules later. For now, you can look to Dutch phonetics for the correct pronunciation. See this table:
| Show: | Phonetics: | Example: |
| Middle | (no) | no (normal) |
| Low | \ | no (with a deep voice) |
| Falling | ^ | no (shout!) |
| High | / | no (stressed) |
| Rising | v | něe (questioning?) |
Your first letters and words
Let's start with a few first letters and words. Grab a pen and paper and write:
| ม | m |
| Why | n |
| า | aa |
| each | a |
| ร | r |
- The Thai letters M and AA (as in Dutch 'horse' or 'happy'):
| Word | Pronunciation | Show | Meaning |
| ️ | maa | midden | com |
| horse | maa | high | horse |
| dog | mǎa | rising | dog |
Note: the ห before the ม and the tone sign above the ม therefore stand for the pronunciation/tone. We will come back to this in later lessons.
Did you manage to write these three words? Now try to say them aloud. Of course, the correct pronunciation works better by listening and repeating it aloud. Let's look at this short lesson from 'Learn Thai with Mod':
- The Thai letter N:
| นา | naa | m | rice field |
| aunt | naa | h | uncle/aunt, younger brother/sister mother |
| หน้า | naa | d | face, season, before, page |
| หนา | nǎa | s | Thick, heavy (of material) |
In this video from Learn-Thai-Podcast you can hear the different words with 'naa':
- The Thai letter A (as in Dutch 'na' or 'pa'):
| yes | after | h | a soothing courtesy at the end of a sentence.
|
| ะ | ka | l | estimate, guess |
| store | rane | h | store. For example in the Thai word for restaurant: ร้าน-อา-หาร ráan-aa-hǎan |
Excercise:
Tell someone who speaks Thai that the dog or horse is coming:
| ม้า มา | maa maa | horse comes, the horse comes |
| หมามา | mǎa maa | dog comes, dog comes |
Did you manage to write the first few letters? The master is repeating it. Write down the letters and words a dozen times and then you will not forget them. The same goes for the tones, in the beginning you will probably have trouble hearing and pronouncing it, but you will notice that with the necessary repetition you will also get the hang of it.
In the coming blogs I will always introduce some new characters. I hope this helps some readers get started, or at least makes them excited to get started with the Thai language. These blogs are of course no substitute for a textbook and teacher. If you really want to work on it, you will have to dive into the books and/or find a teacher.
Recommended materials:
- The book 'the Thai language' (printed or as an Ebook) and the downloadable short overviews by Ronald Schütte, handy (grammatical) reference work with Dutch pronunciation. There is also a downloadable 'Oefenboek.PDF' to learn how to write and read script. See: slapsystems.nl
- The textbook 'Thai for beginners' by Benjawan Poomsan Becker. Only drawback: aimed at the English speakers. For example, the า is written as a and the u/uu sound that is known in Dutch and Thai is not known in English.
- 'Learn Thai with Mod' videos: www.youtube.com/channel/UCxf3zYDZw9NjUllgsCGyBmg
- Video for practicing the Thai alphabet (Learn Thai 101): youtu.be/pXV-MzO4Acs
- Dictionaries such as Van Moergestel's Dutch-Thai and the Thai-English online dictionary: www.thai-language.com
Isn't the Laotian alphabet on the picture?? With the Thai underneath?
Absolutely right Tina
It looks like it, but I think this is Lana language. I think I come across this in ChiangMai and Mea Hot Son, among others
Ruud NK, I just looked at the Lanna notebook and I think you are right. I find it hard to see.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Tham_script
Good initiative Rob.
If you expect newcomers in the Netherlands to learn the language, then it is a small effort to take that in hand if you live in Thailand.
In any case, there is an understanding that imposing rules can cause restrictions and what if the Thai, in their thirst for rules, switch to mastering the language as a requirement for a long-term visa 😉
Here's an addition to practice writing:http://www.muic.mahidol.ac.th/sabai-sabai/writing.html
In my case, I see writing as a means of reading and then like traffic signs and that kind of posturing.
I think fantasy is a useful tool.
The M is similar to the N. Almost the same font but M occurs earlier in the alphabet, so the ring is the first at the M and the second at the N.
D and T have almost the same sound and font. D is round and T serrated like a tooth.
The P and B will be discussed in the next lesson. Almost the same in terms of sound and font, but a P has a long leg and so also in Thai.
The r and h resemble the shapes we know and that means that 8 letters can be learned with not too much effort.
Write 2 sheets of letters and you'll never forget it... and don't see that as punishment
Hi Johnny, thank you. Yes, I also used exactly the same attachments to practice writing the Thai script. Didn't put these in class so as not to overload people with links. But if you want to practice seriously after some practice/playing with the characters, this is a handy link.
After learning a lot, I also started reading some letters from license plates, traffic signs, signposts, signs, warning signs and so on. Especially with traffic signs you can often already guess what should be written (image, English text). The signposts in Bangkok, for example, have Thai script on one side, and English on the other. This way you can practice a bit during a walk. 🙂
It would be nice to learn everything, but if I have to tell the doctor that it hurts behind the metatarsal bone, the lack of knowledge of the language appears to persist. In fact, it is hardly given to anyone to know the entire Thai language if you don't have a Thai parent(s).
At least try to make the effort to want to learn the language. It's up to everyone, but being able to read an invoice, Line message or something like that does make you a serious partner to family and friends and shop staff.
Perhaps the six of culture or age is to blame for the fact that not wanting to learn a language is normal and that is a kind of feeling elevated. Doesnormal 😉
Congratulations for this initiative!
Perhaps one day it will come about that basic knowledge of speech and writing will be required for visas for long-term or permanent residence.
Don't think it will ever go that fast on the other side 'TiT' you often hear...
Nice initiative by the way @Rob V.
For “Permanent Residents” this is already a requirement.
Dear Ronnie,
What are you calling?
And will the 90-day notifications be cancelled?
As well as the annual visa troubles.
Do you get work permits as “Permanent Residents” if desired?
Can you buy a piece of land to build a house on?
What a beautiful country Thailand is!
I'm not calling anything. That has been the case for years and is one of the requirements to become a Permanent Resident.
A Permanent Resident needs, among other things:
– no 90 days to report.
– has no visa problems, because Permanent Resident (only re-entry when leaving Thailand)
– It's just the other way around. You can become a permanent resident with a work permit. There are other conditions of course.
– No, you cannot own land either.
It seems like you've never heard about the possibility of becoming a Permanent Resident.
If you want to know more about it, oaTB reader PeterVz is a Permanent Resident I think. He can tell you more about it.
Never blame or shoot the messenger does apply here.
In the case of a permanent resident application, a language test is mandatory and whether you can benefit from it is another matter.
Dear Rob V.,
Very good initiative!
Looking forward to the sequel…
Looking forward to the followers. 🙂 Who doesn't just say 'nice' but takes a pen and paper? If necessary, just 'for fun' and then you can always drop out if it gets too serious. But it would be even more fun if 1-2 readers feel motivated to do something with the language. Then you notice how fun and useful it can be.
But it's nice that readers like it. Didn't I put hours and hours into it for Jan Doedel.
Maybe a lot of followers at first... But they can probably quickly be divided into 2 groups: the perseverers and the dropouts... I'll try to stay with the first group 😉
For excellent guides: http://www.thaivlac.be
“The vzw Thaivlac has its own manual, specially made for Dutch speakers, which has more than 250 pages and contains most of the learning material for beginners and advanced students.
The manual is also available separately for non-students. The price for the two books (“Thai speaking” and “Thai reading and writing”) together is 49 € (edition 2012). The costs for shipping in Belgium or to the Netherlands are currently 10 €. For the Netherlands, we bear part of the shipping costs.”
Sounds good Walter. The course in Antwerp has been mentioned before in responses from (Flemish) readers. I didn't know there was separate study material. I think a small sample of the material would be appreciated by prospective buyers…?
Very good and nice initiative Rob. Hope with you, that people cross the threshold. I also didn't start learning until I was 62. And don't forget: our alphabet has 43 characters!! Because of those 43, the capital letter has a completely different shape than the small letter….. So just starting is getting more and more fun.
You probably had to learn Dutch because you went to school there and was therefore an obligation.
If you let someone else or even your wife decide that you are not allowed to do personal development, then I have my doubts, but sometimes it can also be the convenience. Everyone's thing.
In almost every “hole” on earth people speak more or less English. That's why I don't understand the Dutch integration requirement. Someone who speaks fluent English… why should they learn “Kloperian”? Even the garbage collector and stock filler speak enough English, while they never need that language. Simply: general development.
Ditto for Thailand – or any other country in the world: learn English.
Nice to be able to read and write a bit, but to learn that language for those few years as a pensioner .. unless as a pastime ...
you miss the fascinating and socially enjoyable part of learning something, which could (have) bring you a lot. And general development is something completely different!, but that is not reflected in your comment here.
Dear Dylan, my girlfriend doesn't want to learn anything, so Thai is the home speaking language. Brought me a lot of benefits from living here. I don't let myself be prescribed by wife or girlfriend to learn something. Enough suckers met, who spoke the highest word, but no idea what they were talking about. The female is the owner of course, not afraid to cheat and steal from the male's friends. Sometimes that's how life goes...
Completely agree that the responsibility is yours if only to understand your own rights.
Have you also noticed that cheating or weird prices are suddenly no longer issues? And actually all inconveniences are certainly not disadvantageous by knowing a few words of Thai.
Hi Dylan.
I can understand why your wife doesn't want you to learn Thai, 🙂
By the way, a very nice initiative.
Wonderful initiative. Every time I come across such a series of lessons I try to pick up, but unfortunately… I hardly hear the difference in those tones because the difference in tone is so minimal. Also in the beautiful video above. Everything that girl says sounds pretty much the same to me. Rising and falling tones are a complete mystery to my hearing. How do you hear the difference in those tones when a Thai speaks? In other words, how do you determine when a tone you hear is mid, low, high, rising or falling? This basic is not explained in any Thai lesson. When I hear my girlfriend's grandfather speak, all those sounds are low to me. When my friend's sister speaks, all her sounds are high to me.
One consolation, I'm probably not the only one with this problem.
Ask your sweetheart if she wants to articulate a bit exaggeratedly. For example, the words in these lessons. Just as it can help a Thai if you over-articulate Dutch words (and indicate syllables): var-kens-kar-bo-naa-tje. And then you can repeat it exaggeratedly. In the long run, of course, don't do it anymore, but in the beginning it can help to distinguish the right sounds and tones.
Nick
Very recognizable and the funny thing is that they understand you after a few drinks.
This is called whether the receiver has the will to understand. Without this understanding it is a hopeless task, but if they understand your accent there is nothing more fun than speaking the language.
In earlier years ordered in LM daeng and got Marlboro casually. There is already a nice difference in sound, so it couldn't be just me. It is nice that the Thai next to you will correct and that gives confidence.
Thank you, great initiative, I will accept the challenge. Too bad the family mainly speaks Isaan, or a local dialect, but with a bit of good will they also know ABT (Common Civilized Thai)
Nicely written RobV, I will definitely follow your lessons.
I have been in Thailand for the first time a little longer last winter and have only been there since Oct. 2017.
Am working with Ronald Schutte's book and lessons from Thaipod101.com on Youtube.
Have also started writing and am creating a notebook with topics such as numbers, days, months, verbs, nouns, etc..
My first reaction after learning words was also to try reading texts on the street.
I notice that I don't spend that much time on it during the period that I stay in NL, but in Thailand it is easier because you are immersed in the middle of the language.
I am now 65 years old and I can manage reasonably well in a store with questions about certain things…
Maybe I sound like a klukluk .. the Indian from Pipo the Clown hahaha
Nicely written Rob!
I may not be the target audience as I can already read and write Thai, but I will follow…
Dear Rob V.
This time I want to give you some recommendations.
Currently I am learning to read Thai with the textbooks “มานะ มานี” (maaná maanii). All first grade lessons are also on YouTube. This is the link to the first lesson of the first grade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=483H-vdlDIk. This lesson starts with an intro, but then all words are read out loud and clear. Although without translation, but with a Thai online keyboard (such as https://www.branah.com/thai) and the translation http://www.thai-language.com/ should that work. In this way you also learn to use the Thai keyboard.
I find these books very interesting and fun to read. I have already finished the first grade and am now working on the 2nd grade… These are stories that take place in a village in which a few children play a central role. You feel like a 6-year-old and you get an idea of how the children live and are raised there.
You can buy these books and other textbooks in a limited number of shops. In Bangkok there is a very good bookstore not far from BTS Siam: Chulalongkorn University Book Center with a very wide range of textbooks. Definitely recommended for those who are really looking. Also on Google Maps, about 150m SSW of BTS Siam. Freely accessible to everyone.
I also have a comment about your first lesson above: you get straight to the point with the tone signs. As you can see in Maana Maanii's lessons, the tone marks are only dealt with later. Initially, a number of consonants and a number of vowels are taught in each lesson and only simple words are taught.
Therefore, I would recommend that you start with a few consonants and vowels per lesson. Immediately clarify the tone group of each consonant and explain the tone rules for each word (open and closed syllables, “dead” and “live” syllables, …).
Then the words with 2 or more syllables and also the tone signs, with respect for the order of the tone signs and the tones (middle - low - falling - high - rising).
This way it should be easier to understand why the words should be read in which tones.
In short: first simple words without tone marks and only then more difficult words and the tone marks. Otherwise I fear that the group of dropouts will become too large.
Good luck!
Regards,
Daniel M.
Thanks for your feedback Daniel. I have deliberately included the sounds / tones, although I realize that this is difficult. I hope people can get over that cold water fear. Correctly applying or being able to read the sound signs is not that important for these lessons. To really dive into that, I would indeed recommend a textbook and spread it over a few chapters and a hundred pages, bit by bit. I typed 12 short lessons, with the main aim that people can read the consonants and vowels in Thai and if possible also practiced with the tones, but that actually only works well with a Thai-speaking person.
If you live permanently in the country, and therefore have a lot of contact with your Thai Partner's family, I think it's even normal that you at least make a serious effort to learn this language.
You will also see that you can benefit from this daily when you have contact with fellow villagers or other Thai people.
I could never fall so in love with a Thai partner, if I had to enjoy my life somewhere without any knowledge of the Thai language, in a mostly minimal English speaking environment.
In the absence of further social contacts, without generalizing, it becomes very boring and one-sided for many in the long run, and certainly not a nice evening of life that they have dreamed of.
Although they would like the outside world to believe otherwise, some often suffer from homesickness, depression, etc., and at most alcohol can put a smile on their face again.
That it is not an easy language, most of us will certainly have become clear after a few tries.
Consistent and daily further learning, and not being afraid to make mistakes when speaking, I believe is the only method here to achieve a good or modest result.
Does anyone think that learning Dutch for a Thai partner or even a European is now so much easier.