The Thai greeting referred to as the wai (Thai: ไหว้, pronounced [wâːj]) consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. … The wai is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise.
What is the traditional greeting in Thailand?
What is the wai? The wai, pronounced like the word “why,” is the traditional greeting of Thailand. Though foreigners should not go around giving the wai to everyone they see, they are often expected to return the greeting.
What is the Thai greeting for hello?
The standard Thai greeting, a version of “hello,” is Sawasdee (sounds like “sah-wah-dee”) followed by the appropriate finishing participle to make it polite. Because the Thai language has its own script, romanized transliterations vary, but the greetings sound as written below: Men say hello with sah wah dee khrap!
Why do Thai put their hands together?
The Thai greeting
Used when greeting one another, to say goodbye, or show respect, gratitude, or apology, the hands are placed together in prayer and raised upwards towards the face, while the head lowers in a slight bow and the eyes are lowered.
What does cross finger mean in Thai?
to place a finger across the one next to it, for good luck. ขอให้โชคดี (Translation of cross one’s fingers from the PASSWORD English–Thai Dictionary © 2015 K Dictionaries Ltd)
How do you greet a Thai woman?
When being introduced or greeting someone, men say Sawatdee-krap and women say Sawatdee-kah. Thais greet each other with a “wai.” Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women.
How can I impress a Thai girl?
Eye contact — Look at her, smile and try your best to look friendly. If she smiles back or she looks into your eyes in return, then you might have a good chance. If she ignores you completely but you are really attracted to her, then try pursuing eye contact again or come over and say hello.
What does KHAP mean in Thai?
Sawasdee (khap/ka) – “Hello”
If you’ve stepped into Thailand before, you definitely would have heard this phrase before. Countless times! It generally means hello, but it can also serve as good morning, good afternoon, and goodbye.
How do you show respect in Thailand?
In Thailand, a wai, a gesture where you place your hand together in a “praying” sign at chest level, is a polite greeting. To show more respect, raise the wai higher, to your chin or nose-level.
Why do Thai say Krab?
Saying ‘Hello’ in Thai
The written phrase to say hello in Thai is Sawasdee Krab/Ka. The ending Krab/Ka depends on your own gender, not the gender of the person you’re speaking to. Krab is for men and ka is for women. In the male version of hello, the emphasis is on the khrap which is usually punctuated sharply.
Why can’t you touch a Thai person’s head?
Don’t touch people’s heads
In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body, so it’s deemed offensive to touch people’s heads or hair. If you slip up and do this accidently, apologise as soon as you can and you’ll find most Thais will quickly forgive you for it.
What is considered rude in Thailand?
Don’t point your feet: Pointing your feet at someone, raising your feet higher than someone’s head, or simply putting your feet on a desk or chair are considered extremely rude in Thailand. The bottoms of the feet are dirty: don’t show them to people! Avoid pointing feet at Buddhas in and outside of temples.
Can you wear red in Thailand?
Of course, it is perfectly safe to wear a red shirt in Thailand! Unless that is you wear one and join a mass demonstration against the army’s orders… Red is an auspicious color in Thailand cause of the Thai-Chinese, and Sunday is the ‘red day of the week’.
What does the V sign mean in Thailand?
The V sign shown with an open palm and used throughout the world is a sign of peace or victory.
Is it rude to shake hands in Thailand?
Don’t shake hands in Thailand
Travelling through Thailand you will notice the Thai “wai”, a greeting performed by a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. Handshakes are not a traditional greeting in Thailand and many people may feel uncomfortable engaging in this very western greeting.
What does this mean ❤?
Definition – meaning
good luck especially before a big exam or interview. It is often used by people who are slightly nervous about the outcome of an event or challenge and are hoping for the best!