Thai Writing – Helpful Checklist Of 44 Thai Alphabet

Writing is among the foremost parts of a language. Alongside studying and talking, a core talent important to really study and perceive a language similar to Thai is by studying the Thai alphabet.

Studying Thai usually focuses closely on talking abilities, whereas overlooking different essential facets.

This submit introduces the fundamentals of Thai writing, laying the inspiration for mastering the vocals and vowels. We’ll additionally dive into specifics on the historical past of the Thai alphabet as nicely.

Let’s get began!

Thai Alphabet: The Fundamentals

The Thai language traces its roots again to the previous Khmer script, often called ‘aksorn Thai’ (อักษรไทย), created by King Ramkhamhaeng the Nice in 1283.

Whereas Thai writing might seem to be a mix of squiggles, circles, and features, we’ll discover the distinctive and exquisite characters within the Thai language.

It’s written left to proper, however the order of characters might require trying above or to the best for correct studying.

Historically, Thai is written with out punctuation or areas between phrases, though trendy utilization might incorporate some punctuation and areas. Now, let’s delve into the characters that kind the Thai alphabet.

Thai Alphabet Chart

The Thai alphabet consists of 72 characters, together with 44 consonants and 28 vowels, categorized into 3 consonant lessons, 12 lengthy vowels, and 16 brief vowels.

Six characters are not used, stemming from previous Thai, Sanskrit, or Pali.

Studying Thai pronunciation might be difficult as a result of absence of an official transliteration system, with variations in Latin alphabet representations.

Aspirated consonants and distinctive pronunciations add complexity.

Notably, there aren’t any higher or lower-case variations in Thai characters, making it easier for learners.

Thai consonants are sometimes proven acrophonically, associating them with phrases beginning with the consonant’s sound.

Introduction To Thai Writing: Thai Consonants & Their Pronunciation

You additionally might have observed on this record that a few of the characters look virtually precisely the identical as one another.

For instance, ผ and ฝ are practically equivalent aside from an prolonged line.

Which means, particularly when written by hand, it may be tough to inform which it must be. The identical can occur with completely different fonts.

Finally, differentiating between these characters is a matter of reinforcement via follow.

Thai Vowels And Their Pronunciation

Whereas we are saying that there are 28 vowels, it’s higher categorized as a mix of lengthy and brief vowel sounds. There are literally 32 in whole however 4 are not in on a regular basis use.

As soon as once more, there isn’t a actual transliteration system in place, which means that completely different books and web sites might write out a Thai phrase utilizing the Latin alphabet utilizing completely different characters.

As we talked about beforehand, in Thai writing there’s a distinctive approach of spelling. The vowels don’t essentially comply with the consonant to its proper and as a substitute might be positioned above, under, to the left, and to the best of it. They can be in a mix of those placements. It could subsequently assist to study the consonants first in an effort to acknowledge these characters, then you possibly can determine the vowels. The consonants act as a base for these vowels, in any case.

Lastly, the phrase for the vowel in Thai is ‘sara’ (สระ). When writing out the vowels, it’s typical to jot down this earlier than every particular person vowel. For instance, ‘sara a’ (สระอะ) is written, which might be the identical as writing ‘vowel a’ in English. 

What Are The Thai Vowels?

There are 7 vowels that may change their kind. This occurs when they’re adopted by a consonant and is completed to assist stop confusion that may occur with sure combos whereas making issues clearer and sooner general. Observe that these solely change the way in which they’re written and don’t influence the pronunciation or tone. We are able to have a look at these one other time. 

In any other case, as you possibly can inform by the 2 tables, the Thai language distinguishes between the size of vowels. That signifies that the vowel size can change the which means of a phrase. You’ll have to study to be strict in regards to the size you pronounce as you study otherwise you could be misunderstood. 

How Is The Punctuation In Thai?

The Thai language doesn’t use punctuation like in English, however to not the identical extent.

Whereas full stops/intervals can be utilized to indicate the top of a sentence, clean areas are used extra usually. Commas also can seem with the identical perform as in English.

There are brackets and citation marks too.

One type of punctuation distinctive to Thai is the koo mûut (โคมูตร) ๛.

This image is used to indicate the top of a narrative or doc.

There are additionally another particular Thai characters it’s best to know when studying how one can write and browse the Thai language. 

Why Is Studying The Thai Alphabet Vital?

As talked about, studying and writing, two abilities that require an understanding of the Thai alphabet, make up a major a part of language studying.

Whereas talking potential alone can get you far, there can be some events the place studying and writing may also show helpful.

One other factor to level out is that studying the Thai alphabet also can make it easier to along with your talking.

Let’s not neglect that much more alternatives to study will open up. You can begin studying paperwork, books and different supplies that you just couldn’t learn earlier than.

This can significantly enhance the pace at which you’ll be able to study and enhance your abilities. Your vocabulary will enhance considerably, and you’ll achieve additional perception into the tradition of Thailand.

When touring in Thailand, you’ll find that lots of the extra genuine experiences, similar to having one of the best Thai meals, just isn’t at all times signposted in English or another language.

They are going to use their native Thai to jot down out their menu or no matter else they’ve on supply.

As a traveler, you might be searching for an genuine Thai cultural expertise quite than a tourist-orientated one.

For that reason, studying to learn and write in Thai might be invaluable for guests to Thailand. 

Secrets and techniques To Studying The Thai Alphabet Quick!

Studying the Thai Alphabet takes time, however you may make it simpler.

Begin by practising every letter’s sound. Understanding how lengthy to say vowels is essential, so take note of that.

It helps keep away from saying issues funnily.

Join sounds with acquainted issues, like saying a letter seems like a tooth. For instance, while you see (ต), suppose ‘tooth.’

Do that for all letters to recollect them higher. Focus extra on the principle letters first.

Vowels might be tough as a result of they will go subsequent to, above, or behind foremost letters. But when you realize the principle ones nicely, discovering vowels turns into simpler.

Lastly, strive writing the letters by hand. It’s cool to see how your handwriting will get higher over time. Plus, seeing your progress makes you wish to hold going!

How Do You Say ‘Writing’ In Thai?

The phrase for ‘writing’ in Thai is gaan kǐan (การเขียน) Play.

The Thai alphabet is known as àk sɔ̌ɔn tai (อักษรไทย) Play.

Now that you realize the intricacies of the Thai writing system, listed here are some useful Thai vocabulary to follow: