To me, there was nothing scarier than talking the language you’ve gotten been studying to a local speaker. There are simply so many issues that may go fallacious. That may lead to what’s presumably the worst feeling of all: embarrassment! Nonetheless, you ultimately come to be taught that to totally grasp pronunciation, you should get apply talking out loud.
The ‘embarrassment’ that you simply really feel is definitely all in your head. Upon getting overcome this barrier, you’ll then begin to see a lot sooner development and enchancment in your pronunciation. My journey in studying Thai pronunciation was no totally different, which is why I needed to stipulate for you how one can begin working in your pronunciation of Thai phrases.
Overview Of Thai Pronunciation
There are lots of totally different components that come collectively to type the pronunciation of Thai. There are the Thai consonants and vowels, of which there are over 50 characters to be taught. This consists of quite a few diacritics, the idea of initials and finals, in addition to the notorious unaspirated consonant sound that’s extraordinary within the English language.
As well as, there are the tones that should even be learnt. The spelling of Thai phrases is the last word key to revealing say every phrase and which tone to make use of. The Thai script is exclusive nevertheless, so it might take a while to be taught to correctly learn and write within the language. Whereas this may occasionally seem daunting at first, all in all, Thai pronunciation will not be notably tough to grasp when you go the preliminary studying part.
Why Is Thai Pronunciation Essential?
The significance of pronunciation is apparent: in case you are not talking clearly, then you’ll possible not be understood. Certain, there are numerous people who find themselves used to speaking with international audio system and so have a greater skill to grasp those that don’t use the right pronunciation. Nonetheless, these individuals are few and much between, particularly outdoors of the vacationer areas.
It will possibly really feel fairly embarrassing to should repeat your self a number of occasions in an effort to be understood, however that can also be all a part of the method of studying Thai pronunciation. Should you apply this talent extra, then you’re going to get higher and perhaps you’ll solely should repeat your self twice moderately than three or 4 occasions. Then there are the Thai tones to take care of.
The usage of tones can change the that means of a phrase, even when they’re spelt the identical or in any other case pronounced equally. Some can result in fairly awkward conditions as effectively or simply be inconvenient. In all seriousness, focusing in your Thai pronunciation will assist each you and the particular person you might be talking to. Should you push to get it proper from the start, you’ll face fewer issues afterward, which may prevent lots of time in your journey to be taught Thai.
How To Pronounce Thai Consonants
In whole, there are 44 consonants in Thai. Sure, that could be a lot! however it’s value noting that not all of them are in use at present. There are 2 which might be solely used for writing archaic languages and phrases. Whereas nearly all of these sounds must be acquainted to English audio system, there are some sounds which might be much less so.
To assist with the pronunciation of Thai consonants, there may be already a generally used system in place. This technique is called acrophonic, the place the phrases begin with the corresponding consonant sound. This might be like saying ‘F as in Hearth’ in English.
| Letter | Pronunciation | Acrophonic | Transliteration | That means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ก | g | ก ไก่ | go gài | Rooster |
| ข | okay | ข ไข่ | kǒ kài | Egg |
| ฃ | okay | ฃ ขวด | kǒ kùat | Bottle (archaic) |
| ค | okay | คควาย | ko kwaai | Buffalo |
| ฅ | okay | ฅ คน | ko kon | Particular person (archaic) |
| ฆ | okay | ฆ ระฆัง | ko rá kang | Bell |
| ง | ng | ง งู | ngo nguu | Snake |
| จ | j | จ จาน | jo jaan | Plate |
| ฉ | ch | ฉ ฉิ่ง | chǒ chìng | Cymbals |
| ช | ch | ช ช้าง | cho cháang | Elephant |
| ซ | s | ซ โซ่ | so sôo | Chain |
| ฌ | ch | ฌ เฌอ | cho choe | Tree |
| ญ | y | ญ หญิง | yo yǐng | Girl |
| ฎ | d | ฎ ชฎา | do chá-daa | Headdress |
| ฏ | dt | ฏ ปฏัก | dto bpà-dtàk | Goad |
| ฐ | t | ฐ ฐาน | tǒ tǎan | Pedestal |
| ฑ | t | ฑ มณโฑ | to mon too | Montho |
| ฒ | t | ฒ ผู้เฒ่า | to pûu tâo | Elder |
| ณ | n | ณ เณร | no neen | Novice monk |
| ด | d | ด เด็ก | do dèk | Baby |
| ต | dt | ต เต่า | dto dtào | Turtle |
| ถ | t | ถ ถุง | tǒ tǔng | Sack |
| ท | t | ท ทหาร | to tá-hǎan | Soldier |
| ธ | t | ธ ธง | to tong | Flag |
| น | n | น หนู | no nǔu | Mouse |
| บ | b | บ ใบไม้ | bo bai-mái | Leaf |
| ป | bp | ป ปลา | bpo bplaa | Fish |
| ผ | p | ผ ผึ้ง | pǒ pûeng | Bee |
| ฝ | f | ฝ ฝา | fǒ fǎa | Lid |
| พ | p | พ พาน | po paan | Tray |
| ฟ | f | ฟ ฟัน | fo fan | Enamel |
| ภ | p | ภ สำเภา | po sǎm-pao | Junk boat |
| ม | m | ม ม้า | mo máa | Horse |
| ย | y | ย ยักษ์ | yo yák | Big |
| ร | r | ร เรือ | ro ruea | Boat |
| ล | l | ล ลิง | lo ling | Monkey |
| ว | w | ว แหวน | wo wǎen | Ring |
| ศ | s | ศ ศาลา | sǒ sǎa laa | Pavilion |
| ษ | s | ษ ฤๅษี | sǒ rue sǐi | Hermit |
| ส | s | ส เสือ | sǒ sǔea | Tiger |
| ห | h | ห หีบ | hǒ hìip | Chest |
| ฬ | l | ฬ จุฬา | lo ju laa | Kite |
| อ | o | อ อ่าง | o àang | Basin |
| ฮ | h | ฮ นกฮูก | ho nók-hûuk | Owl |
Thai Vowel Pronunciation
Vowels in Thai are a bit totally different from English. There are a complete of 32 Thai vowels, however solely 28 are ceaselessly used. They’re usually cut up between lengthy and brief vowels, primarily based on how lengthy you say the vowel sound. Vowel size performs an enormous half of their pronunciation, so you must take a while to acknowledge which group every vowel belongs to.
As a facet be aware, when the vowels are written out, they’re normally stated with the phrase sara (สระ) earlier than the vowel itself. This phrase means ‘vowel’ and doesn’t work as an acrophonic just like the consonants.
Brief Vowels
| Vowel | Vowel Identify | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| อะ | sàrà a | a |
| อิ | sàrà i | i |
| อึ | sàrà ue | ue |
| อุ | sàrà u | u |
| เอะ | sàrà e | e |
| แอะ | sàrà ae | ae |
| โอะ | sàrà o | o |
| เอาะ | sàrà aw | aw |
| เออะ | sàrà oe | oe |
| เอียะ | sàrà ia | ia |
| เอือะ | sàrà uea | uea |
| อัวะ | sàrà ua | ua |
| อำ | sàrà am | am |
| ไอ | sàrà ai | ai |
| ใอ | sàrà ai | ai |
| เอา | sàrà ao | ao |
Lengthy Vowels
| Vowel | Vowel Identify | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| อา | sàrà aa | aa |
| อี | sàrà ii | ii |
| อื | sàrà uue | uue |
| อู | sàrà uu | uu |
| เอ | sàrà ee | ee |
| แอ | sàrà aae | aae |
| โอ | sàrà oo | oo |
| ออ | sàrà o | o |
| เออ | sàrà ooe | ooe |
| เอีย | sàrà iia | iia |
| เอือ | sàrà uuea | uuea |
| อัว | sàrà uua | uua |
The 5 Thai Tones
In case you didn’t know already, Thai is a tonal language. Tones are vital in Thai pronunciation as any change of the tone will change the that means of the phrase, resulting in unintended penalties. Each phrase has an related tone that you will need to be taught in an effort to pronounce it appropriately and be understood.
The tones might be recognized from the Thai script, and when transliterated into English, 4 tone marks are sometimes included to distinguish them. Basically, tones impression the pitch of a phrase primarily based on the kind of tones it makes use of. There are a complete of 5 tones within the Thai language, consisting of low, center, excessive, falling, and rising.
1. The Low Tone
The low tone is the primary one we will probably be . For this, it’s merely a case of claiming the phrase in a barely decrease pitch than you usually communicate with. Alternatively, it may also be pronounced with a really slight falling tone too, although once more beginning at a pitch decrease than regular.
An English equal could be the ‘uhhh’ sound we make once we are considering. For many individuals, this is able to usually be a decrease pitch, and so might be seen because the low tone. An instance of a Thai phrase that makes use of the low tone is khai (ไข่), which suggests ‘egg’.
2. The Mid Tone
The mid-tone might be seen as a impartial tone. It principally entails talking usually, attempting to keep away from altering the pitch in the course of the phrase. As such, you most likely gained’t have to spend too lengthy practising the mid-tone. Nonetheless, adjusting from a mid-tone to a unique tone in a sentence generally is a problem so don’t assume you will get away with not studying it utterly.
As talked about earlier than, the mid-tone may be very a lot similar to your common speaking voice in English. You simply want to verify it’s decrease than your low tone pitch and better than your excessive tone pitch. If that is smart. An instance of a Thai phrase that makes use of the mid-tone is fai (ไฟ), which suggests ‘hearth’.
3. The Excessive Tone
For the excessive tone, the entire phrase is pronounced with a flat however excessive pitch tone. You have to to take your common talking voice and make it a bit larger to get this tone proper. This generally is a little embarrassing to check out in public however in the end folks will probably be blissful to see you strive it so don’t fear.
In English, we do one thing related once we go to the dentist and we’re informed to stay our tongue out and say ‘ahhh’. Maybe you may consider a greater instance of this in English or one other language. An instance of a Thai phrase that makes use of a excessive tone is lin (ลิ้น), which suggests ‘tongue’.
4. The Falling Tone
This is likely one of the two tones that entails altering the pitch in the course of a phrase. On this case, because the title suggests, the tone will fall from a better pitch to a decrease pitch. This is a bit more difficult than the others. Whereas it doesn’t must be a sudden or dramatic change, it must be recognizable by the listener.
I at all times think about a tragic ‘oh’ sound when considering of an analogous sound in English. Not less than the way in which I say it, it strikes from a barely larger pitch to a decrease pitch. Possibly you may consider a greater instance. An instance of a Thai phrase that makes use of the falling tone is khao (ข้าว), which suggests ‘rice’.
5. The Rising Tone
The second of the 2 altering tones is the rising tone. That is the other of the falling tone. It strikes from a decrease pitch to a better pitch mid-word. Once more, it doesn’t must be a dramatic change but it surely must be noticeable to others.
The closest equal sound in English could be the inflection made when asking questions. For instance, when you have been to ask your good friend ‘hungry?’, you’d change your pitch from low to excessive. That is how they might know you might be asking a query moderately than simply saying ‘hungry’ randomly. An instance of a Thai phrase that makes use of the rising tone is moo (หมู), which suggests ‘pig/pork’.
Frequent Errors When Saying Thai Phrases
All of us make errors each occasionally! Even native Thai audio system say one thing fallacious. Add to this that there are a number of totally different dialects within the Thai language, and you’ll understand that pronunciation will not be so easy. There may be some leeway within the pronunciation of some phrases.
Nonetheless, it’s finest to strive your finest to keep away from some frequent Thai pronunciation errors. Failing to distinguish between aspirated and non-aspirated consonants is a typical mistake that many individuals fall into. Whereas it may be a delicate distinction in pronunciation, many Thai folks could have issue understanding you when you don’t make a adequate try at it.
This might result in you ordering hen Pad Thai while you simply needed egg Pad Thai, for instance. It’s simply a type of issues you have to to apply to get proper. Ignoring the Thai tones is one other frequent mistake.
Certain, some folks will perceive what you are attempting to say, however there are some phrases that may get combined up. When studying new phrases, be sure to additionally be taught which tone to make use of for it and work on getting that proper.
Tricks to Enhance Your Thai Pronunciation
There are just a few alternative ways so that you can enhance your Thai pronunciation. In the beginning, as you might be studying new vocabulary, you may take the time to hearken to a recording of somebody saying the phrase. Whether or not you might be watching movies or utilizing the audio perform on some on-line dictionaries, this can educate you ways a local speaker would say it and provide you with start line for saying it out loud. Repeat it to your self just a few occasions till it sounds proper.
One other nice option to excellent your pronunciation of Thai is to hear and communicate with native Thai audio system. Who would know the pronunciation of the language higher than them? Like earlier than, you’ll be taught rather a lot by listening to how they are saying every phrase.
You may uncover issues like syllables, stress placement, and extra. They will additionally provide you with pointers when you say one thing in a bizarre means and proper, you. After all, the key of realizing pronunciation is within the spelling.
Utilizing the pronunciation information for the Thai vowels and consonants above collectively along with your skill to learn Thai characters, you may gauge how phrases are pronounced simply by seeing how they’re spelled. You too can see which tones you should use too by way of the spelling.
How Do You Say ‘Pronunciation’ In Thai?
In Thai, ‘pronunciation’ is gaan ɔ̀ɔk sǐang (การออกเสียง) .
Beneath, you’ll discover phrases and phrases associated to Thai pronunciation, together with a sound information that can assist you actually nail the pronunciation:
For extra associated phrases and vocabulary, try the Ling App!
Steadily Requested Questions About Thai Pronunciation
1. Is It Pronounced Tai Or Thai?
The pronunciation of the phrase ‘Thai’ makes use of the laborious ‘t’ sound, not the ‘th’ that you simply’d discover in phrases resembling ‘that’ or ‘then’. A normal rule of thumb is to pronounce it such as you would the phrase ‘tie’.
2. Does Thai Have A ‘Th’ Sound?
The Thai letter ‘ต’ is the equal to the English ‘th’. Though its transliteration exhibits that it’s pronounced ‘dt’, it’s the closest equal and is utilized in phrases like dtào (เต่า), that means ‘turtle’.
3. Is It Onerous To Pronounce Thai?
For English audio system, announcing phrases in Thai generally is a problem at first because of the presence of tones and sounds not present in English. Though, by way of constant apply with native audio system and listening to Thai music, broadcasts, and different media, one can grasp Thai pronunciation comparatively simply!
Follow Your Pronunciation!
By following the information outlined above, try to be extra comfy with the way you say Thai phrases. Every of these strategies provides you with start line to maneuver ahead with studying Thai and increase your confidence to speak with others.
It must be clear how vital Thai pronunciation is. You also needs to now know a number of the fundamentals on the subject of announcing Thai consonants and vowels, which is an excellent basis to proceed your studying from.
Don’t overlook the tones as effectively. They will actually make a distinction to your fluency. Simply hold practising and utilizing the strategies we urged, and fairly quickly you must begin to see some enchancment. You can be speaking confidently with locals very quickly!