Thread: Learning useful language

Most people in Siam are not Thai
Altho politically incorrect most of N Esan they speak lao
which is fine f you stay put or go t Lao but useless as seen as lo class in Krung Thep et al.
I have same issue as my neighbours all speakLanna unlike the Thai on the Tapes and books
Do persist there are Lao teachers,material readily available in Vangchang
NeeOrk

Originally Posted by English Noodles

In Bangkok I have the same frustration but in reverse, I find people want to try to show off their English 'skills' and prefer to speak to me in very bad English which gives me a headache trying to understand, then again, who knows, maybe they feel the same about my Thai.

You should stop hanging out with 'Tud' then Noodles ...

I used to get upset when I heard an Isarn person refer to me (or another farang) as mun (it), until I realized that they use it for everyone.

You know life can be so funny I was the Khon Kean University today, where I was told I spoke Thai very well. Two things if you can get past hello the you putt pasa Thai geng mak. And pray they don't say anything else. Actually I do understand a lot more then I can remember to say.

Secondly how often will I be in a University setting to speak with people. It's probably very true that to speak properly would be great, but I think it is more important to actually communicate. To some extent I can.

I'm not complaining about my Thai classes they really helped along with the wife reminding me.


But this is how I see it this is my home a bit unrealistic to expect the local population to adapt to my needs. Probably more realisitc that I'm the one to adapt.

I have no intention of quitting nor do I expect to learn overnight.

I have a phrase book that gives all three languages and a English translation. I'm going to begin in that. I really enjoy talking with the people in the small villages. Just nice folks, if you need someyhing they will bend over backwards to try to help.

Cassmate Huh then you got the T short too LOL

My point is, learning Thai I beleive to be important if you live here. But there is a huge difference between learning a tourist language and day to day usage. At some point you need to go that one step forward that fits the life you live.

The other day I was in a bike shop, money is changing hands between the owner and worker he sent for a part. I know they are talking about the change due the owner when I hear, Nung Loi Sau Baht, Well I know the guy is saying numbers, but I don't have clue what numbers. What he was really saying in Thai was nung roi yii sip baht. He was speaking Lao, it's really not much different but it is enough to really throw you.

You use the proper way of saying 100 here, people will definetly be scratching thier heads. Took me ten mins one time to pay for an order of chicken once on that one. She had no idea what Roi was and I didn't know Loi. Well I do now and I know it's not proper but if I want to be understood I have to speak in a manner they can understand.

Got to get my nuts and bolts, now if that turns out to be the same in all the languages, great. If not I have to say thier way. If I want the nut and bolt LOL

Originally Posted by ray23

She had no idea what Roi was and I didn't know Loi.

You're going to get lost if you come visit Roiet! Better when you ask directions to just say hon neung soon neung. Of course it won't really make much difference what you ask. The response will be the same. If you are close, they will point and say poon. If you have a long way to go they will point and say poooon!

You're on the right track. As some wise man once said "seek first to understand and then to be understood".

I think Roi Et is a great town, been twice I will be back

Originally Posted by Texpat

^ Right.

Other times I feel like Jane Goodall in the Congo with the chimps, tapping my forehead and pointing at the sky while hoopin' and hollerin'

Sounds a little condescending to me. Perhaps in this scenario, the Thais are Jane Gooddall and you're the chimp.

Originally Posted by ray23

I think Roi Et is a great town, been twice I will be back

Let me know. Will meet for a couple of cool ones.

Actually used in the home a lot, but the conversations are pretty limited, never miss trying to speak, if I recall the words.

The other thing is Auntie, the wife and the housekeeper understand my accent. Many times something simple as tim tung, fill the gas. If my wife is with me they will look at her. If I'm alone they just put the gas in. By the way I'm tone deaf so I have to spell things out how they sound to me. A big reason why reading is important to me.

I believe your right the more I use it the better things will go. I'm not at all against learning Thai, just pointing out something that seemed odd to me for the area I live in.

Ow and Yak can be a bit confusing for me Ow eek meas I want more. Mai Ow I don't want anymore.

I could be very wrong I do that frequently, I would use yak in sentence such a do you want_____________

Does how personal the thing wanted make a difference in the use?

The Pronoun, that is a hold over from formal classes. Business I here krap a lot, normal talkling not so much. Women never seem to miss Ka.

Oh well I will keep plugging along but I don't think I'm going back to formal classes again. I think I have the base I need to use it and build on it. The downside is the descipline to do it, which I think formal classes provides.

Here is a doosey for everyone that I had to use today won't say I learned but I've seen it.

gee-soon-dook-maai (pollen)

don't know if I will ever use it again but I know it exists

But If I really wanted to sink in I would have to write it in sentneces dozens of time to recall it

Originally Posted by ray23

Does how personal the thing wanted make a difference in the use?

no, it's simply the difference between wanting something and wanting to do something.

Ao Buri = I want a cigarette.

Yak suup = I want to smoke.
Yak gin = I want to eat.

use yak with a verb and ao with a noun.

Originally Posted by bobbysan124

Sounds a little condescending to me. Perhaps in this scenario, the Thais are Jane Gooddall and you're the chimp.

Fair play -- as you wish.

My point was the struggle to communicate.
Also, they're both making an effort to learn. I'm not offended in the least by being referred to as a chimp -- especially if it means I can avoid being British.

Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Originally Posted by ray23

Does how personal the thing wanted make a difference in the use?

no, it's simply the difference between wanting something and wanting to do something.

Ao Buri = I want a cigarette.

Yak suup = I want to smoke.
Yak gin = I want to eat.

use yak with a verb and ao with a noun.

Good Example thanks

A friend of mine who has excellent english skills came up with a corker the other night.... 'L' is for elephant.

Originally Posted by Norton

Get involved in a discussion with the family about the weather, what's for dinner, or mom's preference in beetle nut and one would think they were in the middle of a full on family fight with blows to follow.

Yes, I've found that to be the case in a couple of different locales. My friend's in-laws in Si Saket having a family discussion do sound as if they're about to lash out at each other with whatever blunt objects are at hand. They speak Khmer but they refer to it as Isaan. I live in the south... my neighbors are usually the same way (volume level) except down here they're speaking Dtai (the Southern dialect of Thai) and it's truly a thing of wonder... very sing-songy quality, nasal, with the tones going all over the place. At least that's how it sounds to me. I'm sure the sound of my Thai isn't exactly music to their ears either.

Also, someone told me to learn the language that's spoken in the area of the country where you live. Makes good sense. Again, in the south (I don't know about the north or Isaan) accents change from Amphoe to Amphoe and definitely Changwat to Changwat. For the life of me, I can't understand most people I meet from Nakhorn Sri Thammarat.

Originally Posted by killerbees

Also, someone told me to learn the language that's spoken in the area of the country where you live. Makes good sense. Again, in the south (I don't know about the north or Isaan) accents change from Amphoe to Amphoe and definitely Changwat to Changwat. For the life of me, I can't understand most people I meet from Nakhorn Sri Thammarat.

Think you'll find the same in the different regions of US or UK. Separated by a common language!

Boy, talk about a reminder coming out of the blue. I was at Robinon this morning, I didn't know they tore down the buildings on the corner Robison that how often I get down there.

There are six farrrangs there three males and three females. I've been here to long first thing that hit me is why bring a cheeseburger to five star resturant. Thuth is seven years ago I would have been very happy to date any of the girls I was seeing ops:

Anyway they were speaking in a non English language sounded like Itallian but know no Itallian and every now and then I'm hearing words that sound familiar. But I didn't understand them. Me being the friendly cuss that I can be at times I go over and say good morning and ask what language they are speaking. They were from Spain and speaking Castellan Spanish.

Thirty five years ago when I was in college I took spanish in college, only to find out it was doing me no good. Mexican people do not speak Castellan Spanish. I learned to communicate with them using street Spanish.

So that may be what is motivating me to think the way I am, I had completly forgotten it until today.

I thnk one the things that has controlled my language usage has always been Am I being understood, do I understand, Not the form proper or otherwise.

I did stop by and met the local PAD leader and in Thai wished him good luck, He understood. I also made sure I kidded around with the local shoppers and I was understood.

So guys your comments are not falling on deaf ears.

My learning how to use these would sure make my porr wife's life a lot easier.

You know these are the kind of things that I need be able to communicate with, anyone got an idea how to get useful sentences out this like check the oil replace the head light,

well it fianlly happened today talking myself away finally ran into that guy who couldn't understand a darn thing I was saying and he was really trying, he spoke Issan. Maybe I should have asked him where to buy a pineapple

With Thanks to Expatmotors

Car รถเก๋ง Rot Gaeng
Clutch คลัช Clut
Brake เบรค Braake
Brake Pad ผ้าเบรค Pah Braake
Brake Disc จานเบรค Jaan Braake
Brake fluid น้ำมันเบรค Nam-an Braake
Brake Light ไฟเบรค Fai Braake
Windscreen กระจกหน้า Gra-Jok Nah
Rear Windscreen กระจกหลัง Gra-Jok Lang
Engine Oil น้ำมันเครื่อง Nam-an Krueng
Gearbox Oil น้ำมันเกียร์ Nam-an Gear
Power Steering Oil น้ำมันพาวเวอร์ Nam-an Power
Radiator หม้อน้ำ Mor-Naam
Radiator Fluid น้ำในหม้อน้ำ Naan Nai Mor Naam
Engine เครื่องยนต์ Krueng Yon
Steering Wheel พวงมาลัย Phum-a-Lai
Boot/Truck ท้ายรถ Tai Rot
Air Filter ฟองอากาศ Fong Aggart
Side View Mirrors กระจกข้าง Gra-Jok Kaang
Rear View Mirror กระจกมองหลัง Gra-Jok Mong Lang
Electric Windows กระจกไฟฟ้า Gra-Jok Fai Fah
Fuel Injector หัวฉีด Hua Cheet
Bonnet/Hood ฝากระโปรงหน้า Fah Gra-Bong Nah
Stereo เครื่องเสียง Krueng Seeang
Tyre ยาง Yaang
Hand Brake เบรคมือ Braake Mue
Exhaust ท่อไอเสีย Tor
Spare Tyre ยางอะไหล่ Yaang Alai
Steering Alignment ตั้งศูนย์ Dang Soon
Front Bumper กันชนหน้า Gan Chon Nah
Rear Bumper กันชนหลัง Gan Chon Lang
Distributor จานจ่าย Jarn Jai
Spark Plugs หัวเทียน Hua Ti-en
Shock Absorber โชคอัพ Chock-Up
Seat Belt เข็มขัด Kem Kat
Timing Belt สายพานไทม์มิ่ง Sy Paan Timing
CV Boot ยางหุ้มเพรา Yang Hum Pow
Suspension Spring สปริง S-Pring
Leaf Spring แหนบ Nairb
Rear Light ไฟหลัง Fai Lang
Reverse Light ไฟถอยหลัง Fai Toi Lang
Head Light ไฟหน้า Fai Naa
Indicator/Turn Light ไฟเลี้ยว Fai Leeo
Differential ไฟท้าย Fuang Tai
Horn แตร Dae
Wipers Blades ที่ปัดน้ำฝน Tee Bat Naam Fon
Oil Filter กรองอากาศ Glong Naam-an

I think the list is what I need to work on firstm aking sentences with them. These are the problems that come up most often and it is a problem for the wife since she knows nothing about vehecle repairs, frustrating fo her as well. Usually pointing and saying Mai Dee usually works prety good. But sometimes I just want them to checks something. For example adjustment on the brakes. Mechanics aroind town only a fwe I rtut and they arew used to me, villages aer different. They can pull off emergency repairs with almost nothing.

Originally Posted by JoGeAr

I used to get upset when I heard an Isarn person refer to me (or another farang) as mun (it), until I realized that they use it for everyone.

Your lucky they don't use "ai"

I got a problem the other way aroubnd, Ray23.
Learnt street-Thai with a few Isaan expressions with the ex-wife. Now I am getting always corrected how it should be spoken the correct way.

Originally Posted by killerbees

Originally Posted by Norton

Get involved in a discussion with the family about the weather, what's for dinner, or mom's preference in beetle nut and one would think they were in the middle of a full on family fight with blows to follow.

Yes, I've found that to be the case in a couple of different locales. My friend's in-laws in Si Saket having a family discussion do sound as if they're about to lash out at each other with whatever blunt objects are at hand. They speak Khmer but they refer to it as Isaan. I live in the south... my neighbors are usually the same way (volume level) except down here they're speaking Dtai (the Southern dialect of Thai) and it's truly a thing of wonder... very sing-songy quality, nasal, with the tones going all over the place. At least that's how it sounds to me. I'm sure the sound of my Thai isn't exactly music to their ears either.

Also, someone told me to learn the language that's spoken in the area of the country where you live. Makes good sense. Again, in the south (I don't know about the north or Isaan) accents change from Amphoe to Amphoe and definitely Changwat to Changwat. For the life of me, I can't understand most people I meet from Nakhorn Sri Thammarat.

Hi,
I've read through this thread with interest. I am an intermediate thai speaker. I have been suprised that no one has mentioned anything about learning the script. It really is not that hard i'd say it is easier to learn the thai script than it is to use the chinese pinyin english transliteration. I think this because there is no confusion with the how words are pronounced like in french, it's written in english but it's all pronouced completely different. Already i have seen many instances of ambiguous english transliteration of thai here . I'd say that if everyone is going to converse here about language then choose a system and stick to it. No offence meant but to make my point i will pick two examples ,Ray uses the transliteration 'nung' for the english word 'one' when it is actually pronounced ' neung ' which is a world away and will get a blank response unless you throw loads of other words in to create some context. The word 'nung' means means steamed as in ' bplah nung ma-now' 'fish-steamed-lime' ,although confusingly many transliterations use the letter U in nung as an A and want you to pronounce 'nung' as 'nang' or ' to sit' although if you read the thai script you will see ther is only one way to pronounce to sit นั่ง n-a-ng. My second example and why i think the script is so important is Killer bees reference to 'chang wat' or 'province', which in thai is spelt 'jang-wat' 'จังหวัด' . Lets take the word in thai 'jang-wat' to show how simple thai script can be. There are seven characters จัง หวัด 'j-a-ng SilentH w-a-t' the two e shaped characters are the 'a' vowel that hovers above instead of in between the consonants , the last character ด is 'D' which stays as a 'D' when it is the first letter of a word but in this case when at the end of a word it becomes a 'T'. I have not worked half as hard as anybody i have come across but when i read thai now it just looks like an extention of the english alphabet just leave a copy of 'teach your self thai' by David smyth in the toilet and you will get there. David smyths pronouciation guide is near perfect. Hope this helps someone.

Originally Posted by meepmeep99

I've read through this thread with interest. I am an intermediate thai speaker. I have been suprised that no one has mentioned anything about learning the script. It really is not that hard i'd say it is easier to learn the thai script than it is to use the chinese pinyin english transliteration. I think this because there is no confusion with the how words are pronounced like in french, it's written in english but it's all pronouced completely different. Already i have seen many instances of ambiguous english transliteration of thai here . I'd say that if everyone is going to converse here about language then choose a system and stick to it. No offence meant but to make my point i will pick two examples ,Ray uses the transliteration 'nung' for the english word 'one' when it is actually pronounced ' neung ' which is a world away and will get a blank response unless you throw loads of other words in to create some context. The word 'nung' means means steamed as in ' bplah nung ma-now' 'fish-steamed-lime' ,although confusingly many transliterations use the letter U in nung as an A and want you to pronounce 'nung' as 'nang' or ' to sit' although if you read the thai script you will see ther is only one way to pronounce to sit นั่ง n-a-ng. My second example and why i think the script is so important is Killer bees reference to 'chang wat' or 'province', which in thai is spelt 'jang-wat' 'จังหวัด' . Lets take the word in thai 'jang-wat' to show how simple thai script can be. There are seven characters จัง หวัด 'j-a-ng SilentH w-a-t' the two e shaped characters are the 'a' vowel that hovers above instead of in between the consonants , the last character ด is 'D' which stays as a 'D' when it is the first letter of a word but in this case when at the end of a word it becomes a 'T'. I have not worked half as hard as anybody i have come across but when i read thai now it just looks like an extention of the english alphabet just leave a copy of 'teach your self thai' by David smyth in the toilet and you will get there. David smyths pronouciation guide is near perfect. Hope this helps someone.

Well put. I get a bit narked at the often poor transliteration of words on here and cannot understand why they would write a word in that way. Until, that is, I hear the offender try to speak Thai...