Are you planning a trip to Thailand and want to immerse yourself in the local culture? Knowing how to say common phrases in Thai is a great way to connect with the locals and make your experience even more enjoyable. One phrase that you’ll often hear and use in various situations is “come on.” In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to say “come on” in Thai, including both informal and formal expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Informal Ways to Say “Come On” in Thai:
When you’re in a casual setting or speaking to friends, family, or people of the same age group, informal expressions are commonly used. Here are a few ways to say “come on” informally in Thai:
- มาเถอะ (maa taw): This is a versatile and widely used expression when you want to invite or urge someone to do something. It can be used in various contexts, like encouraging someone to come with you or persuading them to participate in an activity. For example, “มาเถอะ, เราจะไปกินข้าว (maa taw, rao ja bpai gin khao)” means “Come on, let’s go eat.”
- มาล่ะ (maa la): This expression is commonly used to invite or persuade someone in a more friendly and playful manner. It’s often used among close friends or peers. For example, “มาล่ะ เราจะเล่นเกมส์ด้วยกัน (maa la, rao ja len game duay gan)” means “Come on, let’s play video games together.”
- ไปเถอะ (bpai taw): While this phrase literally means “go on,” it’s commonly used as an informal way to say “come on” when encouraging or inviting someone to do something. For example, “ไปเถอะ, อย่าเพิ่งเลิก (bpai taw, yaa perng lek)” means “Come on, don’t give up just yet.”
Formal Ways to Say “Come On” in Thai:
In more formal or polite settings, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions you can use to say “come on” in Thai:
- ขอเชิญ (khor chern): This polite phrase is used to invite someone formally. It’s commonly used in formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, such as an elder or a superior. For example, “ขอเชิญคุณท่านร่วมงานนี้ค่ะ (khor chern khun than ruam ngaan nee kha)” means “May I invite you to join this event, please?”
- เตรียมตัวเป็นพระ (dtiim dtua pen phra): This formal expression translates to “prepare yourself as a monk” and is used when inviting someone formally, particularly to participate in a religious event, ceremony, or other formal occasions. For example, “เตรียมตัวเป็นพระสิคะ (dtiim dtua pen phra si kha)” means “Please come and be a monk for a day.”
- ขอเชิญเข้า (khor chern khao): This expression is a polite way of inviting someone to enter a place. It’s commonly used in professional or formal settings. For instance, “ขอเชิญคุณเข้าห้องประชุม (khor chern khun khao hawng bpra-chum)” means “Please come inside the conference room.”
Tips and Examples:
1. Body Language: Just like with any language, non-verbal cues play an important role in communication. When you say “come on” in Thai, using a friendly tone and accompanying body language can enhance your message. A warm smile and an inviting hand gesture can go a long way.
2. Context Matters: The choice of expression depends on the context. Consider the level of formality required and the relationship you have with the person you’re speaking to. Adapting your language accordingly can help you build stronger connections.
For example, if you’re asking a close friend to join you for a meal, saying “มาเถอะ (maa taw)” would be more appropriate than using a highly formal expression.
3. Regional Variations: In general, Thai language variations differ more based on formality than regionality. However, it’s worth noting that some dialects or regional accents may influence the pronunciation or usage of certain phrases. The expressions shared here are widely understood and can be used across Thailand.
Remember that Thai people appreciate the effort you make to learn and use their language. So, don’t hesitate to try these phrases and embrace the warm and friendly Thai culture!
With these informal and formal ways to say “come on” in Thai, you’ll feel more confident and connected when interacting with the locals during your visit. Enjoy your Thailand adventure!
