สวัสดีสบายดีไหม
sawatdi sabai di mai
The English phrase "hi how are you" is translated into Thai as สวัสดีสบายดีไหม (sawatdi sabai di mai).
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of สวัสดี (hello), สบายดี (to be well/comfortable) and ไหม (a particle used to turn a statement into a question).
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual conversation, Thai speakers often omit the สวัสดี (hello) and simply use สบายดีไหม to ask how someone is. To respond to this question, you can simply say สบายดี (I am well) without needing to include a subject like 'I' or 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
sawatdi sabai di mai
Did you know?
- In many parts of Thailand, instead of asking 'how are you', people might ask 'Have you eaten yet?' using the phrase กินข้าวหรือยัง. It is a common way to show care and affection.
- The word สวัสดี was not used as a greeting until the 1930s. It was coined by a language expert and officially adopted by the government to replace older styles of greeting.
- When saying สวัสดี, Thai speakers typically perform the 'wai' by pressing their palms together and bowing slightly. The height of the hands relative to the face indicates the social status of the person being greeted.
Examples in context
- สวัสดีสบายดีไหมคะsawatdi sabai di mai khaHi, how are you?
- สวัสดีสบายดีไหมเพื่อนsawatdi sabai di mai phueanHi, how are you, friend?
Example conversation
Teerapat meets Sirin at a coffee shop.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatสวัสดีสบายดีไหมครับสิรินทร์sawatdi sabai di mai khrap sirinHi, how are you, Sirin?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinสวัสดีค่ะ สบายดีค่ะsawatdi kha sabai di khaHello, I am fine.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatดีครับ วันนี้งานเยอะไหมdi khrap wan ni ngan yoe maiThat's good. Is work a lot today?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinเยอะนิดหน่อยค่ะyoe nit noi khaIt's a little bit busy.
