Greeting someone and bidding farewell is an essential part of Thai culture. When it comes to saying “see you later” in Thai, there are different ways to express it depending on the level of formality and the region. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal expressions for saying “see you later” in Thai, along with some tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “See You Later” in Thai
When it comes to formal situations, such as saying goodbye to someone you respect or who has a higher social status, you can choose from the following phrases:
- ลาก่อนครับ/ค่ะ (laa gaan khrap/kha) – This is the most common way to say goodbye formally in Thai. The ending particle “khrap” is used by males while “kha” is used by females. It is polite and suitable for most situations.
- แล้วพบกันครับ/ค่ะ (laaew phop gan khrap/kha) – Translated as “See you later,” this phrase adds the word “phop” which means “meet” or “encounter.” It is a polite way to express a future meeting.
Informal Ways to Say “See You Later” in Thai
For casual goodbyes or when addressing friends and family, you can use the following more informal phrases:
- ไว้เจอกัน (wai jer gan) – This phrase is commonly used among friends and translates to “See you later” in a casual way.
- เจอกันใหม่นะ (jer gan mai na) – Adding “ใหม่นะ (mai na)” to the previous phrase emphasizes the intent to meet again. It translates to “See you again.”
Tips and Examples
Tips for Pronunciation
Thai is a tonal language, so mastering the correct tones is crucial for accurate communication. Here are some tips to help you pronounce these phrases:
- Remember to speak with a rising tone for the word “เจอ (jer)” and a falling tone for the word “กัน (gan).”
- Practice pronouncing the ending particles “ครับ (khrap)” for males and “ค่ะ (kha)” for females, as they indicate politeness and respect.
Example Conversations
Let’s look at some example conversations to understand how these phrases are used:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: วันหน้าเจอกันนะครับ (wan naa jer gan na khrap) – See you tomorrow.
Person B: ไว้ครับ (wai khrap) – See you later.
Informal Conversation:
Person A: เตรียมตัวไปเถอะ เจอกันตามเวลา (triiam dtua bpai theo jer gan dtaam wela) – Get ready to go. See you on time.
Person B: คงคุยกันแน่ (khong kuy gan nae) – We’ll definitely talk later.
Regional Variations
While Thai is mostly consistent across regions, some areas may have variations in their local dialect. However, when it comes to saying “see you later,” the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and accepted throughout Thailand.
Wrap-up
Learning how to say “see you later” in Thai is an excellent way to show respect and build connections with Thai people. By using the appropriate formal or informal expression, you can leave a positive and lasting impression. Remember to practice the correct tones and enjoy your journey of discovering the beautiful Thai language!
