Gaining knowledge of basic Thai phrases is essential when traveling or living in Thailand. One phrase that is frequently used in daily life is “take away.” Whether you’re looking for a delicious Thai meal to-go or need to communicate your preference for take away to a street food vendor, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “take away” in Thai. Additionally, we’ll offer tips, examples, and explore any regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Way to Say “Take Away” in Thai
The formal way to say “take away” in Thai is “ทานที่นอก” (pronounced “than thee nawk”). This phrase is often used when ordering food from a restaurant or in any formal setting where you would like to express your desire to take the food to-go.
Here’s an example of how to use it in a sentence:
คุณยายอยากทานที่นอกเพราะเธอเร็วต้องไปทำธุระ
(Kun yaai yak than thee nawk phreu ther reo tong pai tam thura)
“My grandmother wants to take away the food because she’s in a hurry to do errands.”
2. Informal Way to Say “Take Away” in Thai
If you’re in a casual or informal setting, such as ordering street food or talking to friends, you can use the colloquial term “ขอแก็บด้วยค่ะ/ครับ” (pronounced “kor gàeb duay kha/krab”).
Here’s an example of how to use it:
เด็กสาวขอแก็บข้าวกระเพราไปค่ะ/ครับ
(Dek saao kor gàeb khaao kra-pao bpai kha/krab)
“The girl requests to take away a plate of basil fried rice, please.”
3. Tips for Using “Take Away” in Thai
3.1 Politeness Matters
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of politeness. While the informal way is acceptable in many situations, using the formal term “ทานที่นอก” is highly regarded when dealing with elders or in more formal scenarios.
3.2 Pronunciation Tips
Ensure your pronunciation is clear and understandable. Practice the phrases with a native speaker or use a language learning app to refine your pronunciation skills.
3.3 Non-Verbal Communication
When ordering take away, you can also make a gesture of holding your hand out, palm up, and slightly shaking it to indicate that you would like to take away the food. This can be used in conjunction with the phrases mentioned.
4. Common Regional Variations
Thai is spoken throughout Thailand with some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to saying “take away,” the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are understood and commonly used throughout the country.
5. Conclusion
Now you have the knowledge to confidently order take away in Thai. Remember to use “ทานที่นอก” in formal settings and “ขอแก็บด้วยค่ะ/ครับ” in more casual situations. Don’t forget to practice your pronunciation and utilize non-verbal communication to ensure your message is understood. Enjoy your Thai meals on-the-go with ease!
