タイ語
taigo[ta̠iɡo̞]
The Japanese word for "Thai" (referring to the language) is タイ語 (taigo).
タイ語 is used specifically when you are referring to the Thai language. If you want to refer to people from Thailand, you use different forms and if you want to use "Thai" as an adjective meaning "of Thailand" (such as "Thai food"), you use タイの.
Meaning: language (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining the country name タイ (Tai) with the suffix 語 (go), which means "language."
Which one should you use?
タイ語 (taigo) specifically means the Thai language.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for the Thai language is constructed by appending the suffix 語 (go), meaning "language", to the name of the country, タイ.
How do you pronounce it?
taigo
Did you know?
- In Japanese, タイ is a homophone for the word for 'red snapper', a highly prized fish often served at celebrations.
- The kanji used for 'Thai' in some contexts, 泰, can also mean 'peaceful' or 'relaxed' in Japanese. This adds a subtle layer of calm to the name of the language.
- Because Japanese lacks a 'tonal' system, students of タイ語 often find the most difficult part is learning the 'tones' which do not exist in any Japanese word.
Examples in context
- どこでタイ語を勉強できるの？Where can I study Thai?This sentence is useful for asking where one can study タイ語.Tatoeba #9292775 by bunbuku, translation #9292409 by Nylez
- 彼は、英語だけでなくタイ語も話せます。He can speak Thai as well as English.This sentence is useful for stating that someone can speak タイ語.Tatoeba #115589 by bunbuku, translation #288081 by Vortarulo
- 私の友人はタイ人です。My friend is Thai.
- ご両親はタイの方ですか？Are your parents from Thailand?
- 彼はタイ系の方です。He is of Thai origin.
- タイの料理、めっちゃ好きなんだよね。I really love Thai food, you know.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about travel in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiタイ語は難しいですか？Taigogo wa muzukashii desu ka?Is Thai difficult?
- 蓮 Renはい、タイ語は少し難しいです。Hai, Taigogo wa sukoshi muzukashii desu.Yes, Thai is a little difficult.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは勉強しているんですか？Ren-san wa benkyou shite iru n desu ka?Are you studying it, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren旅行のために少しだけ。Ryokou no tame ni sukoshi dake.Just a little, for a trip.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thai” translations and entries タイ語, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
