ขอบคุณค่ะ
The phrase "thank you to a lady" in Thai is ขอบคุณค่ะ.
Which one should you use?
While a woman says ขอบคุณค่ะ, a man says ขอบคุณครับ to express the same meaning politely.
Did you know?
- In Thai culture, saying 'thank you' too frequently to close family members or very intimate friends can actually feel slightly distant or formal. It can subtly signal that you are treating them like strangers rather than kin.
- The word ขอบคุณ is composed of ขอ meaning 'to ask' and คุณ meaning 'virtue' or 'favor'. Literally, the phrase is asking for the other person's virtue to be recognized.
- While the phrase is polite, it is often accompanied by a 'Wai', a gesture where you press your palms together near your chest or face. To show deep respect to an elder when saying ขอบคุณค่ะ, your hands should be held higher, near your nose.
Examples in context
- ขอบคุณค่ะสำหรับของขวัญkhop khun kha sam rap khong khwanThank you for the gift.
- ขอบคุณค่ะที่ช่วยฉันkhop khun kha thi chuay chanThank you for helping me.
- ขอบคุณค่ะคุณแม่khop khun kha khun maeThank you, mother.
Example conversation
Sirin helps Wittawat find his lost wallet.
- วิทวัส Witthawatนี่ครับ กระเป๋าสตางค์ของคุณni khrap krapao satang khong khunHere is your wallet.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinขอบคุณค่ะ ยินดีที่ได้ช่วยkhop khun kha yindee thi dai chuayThank you, I am happy to help.
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณใจดีมากเลยครับkhun chai dee mak loey khrapYou are very kind.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinไม่เป็นไรเลยค่ะmai pen rai loey khaIt is no problem at all.
