The most asked question I've got from my students is how to greet Thais with a WAI (ไหว้).
The gesture of WAI.
Sawatdee ka
Why to do a Wai:
Read the full article of Wai in WikipediaThe wai is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise.
When to do a Wai
1. when you say Hello or Sawatdee
2. when you say Goodbye or Pai gone na ka/krap
3. when you say Sorry or Kor tot
4. when you say Thank you or Korp kun
5. when you say Please, help. or Kor rong la ka/krap
Who you need to do a Wai
1. an older person
2. a person in higher social rank comparing to yourself*
3. a person/a place/a statue that you want to show respect to
Who you don't wai:
1. a younger person
2. a person in lower social rank comparing to yourself*
* It's up to how much you want to show respect to that person.
For example, If a person is younger than you but she is your boss, it is appropriate to Wai a boss who is younger than you. On the other hand, if your employee is older than you, it is acceptable for a younger boss not to greet an older employee with a Wai.
When someone do a Wai to you, you should do a Wai back to that person.
Let's watch the videos of how Thais greet with a WAI.
Note:
A woman always uses a polite final particle: Ka either speaking to a man or a woman.
A man always uses a polite final particle: Krap either speaking to a man or a woman.
It's time for today.
I have to go now. Good bye.
Pai gone na ka. Sawatdee ka.
ไป ก่อน นะ คะ สวัสดี ค่ะ
