Nong Chang the baby elephant

Thai for kids: 12 first words

Twelve easy, useful Thai words for children, each with a picture, a simple English-letter spelling and a sound button. Tap the speaker, listen, then say it together.

12 first Thai words

Tap the speaker to hear each word, or the turtle to hear it slowly.

Being polite, the Thai way

Thai children learn to add a polite word to the end of what they say. Boys say ครับ (khráp) and girls say ค่ะ (khâ). So a boy says “sa-wàt-dii khráp” and a girl says “sa-wàt-dii khâ”.

When they say hello, children often do a wai: palms pressed together at the chest with a small bow. It's a lovely habit to practise together.

Tips for parents

Keep going with Nong Chang

These words come from our free Thai course for families: 6 levels of short lessons, audio for every word, speaking practice and a kids' mode.

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