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It is impossible to give the correct pronunciation of Thai words by using the Roman alphabet without auxiliary signs.  However, by observing the following pronunciation guide, the words will be understood if used in context.

 

Pronounce

"a"

like the 

"u" in

cup

aa

a

spa

ae

a

man

ai

i

fight

aw

aw

law

e

e

set

eh

ea

bear

i

i

fit

ee

ee

feet

o

oa

board

u

u

put

oo

oo

food

ue

ui

French

dt

is a consonant somewhat between a "d" and "t".

 
Muay Thai Terminology

Aenken

Anklet, protecting instep and shin

Andap

Ratings

Baak

Mouth

Bangkok

Capital of Thailand

Bat

Block

Chaikrong

Floating ribs

Champ

Champion

Chiang Mai

Provincial capital in the North. Seond largest city in Thailand

Chok

Fight

Choraked faad haang

Turn kick, literally 'crocodile thrashes its tail'

Dadsin

To judge, to decide

Daihuachai

Region under the heart, a vital point.

Dermpan

A form of betting.

Dontree Muay

The music played during a match

Dtaa

Eyes

Dtaai

To die

Dtae

To kick

Dtae Kao

Knee kick

Dtae Tao

Kick with foot

Dtae Wiang

Round kick

Dtai

Kidneys, a vital point.

Dtai Kao

Knee kick from side

Dtee

To hit

Dtee Mat

To hit with the fist

Dtee Sawk

To hit with the elbow

Dtoi

To box, boxing

Dtoi Lom

Shadow boxing, literally to box with the wind or air.

Faad

To thrash, wipe, swipe

Faidaeng

The red corner

Fainamnerng

The blue corner

Gamagan

Referee

Gaan Dadsin

Judging

Gangkeng Muay

Boxer's trunks

Gawn Welaa

Literally before time. "Gawn welaa" bouts, reserved for novices, are held before the program starts.

Grajab

Groin guard

Grammon Srisa

Top of head, a vital point

Grasawb

Bag, punching bag

Hua

Head

Huajai

Heart

Hook

Hook, word borrowed from English.

Jad

Promote

Jamook

Nose

Kaa

Leg

Kaen

Arm

Kai

Camp

Kai Muay

Boxing camp

Kagangai

Jawbone, a vital point

Kamab

Temples, vital points.

Kao

Knee

Kao Kong

Over-arm knee kick

Kao Loy

Jumping knee kick

Kao Drong

Frontal knee kick

Khuen Kroo

The ceremony during which a teacher accepts a new student.

Koo Ek

Main bout on a card, literally the "number one pair".

Kradot

Jump

Dradot Dtae

Jump kick

Druang Rang

Bands worn around biceps

Kroo Muay

Boxing teacher

Kwaa

Right, to the right

Lang Tao

Instep

Limpee

Solar Plexus, a vital point

Mat

Fist

Mat At

Uppercut

Mat Drong

Straight punch

Mao Mat

"Punch drunk"

Mongkon

The headband worn during pre-fight ceremony

Muay Acheep

Professional boxing

Muay Thai

Thai-style boxing

Muay Sakon

International-style boxing

Na Kaeng

Shin

Nak Muay

Boer

Namnak

Weight

Na Paang

Forehead

Nuam

Gloves

Pang-nga

To dodge, evade

Paa Pan Mue

Bandages worn under gloves

Pee Liang

Seconds

Raigaan Muay

Boxing program

Ram Muay

Boxing dance, part of the pre-fight ritual

Run

Weight category

Saai

Left, to the left

Sanam Muay

Boxing stadium

Sawing

Swing, the word comes from the English "swing"

Sawk

Elbow

Sangwien Ring Ropes
Sawk Chieng Diagonal Elbow
Sawk Hug Levering Elbow
Sawk Klab Reverse Elbow
Sawk Ku Double Elbow
Sawk Sob Chopping Elbow
Sawk Tad Jab Elbow
Sawk Tong Smashing Down Elbow

Taitai

Nap, a vital point

Tao

Foot

Teep

Push or thrust with the underside of the foot

Teep Dan Lang

Foot thrust to the rear

Teep Duen Son

Heel push

Teep Drong

Straight forward foot push

Ting

Throw

Tong

Stomach

Tong Noi

Lower stomach, a vital point

Uppercut

Uppercut, borrowed from English

Wai Kroo

Obeisance to the teacher, part of the pre-fight ritual.

Wehtee

The ring, a stage

Wong

Band

Wong Muay

The orchestra that plays during matches

Yaeb

Jab, borrowed from English

Yaek

Break, used by referee in the ring to separate fighters.

Yang gan fan

Mouth guard

Yang Sam Kung

Three step dance, part of the Ram Muay

Yok

Round

Yud

Stop, used by referee

Commonly Used Phrases
Sa wadee Hello
La kon Goodbye
Aroon sa wadee Good morning
Sayan sa wadee   Good evening
Ra tree sa wadee Goo d night
Chan shue    My name is
Khob chai mark Thanks, very much
Khob ton rub tharn   You are welcome
Tharn sa bi dee rhuee You are welcome
Chan mai khao chai I don't understand
Shuay chan noi doi ma? Can you help me?
Chan ma chark saha rat I am from the U.S.
Tharn wa yarng rai? How do you say?
We la tao r ai? What time is it?
Chan ma chark saha rat I can't speak Thai
Chan pood dai tae pasa Anglish I speak English
Prode pood hai sah kwa nee Please speak more slowly
Basic Numbers 1 through 10
Nueng One
Sorng Two
Sarm Three
Se e Four
Ha  Five
Hok Six
Ched Seven
Paed    Eight
Kao Nine
Sib   Ten