[Lesson 1] This is the first step to sound more like a native Thai (polite particles, I, he/she)

Instructions: Listen to the lesson audios. When you are done:

1. scroll down to the bottom to watch the example
2. Record your video/audio
3. Write your name / email correctly
4. Send the recording
5. Wait for the feedback before you send in more recording

1. ฉัน (chăn) → This word means "I". Usually used by women.

Pronunciation: Officially a rising tone but in natural speech, it's often pronounced as if it was written: ชั้น (chán) with a high tone.

• ฉันไม่ใช่คนไทย (chăn mâi châi kon tai)
  I’m not Thai.

• ฉันไม่ชอบ (chăn mâi chôp)
  I don’t like (it).

• ฉันไม่อยากกิน (chăn mâi yàak gin)
  I don’t want to eat.

2. ค่ะ (kâ) → Polite particle for female speakers

Pronunciation: Officially falling tone, but in natural speech, it’s often pronounced very quickly and softly, making it sound almost like a low tone.

Sound: In my mind, I use the 'K' sound but I often have the feedback that I'm saying 'H' sound. I think the best explanation is that the 'k' in Thai is more breathy than the 'k' in English. It's like “khâ” sound. Also, this is just me because there are other Thai people that pronounce with a more 'k' sound, so listen well when you hear Thai people talk and judge for yourself.

• ใช่ค่ะ (châi kâ)
  Yes.

• เข้าใจค่ะ (kâo jai kâ)
  I understand.

• ดีมากค่ะ (dee mâak kâ)
  Very good.

3. เขา (kăo) → “He/She/They”

Pronunciation: Officially a rising tone but in natural speech, it's often pronounced as if it was written like เค้า (káo) with a high tone.

• เขาเป็นคนไทย (kăo bpen kon tai)
  He/She is Thai.

• เขาพูดภาษาไทยทุกวัน (kăo pôot paa-săa tai túk wan)
  He/She speaks Thai every day.

• เขาทำงานที่นี่ (kăo tam ngaan têe nêe)
  He/She works here.

4. ครับ (kráp) → Polite particle for men

Sound: In everyday speech, you will hear คับ (káp) without the 'r' sound.

• เข้าใจคับ (kâo jai káp)
  I understand.

• ไม่รู้คับ (mâi róo káp)
  I don’t know.

• ไม่ดูคับ (mâi doo káp)
  I don’t watch (it).

I pronounce using colloquial version.

Please wait until you get the feedback before sending in more recordings