How to Say "Good Day" in Thailand: Sawasdee

The universal Thai greeting for "hello," "good morning," "good afternoon," and "goodbye" is:

**Sawasdee** (Thai: สวัสดี) — pronounced sà-wàt-dii

The Essential Companion: The Wai

Saying *Sawasdee* correctly requires the **wai** (ไหว้)—a prayer-like gesture:

1. Press palms together at chest level (fingertips at chin/nose).
2. Bow head slightly.
3. Height = Respect: Higher hands (to nose/forehead) = more respect (to elders, monks, superiors). Chest level = peers/juniors.

Politeness Particles (Crucial)

• **Men:** *Sawasdee **khrap*** (ครับ) — sharp, falling tone.
• **Women:** *Sawasdee **kha*** (ค่ะ) — softer, drawn-out tone.

Usage: Anytime, anywhere. Time-specific greetings (*arun sawasdee* "good morning", *sayan sawasdee* "good evening") exist but *Sawasdee* covers all.