Thai Phrasebook

This list of words is put together specifically for readers of this site. The list will grow as the site does, so if I forget to put a word here, please remind me.

  • Buddho – the Pali word for Buddha. Used often in Theravada Buddhist ceremonial ritual and speech.
  • Chedi - a dome- or pyramid-shaped reliquary with a spire, usually on the grounds of a temple, or wat.
  • Dhammapada – A collection of Buddhist scriptures dealing wiht ethics, purported to have been uttered by the Buddha.
  • Farang - a foreigner. The stereotype of a farang is a white person with blonde hair and blue eyes.
  • Pali – an ancient Indic language, related to Sanskrit. Like Sanskrit, Pali’s main use today is in religious rituals.
  • Sangha - the community of monks.
  • Songkran - The Thai New Year festival. Ususally celebrated in part by throwing water and sometimes baby powder on people.
  • Theravada -Literally, “The Way of the Elders.” Theravada is the Buddhist tradition that is most similar to the Buddhism practiced by the Buddha.
  • Wat - a temple.