Without mincing words, Thais value respect and honor for one another. So, if you are a foreigner traveling to or living in the country, it is crucial to learn how to appreciate and respect other individuals. One of the most notable things you can say in the Thai language to appreciate others is “kob kun ka”.
“kob kun ka” means “thank you” in the English language. However, it is specifically meant to be used by females. From a male perspective, “kob kun khrap” should be used. These phrases are used for thanking someone with some politeness. In addition, some alternative phrases can also be used for saying “thank you” in the Thai language.
But what does the phrase “kob kun ka” mean in Thai? Who can use the phrase? Are there alternative words to use? These are a few of the questions that we will answer in this article.
What does kob kun ka mean? Who can use it?
In simple words, the phrase “kob kun ka” means “Thank you”.
Let’s break down the words:
- Kob/khob – answer/repay
- Kun – you
The combination of the two words loosely translates as “answer to you”. However, the real meaning is “thank you”. “Ka” is used for politeness.
So, if you want to thank someone in the Thai language, you can use this phrase. The phrase can also be written as “kor Khun ka”.
However, before you start using this phrase, you must understand that it is gender-specific. In other words, kob kun ka is meant to be used by only females to appreciate other individuals. From a male perspective, the phrase “kob kun khrap” should be used instead of “kob kun ka”.
Basically, “ka” and “khrap” are polite words used for addressing people. These words are added to numerous spoken words in the Thailand language to display some sort of politeness. While ka is from a female perspective, khrap is from a male perspective.
Appropriateness and suitability of using “kob kun ka”
In the English language, “thank you” can also come in the form of “cheers”, “thanks”, etc. So, the same logic applies to the Thai language as there are different ways to thank a person. Nonetheless, you must note that most of the different forms of saying thank you in Thai relate to appropriateness and politeness. In other words, saying “thank you” to an elderly person will be different from saying “thank you” to a friend or younger person.
- When speaking to an older individual
As suggested earlier “kob kun” means “thank you”. However, if you want to appreciate an elderly person, you should use “kob kun ka or kob Kun khrap” depending on your gender.
- When speaking to a contemporary or younger person
When you are talking to a contemporary or younger person, you can simply say “kob kun” without adding “ka” or “khrap”. In fact, these are the phrases that many old people use when talking to younger people in Thailand. However, if you are a foreigner, it is advisable to stick to “kob kun ka” or “kob kun khrap” to avoid offending anybody.
However, you might feel it is strange to use the same phrase for kids. So, you can use “Koop Kun na” for children. It is completely cute and respectful.
In addition, if you are meeting someone for the first time, you should respect them by using “kob kun ka” or “kob kun khrap”, regardless of whether you are older or younger than the individual. This shows that you respect the person.
Alternative ways to say “thank you”
Of course, “kob kun ka” or “kob kun khrap” is not the only word for saying “thank you” in the Thai language. That is, there are alternative phrases you can use, especially if you are talking to a friend or acquaintance. Some of the alternative phrases for appreciating good friends in the Thai language include:
- Koop Jai – this phrase can be loosely translated as thanks
- Jai – Jai means heart. So, saying “Jai” can be loosely translated as “receive to heart”, which could also mean “thank you”.
Another popular alternative is “ten kiw”, which is the transliteration of “thank you”. Although “ten kiw” is used regularly by lots of individuals in Thailand to appreciate people, this phrase is often seen as slang in the Thai language. Therefore, most Thais usually avoid using ‘ten kiw” to address older people or superiors. Nonetheless, many foreigners say “Thank you” without any issue from the locals.
Conclusion
Conclusively, “kob kun ka” means “thank you” in the English language. However, it is specifically meant to be used by females. From a male perspective, “kob kun khrap” should be used. These phrases are used for thanking someone with some politeness. In addition, some alternative phrases can also be used for saying “thank you” in the Thai language.
