One of the wonders of Thai language is the simple word “Yes”. You would think there’s no way to misinterpret it. But you would be wrong! Take this scenario, for example:

Tourist: I like the style of this red sarong. Do you have it in blue?

Thai vendor: I have many colour. Red, green, yellow, black. Beautiful! Cheap price!

Tourist: Very beautiful indeed. But do you have blue?

Thai vendor: No have. You want red colour? Very beautiful and sexy for you!

Tourist: No, thank you. So you don’t have blue?

Thai vendor: Yes.

Tourist: Oh, good! You do have blue!

Thai vendor: Sorry, no have.

Tourist: But… [casts around helplessly] I don’t understand. So, you don’t have blue?

Thai vendor: Yes. Only red colour, green, yellow, black…

This has happened to just about every expat newcomer and tourist who does a little souvenir shopping (twice to me personally.) Later, the newcomer realizes that the Thai word for “yes” – “chaai” – connotes more than just a simple affirmation. “Chaai” is generally used to agree with someone, or to confirm what was said, as in “What you are saying is correct”.

Instead of saying “yes”, Thais respond by repeating the main verb, as in:

“Do you have sarongs in red?” “Have.”

“Do you want to eat here?” “Want.”

“Do you like this one?” “Like! Like very much!”

That’s not all! There are a few different forms of “no”, all used in mutually exclusive contexts. I still get them confused, and so will save that lesson for some other blog post.

On an unrelated, but equally vital, note: The word “sexy” has a much more innocent connotation here. It merely means that someone looks pretty, well-dressed, well-put-together, or cute. And so, a simple t-shirt and jeans dressed up with some make-up and funky accessories, might elicit, “You look very sexy today! But you’re not going to a party?”

Yes.