Polite in Thai

“Polite” in Thai is สุภาพsù-pâap; you'll also hear มีมารยาทmii maa-rá-yâat (well-mannered).

สุภาพ sù-pâap

polite, courteous adjective

sù low
pâap falling

Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”

มีมารยาท mii maa-rá-yâat

well-mannered (literally 'to have manners') adjective

mii mid
maa mid
rá high
yâat falling

High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”

How to use it

สุภาพsù-pâap is polite in speech and in dress: temples and offices ask for สุภาพsù-pâap clothes, which means covered shoulders and knees. Manners are มารยาทmaa-rá-yâat, and a well-brought-up person มีมารยาทmii maa-rá-yâat. In Thai, politeness lives in small words: ครับkráp and ค่ะkâ, a softening นะná, and the right title for the person in front of you.