Small wordsYes/no question word in Thai
“Yes/no question word” in Thai is ไหมmǎi; you'll also hear มั้ยmái (chat spelling).
ไหม mǎi
question word: turns a sentence into a yes/no question question word
- mǎi rising
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
Spelled with a rising tone but usually said high, which is why chats spell it มั้ยmái.
มั้ย mái
yes/no question word (the everyday spelling and sound of ไหม) particle chat spelling
- mái high
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
Taught in Unit 1 · Lesson 1: Hello! of the free course.
Practise it freeOther spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- mhai
More small words in Thai
All small words
Learn this word in Unit 1, free
Unit 1 · Hello, Thailand · Hello! Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones