Signification
The act of giving money for goods/services.
Contexte culturel
The 'Seniority Rule': Usually, the oldest or most affluent person at the table pays for everyone. Splitting the bill is becoming more common among Gen Z, but don't be surprised if an older Thai colleague refuses to let you pay. PromptPay QR codes are ubiquitous. Even a small fried chicken stall in a remote village will likely have a QR code for you to 'chai ngoen.' It is often preferred over credit cards for small amounts. The concept of 'Face.' Paying for others is a way to show generosity and status. If someone pays for you, it is polite to 'Wai' and say thank you, and perhaps offer to pay the next time. Tipping is not a standard part of 'chai ngoen' in local spots. However, in 'Hi-So' (high society) restaurants, a 10% service charge is often already included in the bill.
The 'Check Bin' Trick
In restaurants, you can just say 'Check bin krap/ka' instead of the full 'Chai ngoen.' It's very natural.
Tones Matter
If you say 'Chai' with a falling tone, it means 'Yes.' Make sure to use the low tone for 'Pay.'
Signification
The act of giving money for goods/services.
The 'Check Bin' Trick
In restaurants, you can just say 'Check bin krap/ka' instead of the full 'Chai ngoen.' It's very natural.
Tones Matter
If you say 'Chai' with a falling tone, it means 'Yes.' Make sure to use the low tone for 'Pay.'
QR is King
Download a Thai banking app if you stay long-term. 'Skaen chai' (Scan to pay) is faster than counting coins.
The Fake Fight
It's common to see Thais 'fighting' over who gets to pay. It's a sign of friendship and respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I already paid.'
ฉัน____เงินแล้ว
'จ่าย' (Chai) is the verb for pay. 'กิน' is eat, 'ไป' is go, 'ดู' is watch.
Which sentence is correct for 'Can I pay in cash?'
Which one is correct?
'เงินสด' (ngoen-sod) means cash. The others are incorrect literal translations from English.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทั้งหมด 200 บาทค่ะ B: ___________ (I will pay via app.)
'ผ่านแอป' (parn app) means through the app, which matches the instruction.
Match the phrase to the situation: 'ชำระเงินที่เคาน์เตอร์ 1'
Where would you see this sign?
'ชำระเงิน' is formal and usually found in professional or official settings like hospitals or banks.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Chai vs. Chum-ra
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesฉัน____เงินแล้ว
'จ่าย' (Chai) is the verb for pay. 'กิน' is eat, 'ไป' is go, 'ดู' is watch.
Which one is correct?
'เงินสด' (ngoen-sod) means cash. The others are incorrect literal translations from English.
A: ทั้งหมด 200 บาทค่ะ B: ___________ (I will pay via app.)
'ผ่านแอป' (parn app) means through the app, which matches the instruction.
Where would you see this sign?
'ชำระเงิน' is formal and usually found in professional or official settings like hospitals or banks.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, in context (like at a market), just saying 'Chai' is perfectly fine and very common.
Yes, it's neutral. Adding 'krap' or 'ka' at the end makes it polite.
Say 'Deaw chan chai hai' (I'll pay for you).
Yes, 'Chai ngoen parn bat' (Pay via card).
Yes, 'Pay' (เปย์) is used when someone spends a lot of money on someone else.
Say 'Kep ngoen duay' or 'Check bin duay.'
Yes, 'Chai par-see' (Pay taxes).
'Chai' is everyday; 'Chum-ra' is for bills, banks, and formal documents.
Because silver was the currency of Thailand for hundreds of years before paper money.
Yes, especially among students or young professionals. Use the word 'Harn' (divide).
In street food, usually after. In food courts, you pay for a card first.
Mai yak chai ngoen (but be careful, it sounds a bit rude!).
Expressions liées
ทอนเงิน
builds onTo give change
เก็บเงิน
similarTo collect money / To save money
เงินทอน
relatedThe change (noun)
ค่า...
specialized formThe cost of...
เช็คบิล
synonymCheck, please!
