Signification
Asking for an opinion on food taste
Contexte culturel
In Bangkok, 'Aroi mai' is often shortened in speech to 'Aroi mai?' with a very high pitch on the last syllable, almost sounding like a bird chirp. People often use 'Saep' instead of 'Aroi'. If you use 'Saep bo?' (Is it tasty?) while eating Som Tum, you will immediately win the hearts of the locals. It is polite to ask 'Aroi mai?' to your guests multiple times during a meal. It shows you are attentive to their needs. Southern food is famous for being very spicy. 'Aroi mai' here often implies 'Is it spicy enough for you?'.
The 'Mye' sound
To sound like a local, pronounce 'mai' with a high pitch, like you're surprised.
Don't be too honest
If a Thai person asks you 'Aroi mai?', saying 'Mai aroi' (Not delicious) can be very hurtful. Use 'Kao-jai-yak' (Complex/Hard to understand) as a polite euphemism.
Signification
Asking for an opinion on food taste
The 'Mye' sound
To sound like a local, pronounce 'mai' with a high pitch, like you're surprised.
Don't be too honest
If a Thai person asks you 'Aroi mai?', saying 'Mai aroi' (Not delicious) can be very hurtful. Use 'Kao-jai-yak' (Complex/Hard to understand) as a polite euphemism.
The 'Saep' factor
If you are in an Isan restaurant, use 'Saep mai?' instead. It shows you know the culture.
Watch the body language
If someone says 'Aroi' but is reaching for water constantly, it's probably too spicy!
Teste-toi
Choose the most polite way for a man to ask if the food is delicious.
How do you say 'Is it delicious?' politely?
Adding 'ครับ' (khrap) makes the sentence polite for male speakers.
Complete the sentence to ask if the noodles are delicious.
ก๋วยเตี๋ยว_______ไหม
'อร่อย' is the specific word for delicious.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ส้มตำอร่อยไหมครับ B: ___________
'อร่อยมากครับ' (Very delicious) is the logical answer to 'Is it delicious?'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase would you use with a close friend at a street food stall?
'อร่อยป่ะ' is the most informal and natural for close friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHow do you say 'Is it delicious?' politely?
Adding 'ครับ' (khrap) makes the sentence polite for male speakers.
ก๋วยเตี๋ยว_______ไหม
'อร่อย' is the specific word for delicious.
A: ส้มตำอร่อยไหมครับ B: ___________
'อร่อยมากครับ' (Very delicious) is the logical answer to 'Is it delicious?'.
Which phrase would you use with a close friend at a street food stall?
'อร่อยป่ะ' is the most informal and natural for close friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can use it for coffee, tea, or any flavored drink. Just don't use it for plain water.
'Aroi pa' is very casual, like saying 'Is it good, huh?' to a friend. Use 'Aroi mai' for people you aren't close with.
You can say 'ก็ดีนะ' (Gor dee na) which means 'It's okay/good'.
No, 'Aroi' is strictly for the sense of taste. For a movie, use 'Sanook' (fun).
This is a cute, 'slangy' way of saying 'Aroi mai', often used by teenagers or on social media.
It's not required, but it's a very common social ritual in Thailand to acknowledge the food.
Yes, but they will always say 'Aroi'! It's better to ask 'What is the most aroi dish here?' (Arai aroi tee sut?).
No, Thai doesn't use past tense for this. 'Aroi mai' works for food you just finished too.
'Saep' is the Isan (Northeastern) word for 'Aroi'. It's very popular across Thailand.
You don't really ask that, but you can say 'Aroi kern pai laew!' (Too delicious already!).
Expressions liées
อร่อยมาก
similarVery delicious
กินได้ไหม
specialized formIs it edible? / Can you eat it?
รสชาติเป็นยังไง
similarHow is the taste?
ไม่อร่อย
contrastNot delicious
