Signification
Stating that you feel unwell.
Contexte culturel
When you say 'mai sabaai,' Thais will almost always ask 'Bpen arai?' (What's wrong?). It's not intrusive; it's a sign of care. Using 'mai sabaai' is a standard way to request sick leave. It is often accepted without a doctor's note for a single day. Many Thais believe 'mai sabaai' is caused by an imbalance of 'wind' (lom) or 'heat' in the body. Posting about being 'mai sabaai' is a common way to seek social support and 'get well' wishes.
The 'Warm Water' Rule
If you tell a Thai person you are 'mai sabaai,' they will tell you to drink warm water. Just say 'khop khun khrap/kha' and nod!
No 'To Be'
Never say 'pen mai sabaai.' It's the #1 giveaway that you are a beginner translating from English.
Signification
Stating that you feel unwell.
The 'Warm Water' Rule
If you tell a Thai person you are 'mai sabaai,' they will tell you to drink warm water. Just say 'khop khun khrap/kha' and nod!
No 'To Be'
Never say 'pen mai sabaai.' It's the #1 giveaway that you are a beginner translating from English.
Softening the Blow
Use 'mai koi sabaai' (not quite well) to sound more humble and less like you are complaining.
Politeness Particles
Always end with 'khrap' or 'kha' when reporting illness to someone you don't know well; it makes you sound more sympathetic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I (male) am not well.'
ผม____สบายครับ
The word 'mai' (ไม่) is used to negate 'sabaai' to mean sick.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am sick'?
Thai does not use a 'to be' verb (pen/khue) with 'mai sabaai'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are feeling sad and worried.
'Mai sabaai jai' is for emotional/mental distress, while 'mai sabaai' is for physical illness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทำไมไม่ไปทำงาน? (Why aren't you going to work?) B: ________
Being sick is a valid reason for not going to work.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesผม____สบายครับ
The word 'mai' (ไม่) is used to negate 'sabaai' to mean sick.
How do you say 'I am sick'?
Thai does not use a 'to be' verb (pen/khue) with 'mai sabaai'.
You are feeling sad and worried.
'Mai sabaai jai' is for emotional/mental distress, while 'mai sabaai' is for physical illness.
A: ทำไมไม่ไปทำงาน? (Why aren't you going to work?) B: ________
Being sick is a valid reason for not going to work.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsNo, you should use 'mai sabaai jai' or 'khriat' (stressed). 'Mai sabaai' is strictly physical.
Yes, as long as you add 'khrap' or 'kha' at the end.
'Mai sabaai' is general and common; 'puaay' is formal and often implies a more serious condition.
Yes, it covers everything from a slight headache to the flu.
You can say 'ดีขึ้นแล้ว' (dee kuen laeo).
In Thai, you can often drop the pronoun if the context is clear. Just 'mai sabaai khrap' is perfectly fine.
Expressions liées
ป่วย
synonymTo be sick (more formal)
ไม่สบายใจ
similarTo be worried or unhappy
เป็นไข้
specialized formTo have a fever
สำออย
contrastTo fake being sick for attention
หายไวๆ
builds onGet well soon
