Thai language courses always tell you to ask for something using cor...krap but Thais always say ow...krap. I believe the former is more polite but is it so polite that almost no one says it, like the difference between may I have and can I have?

Thai language courses always tell you to ask for something using cor...krap but Thais always say ow...krap. I believe the former is more polite but is it so polite that almost no one says it, like the difference between may I have and can I have?

It depends on your 'relationship' with the person you are dealing with, if you think of 'ow' as take, it is an order. If not ordering then use Ko requesting. It is more like the difference between may I have and give me. In relationships you start with ko move to ow then use ko for a joke then use either to send a signal. Just like any language.

Thai language courses always tell you to ask for something using cor...krap but Thais always say ow...krap. I believe the former is more polite but is it so polite that almost no one says it, like the difference between may I have and can I have?

It depends on your 'relationship' with the person you are dealing with, if you think of 'ow' as take, it is an order. If not ordering then use Ko requesting. It is more like the difference between may I have and give me. In relationships you start with ko move to ow then use ko for a joke then use either to send a signal. Just like any language.

Dear Edwardandtubs,

The word cor or kor "in Thai = ขอ" It's more polite, mostly peopel use "kor" for something that they want so much.

And for the word ow or ao "in Thai = เอา the meaning is the same as "ow, ao" = to get something, but this word is common use in Thai people especially when ordering the food or buy something for example "ao pad thai" = one pad thai, "ao beer" =one beer

Nice Days,

Kroo Ae

I was taught to use "เอา" (ow or ao) for something that has been offered or that is for sale, and to use "ขอ" (kor or koh) when requesting something that has not been offered, neither implied as available for sale, nor implicitly by the other person.

Ordering off a menu in a restaurant I'd use "ow", but asking the waiter for a tissue I'd use "kor".

If the host, at a party or in a home, offers a drink or food, I might respond with "ow" or "mai ow".

If I ask for a glass of water, I'd use "kor". Note that this situation is highly unlikely, since most hosts would've already offered a drink when I walked in, unless I am unwelcome.

Not being known as the most polite thai speaking foreigner in the glorious "Land 'O Thais"; I rarely "ขอ", mostly I "เอา", and sometimes I have even been known to "อยาก".

In my experience I've found buying into the superficial politeness this language has "built in" can sometimes be counter productive to actually achieving the desired results.

(you mileage may vary, some restrictions apply, void where prohibited by law)