How to ask where are you from in Thai

The tone on every syllable

Thai has five tones, and each syllable carries one. Here's the shape your voice makes on each part of มาจากไหน. The dotted line is your normal speaking pitch.

Getting it right

• maa is mid and level.
• jàak is low: keep it below your normal pitch.
• nǎi is rising: start low and climb, like a question in English.

When to use it

• Word for word it's “come from where”. You'll be asked it constantly in Thailand.
• Add คุณ (khun) at the front to say “you”, and ครับ or คะ at the end to be polite.

Check your tones

Reading the tone is one thing; saying it is another. In Ravela's Pronunciation Lab you say มาจากไหน and see your pitch drawn over a native line, with notes on what to change. It's free to start, no card needed.

Practise มาจากไหน free Try the no-signup tone test

Questions people ask

How do I answer where are you from in Thai?

มาจาก (maa jàak) and then your country, for example มาจากอังกฤษ for England.

What tones are in มาจากไหน?

Mid, low, rising.

More Thai phrases

hello · thank you · sorry / excuse me · how are you? · delicious · how much? · beautiful · yes / no · where's the toilet? · excuse me · I love you · good night · what's your name? · I don't understand · khráp and khâ · the bill, please

The audio is Ravela's reference voice. Romanisation follows Ravela's house style, with the tone marked on every syllable.