สบายดีค่ะ

Meaning

This phrase means 'I'm fine' or 'I am well'. It's a common and polite response when someone asks how you are doing.

Usage and formality

This phrase is polite and suitable for most everyday situations. The particle ค่ะ (khâ) indicates that the speaker is female and adds a polite tone. It can be used in both casual and more formal settings when speaking to someone you don't know very well or someone older/of higher status.

Pronunciation

The phrase is pronounced sa-bai-dee-khâ.

• sa: like the 'su' in 'sun'
• bai: like the English word 'buy'
• dee: like the English word 'dee'
• khâ: a short, falling tone, similar to the sound of clearing your throat gently. The 'kh' sound is aspirated (a puff of air).

Grammar

Thai often omits subjects when they are understood from context. In this case, 'I' is implied. The structure is essentially 'well-being' + polite particle.

Speaker style

The ending particle ค่ะ (khâ) signifies that the speaker is female. A male speaker would use ครับ (khráp) instead, resulting in สบายดีครับ (sa-bai-dii-khráp).