The Real Meaning Of Sà-Wàd-Dee

Vocabulary, Definition & Background

Slow Pronunciation

Fast Pronunciation

สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) was introduced into Thai language by พระยาอุปกิตศิลปสาร (Phraya Upakitsilpasan) in B.E. 2485 (A.D. 1942) by considering the term โสตถิ (Sotthi) in Pali or สวัสติ (Svasti) in Sanskrit. สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) is derived from the Sanskrit word สวสฺติ read as สะ-วัด-ติ (Sà-wàd-tì) meaning “May goodness be with you”.

พระยาอุปกิตศิลปสาร (Phraya Upakitsilpasan) then adjusted the pronunciation of the word สวสฺติ read as สะ-วัด-ติ (Sà-wàd-tì) to สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) adjusting the syllable ติ (tì) to ดี (dee) a softer consonant sound and long vowel sound (which is a live sound) so it sounds melodious and pleasant to the ears as well as easier for Thais to pronounce.

He started to use this word for the first time at the Faculty of Arts in Chulalongkorn University when he was a professor there in 2486 (AD. 1943).

Subsequently, the Prime Minister at the time approved the word สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) as a formal greeting word. It was then used instead of former greetings such as สบายดีหรือ : Sà-baai~Dee Rŭee? = (Are you) well? ( สบายดี : Sà-baai~Dee = be well/fine, หรือ : Rŭee? = yes/no question word).

The Royal Institute Dictionary defines the meaning of the word สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) as “goodness, virtue, prosperity and safety”.

สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) is generally used in 4 different situations;

1. Used as a greeting word when you meet someone as in ‘Hello’

2. Used as a parting word as in ‘Good bye’

Vocabulary Notes:

The word สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) is used as a greeting word and at the same time as a blessing. When saying it, Thais would raise both hands, palm against palm, as a symbol of the lotus flower which Thais use to worship Buddha, Dharma, monks and respected elders or people. Both palms at the level of the heart convey that the greeting and blessing is from the heart and mind of the person.

The word สวัสดี (Sà-wàd-dee) is also modified to สวัสดิ (Sà-wàd-dì) or สวัสดิ์ (Sà-wàd). For example;