MODULE 05

Thai Tone Trainer

Tones are meaning. Same consonants and vowels can become different words when your voice moves.

The 5 Thai Tones

  • Mid (เสียงสามัญ): steady, level voice
  • Low (เสียงเอก): starts mid and drops lower
  • Falling (เสียงโท): starts high and falls
  • High (เสียงตรี): starts higher and stays high
  • Rising (เสียงจัตวา): starts low and rises up

Important: tone marks help, but final tone also depends on consonant class and whether the syllable is open or closed.

Tone Marks You Will See

Mark Thai name Symbol
No mark ไม้สามัญ -
Mai ek ไม้เอก
Mai tho ไม้โท
Mai tri ไม้ตรี
Mai chattawa ไม้จัตวา

Ear Practice

Listen and copy the contour. The goal is to shape the voice clearly, not perfect speed.