noun
Uncommon
wai
weye
Wai (noun) means a traditional Thai greeting made by pressing the palms together, often with a slight bow. Example: “He greeted the monk with a respectful wai.”
noun
1
A traditional Thai greeting made by pressing the palms together, often with a slight bow.
"He greeted the monk with a respectful wai."
How to use wai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite Thai greeting gesture, hands pressed together in front of the chest or face.
Common pairings
give a wai
return a wai
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like wai.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- wais
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He greeted the monk with a respectful _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Thai wâi, a gesture of thanks or greeting.
Rhymes for wai
See all rhymes for wai →Frequently asked questions
What does “wai” mean?
The word “wai” means a traditional Thai greeting made by pressing the palms together, often with a slight bow. In plain terms, a polite Thai greeting gesture, hands pressed together in front of the chest or face.
How do you pronounce “wai”?
“Wai” is pronounced weye (/waɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wai” in a sentence?
Here is “wai” used in a sentence: “He greeted the monk with a respectful wai.”
What part of speech is “wai”?
“Wai” is a noun.
Is “wai” a common word?
“Wai” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include wai:
