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

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 notes

In plain EnglishA polite Thai greeting gesture, hands pressed together in front of the chest or face.

Common pairings

give a wai return a wai

Word forms

wais plural

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He greeted the monk with a respectful _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Thai wâi, a gesture of thanks or greeting.

Rhymes for wai

ai bai hai sai kai tai dai lai rai Mai nai Vai

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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.

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