Speaking: Interactive Communication A1 - Lesson 5: Using "Please" and "Thank you"

Speaking: Interactive Communication A1 - Lesson 5

Using "Please" and "Thank you"

By the end of this lesson, you will know when and how to use the polite words "please" and "thank you" in everyday situations.

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Polite Conversation Examples

"Please" and "thank you" are like magic words in English. Using them shows respect and makes interactions smooth and friendly.

Situation 1: Ordering at a Café

You: Hello. One iced coffee, please.¹

Staff: Okay. Here you are.

You: Thank you.²

Situation 2: Asking for Help

You: Excuse me, teacher. Can you help me, please?

Teacher: Of course. What's the problem?

You: I don't understand this word.

Teacher: I see. This word means...

You: Ah, okay. Thank you very much.³

Teacher: You're welcome.⁴

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Key Politeness Phrases

1. Please (Adverb) | សូម | The magic word for making a polite request. ↩
2. Thank you. / Thanks. (Phrase) | អរគុណ | The magic word to show you are grateful for something. "Thanks" is more informal. ↩
3. Thank you very much. (Phrase) | អរគុណច្រើន | A stronger, more formal way to say thank you. ↩
4. You're welcome. (Phrase) | មិនអីទេ | The standard, polite reply to "thank you". ↩
5. No problem. / It's okay. (Phrase) | គ្មាន​បញ្ហា / មិនអីទេ | Common, informal replies to "thank you". ↩

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record_voice_over The Sound of Politeness

How you say these words matters. Use a warm, friendly tone.

• Please: This word has a long 'ee' sound and ends with a 'z' sound. Listen: pl-ee-z.
• Thank you: Remember the soft, voiceless 'th' sound (/θ/) at the beginning. It's not 't'ank you. Listen: THank you.
• Intonation: Polite phrases usually have a falling intonation at the end. It sounds sincere. Listen: Thank you. ↘ ... You're welcome. ↘

lightbulb When to Use "Please" and "Thank you"

Rule 1: Use PLEASE when you ASK for something.

Use it when you make a request. It can go at the end (most common) or the beginning.

• "One ticket to Phnom Penh, please."
• "Please pass me the water."

Rule 2: Use THANK YOU when you RECEIVE something.

Use it when someone gives you something, helps you, or says something nice.

• When someone gives you your coffee -> "Thank you."
• When someone holds the door open for you -> "Thank you."
• When someone says "I like your shirt!" -> "Oh, thank you."

Rule 3: How to Reply to "Thank you".

• Standard / Formal: "You're welcome."
• Informal / Friendly: "No problem.⁵" or "It's okay."

sports_esports Practice Being Polite

Activity 1: What Do You Say?

For each situation, what is the polite thing to say?

1. You want to buy a bottle of water. You say: "One bottle of water, ______." (Answer: please)
2. The driver of your tuk-tuk gives you your change. You say: "______." (Answer: Thank you)
3. You help a friend with their homework. They say "Thank you very much!". You say: "______." (Answer: You're welcome. / No problem.)

Activity 2: Role-Play at a Restaurant

Work with a partner. One person is the customer, one is the staff. The customer should order one food item and one drink, using "please". The staff should bring the items. The customer must say "thank you". Then, switch roles.

task Your Politeness Mission

This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to use these magic words as much as possible.

1. Say "please" at least three times when you ask for something.
2. Say "thank you" at least five times when you receive something or someone helps you.

Notice how it makes communication feel more friendly and respectful.