Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "bewray" is an old-fashioned word that evokes a sense of uncovering secrets or exposing truths, often with a hint of betrayal. It's not a direct part of everyday Thai vocabulary, but we can translate it effectively based on context.

English: Bewray
Thai Primary Translation: เปิดเผย (bpai pha loei)
Phonetic: bpai pha loei (pronounced with a rising tone on "bpai" and a falling tone on "pha loei")
Explanation: In Thai culture, เปิดเผย is commonly used to mean "to reveal" or "to disclose," but it carries nuanced emotional connotations depending on the situation. For instance, it can imply a breach of trust if it involves personal secrets, which aligns with the original sense of "bewray." Thai people often use this word in daily life during conversations about gossip, news, or confessions, but it's tempered by the cultural emphasis on "saving face" (known as kreng jai in Thai). Revealing information too bluntly might be seen as rude or disruptive to social harmony, so it's frequently softened with polite language or context. In urban settings like Bangkok, เปิดเผย might appear in media discussions about scandals, while in rural areas, it could relate to community stories or folklore, evoking a sense of caution about sharing too much.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, alternatives include ทรยศ (sa yot, meaning "to betray") for a more negative connotation, or แสดงออก (sa daang aawk, meaning "to express or show"). These are used when "bewray" implies deception or emotional exposure.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, words like เปิดเผย are versatile and appear in various scenarios, from casual chats to formal settings. They often highlight the tension between truth and discretion, reflecting Thailand's collectivist culture where maintaining relationships is key. In bustling Bangkok, you might hear it in urban conversations about social media leaks or business ethics. In contrast, in more traditional areas like Chiang Mai, the concept is expressed more subtly, perhaps through storytelling or proverbs, emphasizing community bonds over outright revelation. This word isn't everyday slang but can enrich language learning for travelers navigating Thai social dynamics.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "bewray" in action, translated into Thai. I've selected scenarios that best capture its essence—focusing on everyday life, literary references, and travel contexts—to make this entry useful for real-world application.

Everyday Conversation

English: She didn't mean to bewray the surprise party plans to her friend.
Thai: เธอไม่ได้ตั้งใจเปิดเผยแผนปาร์ตี้เซอร์ไพรส์ให้เพื่อนรู้. (Ther ma dai dtâng jai bpai pha loei plan paati seup phrise hai peuan roo.)
Brief Notes: This sentence shows how "bewray" can slip into casual talk, like accidentally spilling a secret during a chat. In Thailand, such slip-ups are common in close-knit groups, but Thais might follow up with an apology to preserve harmony—think of it as a light-hearted "oops" moment over Thai tea.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character's actions bewrayed his true intentions in the story.
Thai: การกระทำของตัวละครเปิดเผยเจตนาจริงของเขาในเรื่อง. (Gaan kra tham khong dtua la korn bpai pha loei jeht na jing khong kao nai reuang.)
Source: Inspired by Thai literature like the works of Sidaoruang, where themes of hidden motives are common in folktales. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this word's essence pops up in plot twists, reminding viewers of the cultural value placed on subtlety and indirect communication.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: I accidentally bewrayed our travel itinerary to the wrong person.
Thai: ฉันเผลอเปิดเผยแผนการเดินทางของเรากับคนผิด. (Chan phlue bpai pha loei plan gam deun thang khong rao gap khon phit.)
Travel Tip: When traveling in Thailand, be mindful of sharing plans—Thais are incredibly hospitable, but oversharing can lead to unwanted attention. Use this phrase if you make a mistake, and pair it with a smile or a wai (the traditional Thai greeting) to keep things friendly, especially in tourist spots like Phuket.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ทรยศ (sa yot) - Use this when "bewray" involves betrayal, like in personal relationships; it's more intense and often appears in dramatic contexts, such as Thai soap operas.
• แสดงออก (sa daang aawk) - A milder option for revealing emotions or thoughts, common in everyday Thai interactions where people prefer indirect expression to avoid conflict.

Common Collocations:

• เปิดเผยความลับ (bpai pha loei khwam lap) - Literally "reveal a secret," often used in Thai gossip or news, like in a Bangkok coffee shop chat about local scandals.
• เปิดเผยความจริง (bpai pha loei khwam jing) - Meaning "reveal the truth," this is popular in formal settings, such as Thai courtrooms or media reports, highlighting the quest for honesty in a culture that values peace.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the idea of "bewraying" something ties into the broader concept of sanuk (fun and harmony) versus potential conflict. Historically, Thai society has drawn from Buddhist principles, where revealing truths can be seen as a path to enlightenment but also as a risk to social balance. For example, in traditional Thai festivals like Songkran, people might "bewray" playful secrets through water fights, symbolizing renewal without malice. Interestingly, this word's nuances reflect how Thais use language to navigate hierarchy—revealing information to a superior might require extra politeness to avoid offense. Practical Advice: For foreigners, it's wise to use translations like เปิดเผย sparingly and always in context. Avoid it in sensitive situations, such as family gatherings, where it could embarrass someone. Instead, opt for euphemisms and observe local cues; if in doubt, ask a Thai friend for guidance to ensure your words align with the warm, non-confrontational Thai communication style.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "bewray," think of it as "be wary" of what you say—link it to Thai culture by imagining a scenario where you accidentally reveal a secret during a street food chat in Bangkok. The word's old English vibe pairs well with Thailand's rich storytelling traditions, making it easier to recall through visual associations like hidden temple treasures. Dialect Variations: While เปิดเผย is standard across Thailand, pronunciation might soften in southern dialects (e.g., more drawn-out vowels) or become more clipped in the North, like in Chiang Mai. If you're learning Thai, listening to regional podcasts can help you adapt and sound more natural.