Main Translations

English: Brittle

Thai Primary Translation: เปราะ (prao) Phonetic: prao (pronounced with a short, rising tone, like "pro" in English but with a softer 'r' sound) Explanation: In Thai, "เปราะ" is a versatile word that goes beyond just physical fragility—it's often used to describe items that break easily, like glass or dry snacks, but it can also carry emotional weight. For instance, Thais might use it metaphorically to talk about a "brittle" relationship or a sensitive person, evoking ideas of vulnerability. This ties into Thai cultural values influenced by Buddhism, where life is seen as impermanent and delicate, so "เปราะ" can sometimes imply a gentle warning or empathy rather than criticism. In daily life, you'll hear it in casual chats about food (e.g., a crispy rice cracker) or in practical scenarios like checking tools. Unlike in English, where "brittle" might sound neutral or negative, Thai speakers often soften it with polite particles like "นะ" (na) to maintain harmony in conversations. Secondary Translations: If you're referring to something that's both brittle and thin, you might use "เปราะบาง" (prao bang), which emphasizes extreme fragility. This is common in contexts like describing fabrics or emotions, adding a layer of nuance for more poetic or precise expression.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "เปราะ" is a everyday word that's woven into both urban and rural life, reflecting the country's blend of tradition and modernity. You'll encounter it most in discussions about materials, food, or personal traits—such as in Bangkok's bustling markets when vendors describe fragile handicrafts, or in rural Chiang Mai when farmers talk about tools that break under strain. Urban areas like Bangkok might use it in technical or business settings, often with more formal language, while rural communities in the north or northeast could pair it with local dialects for a folksier feel, emphasizing practical survival in a tropical environment where humidity can make things more prone to breaking.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, we've selected three relevant scenarios for "brittle," focusing on everyday life, business, and cultural references. These examples show how the word adapts to real Thai contexts, helping you practice naturally.

Everyday Conversation

English: This biscuit is so brittle; it crumbles as soon as I touch it. Thai: บิสกิตตัวนี้เปราะมากเลย มันแตกเป็นชิ้นๆ ทันทีที่จับ (Bis-kit tân nî prao mâak loei, man dtàk bpen chîn chîn tân-thîi thîi jàp) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like sharing snacks with friends in a Thai coffee shop. Thais often add words like "เลย" (loei) for emphasis, making it sound friendly and relatable—it's a great way to bond over food while practicing your Thai.

Business Context

English: The material we used for the prototype is too brittle and might crack during shipping. Thai: วัสดุที่เราใช้สำหรับโปรโตไทป์นั้นเปราะเกินไป อาจแตกได้ตอนขนส่ง (Wát-sú thîi rao chai sāng hām pro-to-type nan prao gèn bpai, àat dtàk dâi dtôn khon-sòng) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps in a tech firm discussing product quality. Thais value politeness in professional settings, so pair it with a smile or follow-up like "เราควรปรับปรุงนะ" (rao khuan jàp pàn ná) meaning "We should improve it," to keep the conversation collaborative and avoid seeming critical.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In the story, the old vase represents a brittle memory that shatters with time. Thai: ในเรื่องนี้ กระถางโบราณเปรียบเสมือนความทรงจำที่เปราะและแตกสลายไปตามเวลา (Nai rûeng nî krà-thaang bo-raan bpèp sǔa meùn khwaam sàng jam thîi prao làe dtàk sà-laai bpai tôm wē-lā) Source: This draws from Thai literature, like themes in works by authors such as Sidaoruang, where fragility symbolizes impermanence—a core Buddhist idea. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, "เปราะ" often appears in emotional scenes, helping viewers connect on a deeper level.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เปราะบาง (prao bang) - Use this when something is not just brittle but also delicate, like fine china or a fragile ego; it's common in artistic or emotional discussions to add a poetic touch.
• กรอบ (gràp) - This is more about being crispy or brittle in a positive way, especially with food; Thais often say it for snacks like fried insects in street markets, where it's less about breaking and more about texture.

Common Collocations:

• เปราะหักง่าย (prao hàk ngâi) - Literally "brittle and easy to break," you'd hear this in Thailand when talking about everyday items like phone screens; for example, "โทรศัพท์สมัยนี้เปราะหักง่าย" (phone nowadays are brittle and break easily), a common complaint in urban repair shops.
• เปราะทนทาน (prao dton-taan) - Meaning "brittle but enduring," this ironic collocation is used in rural contexts, like describing handmade tools that hold up despite their fragility, reflecting Thai resilience in farming communities.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the concept of "brittle" resonates deeply with Buddhist teachings on anicca (impermanence), where everything is seen as temporary and fragile—like a flower that wilts or a relationship that fades. Historically, this idea influenced Thai art and architecture, such as the delicate patterns in Ayutthaya-era ceramics, which were designed to evoke life's brittleness. Socially, Thais might avoid directly labeling something or someone as "เปราะ" to prevent loss of face, instead using it indirectly in stories or proverbs to discuss vulnerability. For instance, in festivals like Songkran, fragile water lanterns symbolize life's fleeting nature, making "brittle" a subtle reminder of mindfulness. Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, use "เปราะ" sparingly in personal contexts to avoid unintended offense—Thais prioritize harmony, so frame it positively, like suggesting a solution. In social settings, listen for tone; if someone describes an object as brittle, they might be hinting at deeper emotional undercurrents. A common misuse to avoid is overusing it for people, as it could come across as insensitive—opt for gentler phrases instead.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เปราะ" (prao), think of it as sounding like "pro" in "professional," but imagine a pro athlete who's tough yet has a fragile spot—like a glass trophy. This visual link ties into Thai culture's emphasis on balance, helping you recall both the word and its nuances during conversations. Dialect Variations: While "เปราะ" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation can vary slightly by region. In the Isan (northeastern) dialect, it might sound more like "prɔ̀" with a flatter tone, often used in rural talks about brittle crops. In southern areas, it's similar but spoken faster, so if you're traveling, pay attention to local accents to adapt and connect better with locals.