Main Translations

English: Database

Thai Primary Translation: ฐานข้อมูล (Thaan khwaam ruu)

Phonetic: Pronounced as "thaan khwaam roo" (with a soft "r" sound, similar to the "r" in "run").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ฐานข้อมูล" is a straightforward, technical term without strong emotional connotations, much like in English. It literally breaks down to "thaan" (base or foundation) and "khwaam ruu" (information or knowledge), emphasizing its role as a foundational tool for storing and managing data. Thai people use this word daily in professional settings, such as IT, education, and government, reflecting Thailand's rapid digital transformation. For instance, it's commonly associated with everyday apps like LINE or government portals, evoking a sense of efficiency and modernity rather than any deep cultural symbolism. In casual conversations, Thais might shorten it to "ฐานข้อมูล" in tech discussions, highlighting its integration into urban life, while rural communities may encounter it through agricultural or health databases promoted by the government.

[Secondary translations are not applicable here, as "database" has a standard, direct equivalent in Thai without significant regional variations.]

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "database" (or ฐานข้อมูล) is most commonly used in professional, educational, and technological contexts, mirroring global trends. In bustling urban centers like Bangkok, it's a staple in business meetings, software development, and e-commerce, where the tech-savvy population relies on it for everything from online banking to social media. Conversely, in more rural areas like Chiang Mai or Isaan, usage might be less frequent but is growing through initiatives like digital farming tools or community health records. This urban-rural divide reflects Thailand's broader digital divide, where city dwellers embrace it for innovation, while rural users see it as a practical tool for improving daily life, such as tracking crop yields.

Example Sentences

Below are a few practical examples showcasing how "database" is used in real-life Thai scenarios. We've selected two relevant ones: an everyday conversation and a business context, as these best capture the word's utility for learners and travelers.

Everyday Conversation

English: I need to update my personal database with the latest contacts.

Thai: ฉันต้องอัปเดตฐานข้อมูลส่วนตัวของฉันด้วยรายชื่อล่าสุด (Chăn dtông àp-dèt thaan khwaam ruu sùn-tùk kǎwng chăn dûy ráb chûem lá-sùt)

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like when you're organizing your phone in Thailand. Thais often use it in a relaxed way during coffee breaks, emphasizing the word's everyday tech relevance—think of it as chatting about your phone's contacts list while sipping a Thai iced tea.

Business Context

English: Our company relies on a secure database to protect customer information.

Thai: บริษัทของเราพึ่งพาฐานข้อมูลที่ปลอดภัยเพื่อปกป้องข้อมูลลูกค้า (Bò-rí-sàt kǎwng rao phûng bpà thaan khwaam ruu tîi bplòd-phai pûeu bpàk-bpong khwaam ruu lûk-khâa)

Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up during discussions on cybersecurity, where Thai professionals prioritize data privacy due to increasing cyber threats. It's a great example of how the term fits into Thailand's growing digital economy, often in formal settings like boardrooms or online conferences.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ข้อมูล (Khwaam ruu) - This is a broader term for "data" and is used when discussing raw information without the structured aspect of a database; it's handy in everyday talks, like saying "I need more data for my project."
• ระบบฐานข้อมูล (Rá-bàp thaan khwaam ruu) - Meaning "database system," this is used in more technical contexts, such as IT support, to refer to the entire setup rather than just the database itself—perfect for describing complex software in Thailand's tech hubs.

Common Collocations:

• จัดการฐานข้อมูล (Jà-nà thaan khwaam ruu) - Literally "manage database," this collocation is common in professional emails or meetings, as in "I'm managing the database for our team," reflecting Thailand's emphasis on efficient data handling in businesses.
• ฐานข้อมูลออนไลน์ (Thaan khwaam ruu on-láyn) - Meaning "online database," it's often heard in educational or e-government contexts, like accessing online records, which ties into Thailand's push for digital services in daily life.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "database" symbolizes the country's leap into the digital age, influenced by historical efforts like the National IT Policy to modernize infrastructure. It's not tied to ancient customs but rather evokes a sense of progress and connectivity, especially post-COVID when online systems became vital for health tracking and e-commerce. Socially, Thais value "sanuk" (fun) even in tech, so discussions about databases might include light-hearted jokes about data overload, blending efficiency with the cultural norm of maintaining a positive vibe.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ฐานข้อมูล" in formal or professional settings to show respect, as Thais appreciate politeness in business. Avoid overusing it in casual talks to prevent sounding too technical—stick to simple phrases if you're a beginner. A common misuse is confusing it with general "data," so clarify when needed to avoid misunderstandings, particularly in mixed-language environments like international conferences in Bangkok.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ฐานข้อมูล," visualize a "base" (thaan) as the foundation of a temple (a common Thai landmark) filled with "knowledge" (khwaam ruu) like scrolls—it's like building a digital Wat (temple) of information, making it easier to recall in Thailand's culturally rich setting.

Dialect Variations: Standard Thai pronunciation is consistent across regions, but in the North like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer "r" sound in "khwaam ruu," while in the South, it could be slightly quicker. These nuances are minor and won't hinder understanding, especially in urban areas where standard Thai dominates.

This entry is designed to be a practical, engaging resource for anyone learning Thai or exploring Thailand. If you're preparing for a trip or work in tech, incorporating these insights will help you communicate more naturally and respectfully. For more entries, search for "Thai-English dictionary tips" online!