Main Translations

English: Dejected

Thai Primary Translation: ท้อแท้ (thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ)

Phonetic: thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ (pronounced with a falling tone on the first syllable and a rising tone on the second, similar to saying "throw-tay" but with Thai intonation).

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ท้อแท้" captures a deep sense of discouragement or hopelessness, often arising from setbacks like personal failures, financial struggles, or unfulfilled expectations. It's more than just sadness—it's an emotional weight that aligns with Buddhist principles of impermanence and suffering (dukkha). Thai people might use this word in daily life during conversations about life's hardships, such as job loss or relationship issues, evoking a sense of resilience rather than defeat. For instance, it's commonly heard in rural areas where farmers face seasonal crop failures, but in urban settings like Bangkok, it might be softened to preserve "face" (a cultural value of maintaining dignity). Secondary translations include "หมดหวัง" (mòt-wǎng, meaning hopeless), which is used interchangeably in more severe contexts, like giving up on a dream.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "ท้อแท้" is frequently used in everyday emotional expressions, reflecting the country's emphasis on community support and emotional endurance. You'll encounter it in personal stories shared over meals or in casual chats, where Thais often mix empathy with encouragement. Regionally, people in bustling Bangkok might express dejection more subtly in professional settings to avoid confrontation, while in rural areas like Chiang Mai, it's openly discussed in relation to agricultural or economic challenges. This word bridges urban and rural divides, highlighting how Thais use language to process emotions without overwhelming social harmony.

Example Sentences

Everyday Conversation

English: After failing the exam, I felt completely dejected and didn't want to leave the house.

Thai: หลังจากสอบตก ฉันรู้สึกท้อแท้มากจนไม่อยากออกจากบ้าน (lǎng jàak sòp dtòk, chăn rûuea-sĕuk thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ mâak jùn mâi yàak òut jàak bâan).

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual talks with friends or family in Thailand, where sharing vulnerabilities can strengthen bonds. Note how "รู้สึกท้อแท้" adds a layer of self-reflection, common in Thai conversations to invite advice or comfort.

Business Context

English: The team was dejected after losing the big client, but we regrouped quickly.

Thai: ทีมงานท้อแท้หลังจากเสียลูกค้าคนสำคัญ แต่เรารวบรวมกำลังใจอย่างรวดเร็ว (dtim-ngaan thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ lǎng jàak sĕe lûuk-khâa khon sǎm-kan, tàe rao ráp-rûm gam-lang jai yàang rùt-dèu).

Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up during a post-pitch debrief, where maintaining optimism is key. Thais often use it to acknowledge setbacks while quickly shifting to solutions, aligning with the cultural norm of "jai yen yen" (keeping a cool heart).

Literary or Media Reference

English: In the novel, the protagonist feels dejected after his village is flooded, symbolizing loss of hope.

Thai: ในนิยาย ผู้แสดงนำรู้สึกท้อแท้หลังจากหมู่บ้านถูกน้ำท่วม แสดงถึงความสูญเสียความหวัง (nai niyǎi, pûu sǎng-ná rûuea-sĕuk thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ lǎng jàak mûu-bâan tûuk nám-tûm, sǎng tôo kwaam sùn-sĭa kwaam wǎng).

Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Kru Khrua" by Sri Burapha, where themes of rural hardship are common. This usage highlights how Thai media often portrays dejection as a path to personal growth, resonating with everyday stories in songs or TV dramas.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• หมดหวัง (mòt-wǎng) - Use this when someone has completely given up, like in situations of chronic failure, as it's more absolute than "ท้อแท้" and often appears in motivational talks to inspire comeback stories.
• เศร้าใจ (sà-gràa-jai) - This is ideal for milder forms of sadness, such as after a disappointing event, and is frequently used in heartfelt conversations to express empathy without overwhelming the listener.

Common Collocations:

• รู้สึกท้อแท้ (rûuea-sĕuk thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ) - Often heard in daily life, like when Thais discuss work stress; for example, "I feel dejected about my job" in a coffee shop chat in Chiang Mai.
• ท้อแท้ใจ (thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ jai) - This collocation emphasizes emotional exhaustion, such as in family discussions about health issues, reflecting Thailand's communal approach to overcoming dejection.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "ท้อแท้" are deeply intertwined with Buddhist teachings, where dejection is seen as a temporary state leading to wisdom and renewal. Historically, it echoes stories from Thai folklore, like those in the Ramakien epic, where heroes face despair but persevere. Socially, Thais might downplay dejection to uphold "kreng jai" (consideration for others), making it a word that's shared in trusted circles rather than public forums. This cultural lens turns "dejected" into a catalyst for community support, such as during festivals like Songkran, where water splashing symbolizes washing away negativity.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ท้อแท้" sparingly in conversations to show cultural sensitivity—Thais appreciate when you're genuine but not overly dramatic. Avoid it in formal settings unless invited, as it might be seen as complaining. Instead, pair it with positive follow-ups, like suggesting a solution, to align with Thai optimism. If you're learning, listen to Thai podcasts or watch dramas to catch its nuances and avoid common misuses, like confusing it with simple sadness.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ท้อแท้" (thɔ̀o-thɛ̂ɛ), think of it as "throw away your hope"—the "thɔ̀o" sounds like "throw," helping you visualize discarding energy during tough times. This visual association ties into Thai resilience, making it easier to recall in real-life scenarios.

Dialect Variations: While "ท้อแท้" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear a softer pronunciation like "thɔ̀o-dtàɛ" with a more drawn-out tone, influenced by Lao dialects. In southern areas, it's used similarly but often with quicker speech patterns, so pay attention to context when traveling.

This entry aims to be a practical resource for anyone exploring English-Thai language dynamics. For more on emotional vocabulary, search for "Thai emotional expressions" or check out related entries on our site. Safe travels and happy learning in Thailand!