Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "dilution" refers to the process of making something less concentrated, such as in science, business, or everyday life. This word often carries connotations of reducing strength or purity, which can evoke ideas of balance or compromise in Thai culture.

Thai Primary Translation: การเจือจาง (gaan jeua jang) Phonetic: Gaan jeua jang (pronounced with a soft "j" sound like in "jungle", and emphasis on the first syllable for a natural flow in spoken Thai). Explanation: In Thai, "การเจือจาง" is commonly used in scientific and daily contexts to describe diluting liquids, like mixing water into a strong drink or solution. Emotionally, it can imply a sense of moderation or dilution of intensity, which aligns with Thai cultural values of "mai pen rai" (never mind, or going with the flow). For instance, Thais might use this term when talking about diluting herbal remedies in traditional medicine, evoking a nurturing, harmonious vibe rather than something negative. In daily life, it's heard in kitchens, labs, or even metaphorically in conversations about relationships—such as diluting strong emotions to maintain social harmony. Unlike in English, where it might sound purely technical, Thai speakers often infuse it with a subtle philosophical undertone, reflecting Buddhist influences on balance and impermanence.

No secondary translations are necessary here, as "การเจือจาง" is the most direct and versatile equivalent for "dilution" in standard Thai.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "dilution" (or its Thai equivalent) is most commonly encountered in practical scenarios like chemistry, cooking, and business. Urban areas like Bangkok use it in professional settings, such as corporate meetings discussing stock dilution in investments, reflecting the fast-paced economic scene. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might apply it more casually, such as diluting pesticides in agriculture or mixing ingredients in traditional recipes, emphasizing sustainability and natural harmony. Overall, the word highlights Thailand's blend of modern and traditional lifestyles, with slight regional variations in pronunciation—e.g., a more drawn-out vowel in the North for a folksier feel.

Example Sentences

Here are a few natural examples of "dilution" in context, selected based on its relevance in everyday Thai life. I've focused on scenarios that are practical for learners, including conversational and business uses to show its versatility.

Everyday Conversation

English: I always add water to dilute the fruit juice so it's not too sweet. Thai: ฉันมักจะเติมน้ำเพื่อเจือจางน้ำผลไม้ให้ไม่หวานเกินไป (Chăn mak ja dtem nám pêu jeua jang nám plàl mâi wǎan geun bpai). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like at a family meal. In Thailand, diluting drinks is a common practice to promote balance and health, and it might come up during a relaxed gathering at a street food stall in Bangkok, where people prioritize flavors that align with local tastes.

Business Context

English: The company's recent funding round caused a dilution of shares, affecting investor control. Thai: การระดมทุนรอบล่าสุดทำให้เกิดการเจือจางหุ้น ส่งผลต่อการควบคุมของนักลงทุน (Gaan radom tûn róp lá-sùt tam hǎi gèrt gaan jeua jang hûn sòng phal tôr gaan khûap khum khǎwng nák long tûn). Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps during a startup pitch at a co-working space. Thais often use such terms to discuss economic strategies, but with a polite, indirect style to avoid confrontation, reflecting cultural norms of saving face.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Could you dilute this chili sauce for me? It's too spicy for foreigners like me. Thai: คุณช่วยเจือจางซอสพริกให้หน่อยได้ไหมครับ/ค่ะ มันเผ็ดเกินไปสำหรับคนต่างชาติอย่างผม/ฉัน (Khun chûai jeua jang sòt prík hâi nà̀y dâi măi khráp/kâ? Man pèt geun bpai sǎm ráb khon dtàang cháat yàang phŏm/chăn). Travel Tip: When dining in Thailand, especially in spicy food hubs like Chiang Mai, asking for dilution shows respect for local customs. Thais appreciate when visitors adapt to flavors, so this phrase can lead to friendlier interactions—maybe even a complimentary side dish. Remember to use "khráp" (for men) or "kâ" (for women) to sound polite and culturally attuned.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• การลดความเข้มข้น (gaan lót khwaam khem khûn) - Use this when emphasizing a gradual weakening, like in cooking or medicine; it's more precise for processes involving slow dilution, common in Thai herbal practices.
• การผสมเจือ (gaan phŏm jeua) - This is ideal for mixing contexts, such as blending colors or flavors, and often pops up in artistic or culinary discussions in Thailand, where harmony is key.

Common Collocations:

• การเจือจางน้ำ (gaan jeua jang nám) - Literally "dilution of water," used in everyday scenarios like preparing drinks; for example, in Thai households, it's a go-to phrase for making iced tea less intense during hot weather.
• การเจือจางสารเคมี (gaan jeua jang sǎan kà-mee) - Meaning "chemical dilution," this is common in labs or factories, such as in Thailand's growing biotech industry, where safety and precision are emphasized.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "dilution" symbolizes the cultural ideal of balance, rooted in Buddhist principles of moderation. Historically, it ties into traditional Thai medicine, where herbs are diluted to avoid overpowering effects, reflecting a philosophy of "sanuk" (fun and ease) over extremes. Socially, it's associated with community events like Songkran, where water (a natural diluent) is used in festivals to "wash away" the old year, promoting renewal without intensity. Interestingly, in rural areas, dilution might evoke agricultural wisdom, like diluting fertilizers for sustainable farming, contrasting with urban Bangkok's focus on it in tech and finance. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "การเจือจาง" sparingly in formal settings to show respect, as Thais value humility. Avoid overusing it in casual talk to prevent sounding too technical—opt for simpler phrases if you're unsure. A common pitfall is misinterpreting it as purely negative; in Thailand, it's often positive, like diluting strong flavors for inclusivity. If in doubt, pair it with a smile and context to align with the "mai pen rai" attitude.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "การเจือจาง," think of it as "gaan" (like "gone") + "jeua jang" (imagine "juice jang" as watering down juice). Visualize a Thai street vendor diluting a sweet drink on a hot day—it's a vivid cultural connection that ties pronunciation to everyday scenes, making it stick for travelers. Dialect Variations: While standard Thai uses "การเจือจาง," in Northern dialects like those in Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, such as "gaan jeua jaang" with a elongated vowel, reflecting the region's more relaxed speech patterns. In the South, it could be quicker and clipped, so adapt based on your location for a more authentic feel.