Main Translations

English: Dipsomania

Thai Primary Translation: โรคพิษสุรา (Rôhk pìt sù-rá)

Phonetic: Rôhk pìt sù-rá (pronounced with a rising tone on "pìt" and a falling tone on "sù-rá," making it sound fluid and emphatic in conversation).

Explanation: In Thai culture, "โรคพิษสุรา" is often used to describe chronic alcoholism or an addiction to alcohol, much like the historical English term "dipsomania." This word carries a serious and somewhat stigmatized connotation, evoking emotions of concern, pity, or urgency due to its association with health crises and social issues. Thai people might use it in daily life when discussing family members struggling with drinking problems, such as in community health talks or casual conversations about well-being. For instance, it's commonly linked to cultural events where alcohol is prevalent, like festivals, but it highlights the darker side—emphasizing the need for intervention rather than judgment. Unlike in English, where "dipsomania" is outdated and rarely used outside medical texts, Thai speakers might opt for this term in formal or educational settings to underscore the compulsive nature of the addiction, reflecting a cultural emphasis on holistic health and family support.

Secondary Translations: While "โรคพิษสุรา" is the primary equivalent, you might also hear "การเสพติดสุรา" (Gaan sèp dtìd sù-rá), which means "alcohol addiction" and is more general. This variant is used in modern psychological contexts, like therapy sessions, to focus on treatment and recovery without the historical baggage of "dipsomania."

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "โรคพิษสุรา" is typically discussed in health-related scenarios, such as medical consultations, public health campaigns, or family discussions about excessive drinking. It's not a word thrown around lightly in everyday chit-chat due to its sensitive nature, but it's more common in urban areas like Bangkok, where fast-paced lifestyles and access to alcohol can exacerbate issues. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express similar concepts through storytelling or community gatherings, using softer language to avoid stigma—perhaps framing it as "ดื่มมากเกินไป" (deum mâak geeon bpai, meaning "drinking too much") to maintain social harmony. Overall, this term highlights Thailand's growing awareness of alcohol-related problems, influenced by both traditional customs and modern influences like tourism.

Example Sentences

Below, I've selected three relevant scenarios to illustrate how "โรคพิษสุรา" might appear in real life. These examples focus on everyday use, a literary reference, and a practical travel context, keeping things authentic and applicable for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: I'm worried about Uncle; he might be dealing with dipsomania and needs help.

Thai: ฉันกังวลเรื่องลุง เค้าอาจจะเป็นโรคพิษสุราและต้องการความช่วยเหลือ (Chăn gang-wn reuang lung, káo àj ja bpen rôhk pìt sù-rá láe dtông gaan keung-leuua).

Brief Notes: This sentence feels natural in a family setting, like during a meal in Bangkok, where Thais often prioritize emotional support. Use it to show concern without blame, as Thai culture values harmony—perhaps follow up with an offer to seek counseling together for a compassionate touch.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The novel explores the protagonist's battle with dipsomania, showing how it tears apart his family.

Thai: เรื่องราวในนิยายสำรวจการต่อสู้ของตัวเอกกับโรคพิษสุรา ซึ่งทำลายครอบครัวของเขา (Reuang ráw nai niyai sǎm-rùet gaan dtàw sùu kǎng túa èk gàp rôhk pìt sù-rá, sùng tam lai khróp khrua kǎng káo).

Source: Inspired by Thai literature like works from authors such as Chart Korbjitti, who often depict social issues in rural settings. In media, this phrase might appear in Thai dramas or news segments, emphasizing the emotional toll and encouraging viewers to seek help, which aligns with Thailand's community-oriented approach to mental health.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: As a tourist, I learned about dipsomania and how it affects local communities here in Thailand.

Thai: ในฐานะนักท่องเที่ยว ฉันได้เรียนรู้เกี่ยวกับโรคพิษสุราและผลกระทบต่อชุมชนท้องถิ่นในประเทศไทย (Nai taanaa nák thong tiew, chăn dai riian róh gèp rôhk pìt sù-rá láe bplaa kra-thob tòt chum-chon tǒng thin nai prathet thai).

Travel Tip: When visiting places like Phuket or Chiang Mai, where alcohol is part of the nightlife, use this phrase sensitively in discussions with locals or guides. It shows cultural awareness and respect—perhaps during a cultural tour—and remember to pair it with positive actions, like supporting responsible drinking initiatives, to avoid coming across as judgmental.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• โรคติดสุรา (Rôhk tid sù-rá) - Use this when talking about ongoing addiction in a clinical context, like in rehab programs, as it's more neutral and focuses on treatment rather than the compulsive aspect.
• การดื่มสุราอย่างบ้า (Gaan deum sù-rá yang ba) - This is great for informal chats about excessive drinking, evoking a sense of recklessness that's common in urban storytelling, such as in Bangkok's social circles.

Common Collocations:

• ผู้ป่วยโรคพิษสุรา (Pûu bpai rôhk pìt sù-rá) - Often used in health campaigns, like "The clinic helps patients with dipsomania," reflecting Thailand's emphasis on community health support.
• ผลกระทบจากโรคพิษสุรา (Bplaa kra-thob jàk rôhk pìt sù-rá) - You'll hear this in media discussions, such as "The impacts of dipsomania on families," highlighting social consequences in everyday Thai life.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "โรคพิษสุรา" ties into a broader cultural narrative around alcohol, which is both celebrated in traditions like Songkran festivals—where drinking fosters community spirit—and criticized for its role in social problems. Historically, excessive drinking has been linked to rural hardships and urbanization, with Buddhist teachings promoting moderation. This word often evokes empathy rather than blame, as Thais value "kreng jai" (consideration for others), making it a call for collective support. Interestingly, it's more frequently discussed in public health initiatives, like those by the Thai government, to address rising addiction rates amid tourism growth.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use this term sparingly and with sensitivity—perhaps in educational or professional settings—to avoid cultural faux pas. If you're in a conversation, frame it positively, like suggesting resources from organizations such as the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. Misuses to avoid include casual references that might seem insensitive, as alcohol issues are often taboo; instead, listen first and use it to build rapport.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "โรคพิษสุรา," think of it as "rock pit soo-ra"—imagine a "rocky pit" (from the word's sound) that traps someone in a cycle of drinking, linking it to the compulsive nature. This visual association, combined with Thailand's vibrant festival scenes where alcohol flows, can make the word stick in your mind for real-world use.

Dialect Variations: While "โรคพิษสุรา" is standard across Thailand, in southern regions like Phuket, you might hear a softer pronunciation with a more drawn-out "sù-rá" tone, influenced by local dialects. In the north, such as Chiang Mai, people may simplify it to "โรคสุรา" for brevity in casual talks, reflecting the region's straightforward communication style.

By exploring "dipsomania" through this lens, you're not just learning a word—you're gaining insights into Thai society. For more language resources, search for "Thai vocabulary for health" or check out related entries on our site. Safe travels and happy learning!