Main Translations

English: Discriminatory

Thai Primary Translation: เลือกปฏิบัติ (Lěk bpàt-prà-thìt) Phonetic: Lěk bpàt-prà-thìt (pronounced with a rising tone on "lěk" and a mid tone on the rest, roughly like "leck bpaht-pra-teet")

Explanation: In Thai culture, "เลือกปฏิบัติ" carries a strong negative connotation, evoking emotions of injustice and inequality. It's commonly used in everyday discussions about social issues, such as gender bias or racial discrimination, which are increasingly highlighted in Thailand's diverse urban environments. For instance, Thai people might use this term in daily life when talking about workplace unfairness or government policies, often with a sense of frustration or advocacy. Unlike in some Western contexts where it's more legalistic, in Thailand, it ties into cultural values of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), where discriminatory behavior is seen as disrupting social harmony. This word isn't just formal—it's woven into casual conversations, especially among younger generations influenced by global social movements like #MeToo.

Secondary Translations (if applicable): Another related term is "ลำเอียง" (Lam-èiang), meaning biased or prejudiced, which is used more informally for subtle forms of discrimination, like favoritism in family or community settings.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "discriminatory" (เลือกปฏิบัติ) is most commonly used in contexts involving social equality, legal rights, and workplace ethics. Urban areas like Bangkok see it in professional and activist discussions, such as debates on LGBTQ+ rights or migrant worker treatment, due to the city's cosmopolitan vibe. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express similar concepts more indirectly, focusing on community harmony rather than confrontation—people there could use softer language to avoid conflict, reflecting Thailand's cultural emphasis on "sanuk" (fun and ease). Overall, it's a word that's gaining prominence with Thailand's push for inclusivity, but it's still approached with caution to maintain "face" (saving dignity) in conversations.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "discriminatory" in action, tailored to real Thai scenarios. We've selected three relevant ones: everyday conversation, business context, and a practical travel phrase, as these best capture the word's everyday and professional applications.

Everyday Conversation

English: That school policy is discriminatory against students from low-income families. Thai: นโยบายโรงเรียนนั้นเลือกปฏิบัติต่อนักเรียนจากครอบครัวที่มีรายได้น้อย (Ná-yò-bāy rohng-rian nán lěk bpàt-prà-thìt tĕung nák-rian jàk krôp-krua tîi mii rái-dâi nôh) Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat with friends or on social media in Thailand, where education inequality is a hot topic. Use it to show empathy, but be mindful of the tone—Thais often soften such statements with phrases like "pen yang ngai" (it's like that) to keep things polite and non-accusatory.

Business Context

English: We need to review our hiring process to ensure it's not discriminatory based on age. Thai: เราต้องทบทวนกระบวนการจ้างงานเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าไม่เลือกปฏิบัติตามอายุ (Rao dtông tàp-bon krà-buuan-gaan jàang ngahn pûeu hai nâe jàt wâ mâi lěk bpàt-prà-thìt tàmm aa-yú) Usage Context: Imagine this in a Bangkok business meeting, where companies are increasingly adopting anti-discrimination policies due to labor laws. It's a great phrase for HR discussions, but in Thailand, pair it with a smile or a follow-up like "chái mái?" (right?) to foster agreement and avoid tension.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Is this entry fee discriminatory towards tourists? Thai: ค่าธรรมเนียมเข้าเลือกปฏิบัติต่อนักท่องเที่ยวหรือไม่ (Kâa tàm-má-níem kâo lěk bpàt-prà-thìt tĕung nák thong-tîao rĕu mâi) Travel Tip: When visiting places like Phuket or Chiang Mai, use this if you notice pricing differences for foreigners—it's a polite way to question it without causing offense. Remember, Thais value "sabai" (comfort), so follow up with a friendly gesture, like offering to buy a drink, to keep the interaction positive.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• 偏見 (Pian kèun) - This is often used for prejudice, like snap judgments based on appearance; it's handy in casual talks about stereotypes, which are common in Thailand's multicultural settings.
• ลำเอียง (Lam-èiang) - Similar to bias, this term pops up in everyday scenarios, such as family favoritism, and is less formal than "เลือกปฏิบัติ," making it ideal for lighter conversations.

Common Collocations:

• การเลือกปฏิบัติ (Gaan lěk bpàt-prà-thìt) - Meaning "discriminatory practices," this is frequently used in Thai media or workshops on equality, like in Bangkok's corporate training sessions.
• เลือกปฏิบัติทางเพศ (Lěk bpàt-prà-thìt tàang pèt) - Refers to gender discrimination; you'll hear this in social campaigns, especially during Pride events in Thailand, highlighting ongoing efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "discriminatory" touches on deep-rooted issues like colorism (favoring lighter skin) and class divides, influenced by historical factors such as colonialism and traditional hierarchies. For example, it's linked to the concept of "bunkhun" (gratitude and social debt), where discrimination can stem from perceived imbalances in status. Interestingly, while Thailand prides itself on being the "Land of Smiles," this word reveals the undercurrents of inequality, as seen in recent movements like protests against gender-based discrimination. From a local viewpoint, it's not just about laws—it's about preserving "mai pen rai" (it's okay, no worries) culture, where open confrontation is often avoided. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use this word sparingly and in supportive contexts, like advocating for fairness, to show respect for Thai etiquette. Avoid it in heated arguments, as it might be seen as aggressive; instead, frame it with questions like "Chăn jàt wâ..." (Do you think...). Common misuses include applying it too broadly, which could unintentionally offend—always pair it with empathy to align with Thailand's harmony-focused society.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เลือกปฏิบัติ" (lěk bpàt-prà-thìt), think of it as "pick and act unfairly"—the word "lěk" sounds like "lek" in English, like picking something out, but with a negative twist. Visualize a scale tipping unfairly, which ties into Thai concepts of balance in relationships. Dialect Variations: Standard Central Thai is widely used for this term, but in the North (e.g., Chiang Mai), you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "lěk bpàt-prà-thìt" with a more drawn-out vowel, reflecting the region's mellower dialect. In the South, it's similar but could be spoken faster in casual chats, so listen for local nuances when traveling.