Main Translations

The word "disreputable" refers to something or someone that is not respectable, trustworthy, or has a poor reputation. In Thai culture, where social harmony and face-saving are highly valued, this concept can carry significant emotional weight.

English: Disreputable Thai Primary Translation: ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ (Mai na cheua thu) Phonetic: Mai na cheua thu (pronounced with a falling tone on "mai" and a rising tone on "cheua")

Explanation: In Thailand, "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" is commonly used to describe people, businesses, or situations that lack credibility or have a tarnished image. It evokes emotions of caution, distrust, and sometimes disappointment, as Thais place a high emphasis on "chuea siang" (reputation). For instance, in daily life, you might hear this term in conversations about shady vendors or unreliable services. Unlike in some Western contexts where direct criticism is more acceptable, Thai people often use it indirectly to maintain politeness, such as saying "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" instead of outright accusing someone. This word highlights cultural nuances around trust, which is built through relationships and word-of-mouth in communities.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you might also use "เสื่อมเสียชื่อเสียง" (Seuam sia chuea siang), which emphasizes a decline in reputation. Phonetic: Seuam sia chuea siang. This is more formal and is often seen in legal or media discussions.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "disreputable" and its translations are frequently used in everyday scenarios involving trust and ethics, such as evaluating businesses, public figures, or personal relationships. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use these terms in fast-paced, professional settings, where competition highlights unreliable practices. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express similar ideas more subtly, often tying them to community values or traditional morals. For example, in Bangkok's bustling markets, someone might quickly label a vendor as "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" to warn others, while in Chiang Mai, people may discuss it in storytelling form to preserve social harmony.

Example Sentences

Below are carefully selected examples to illustrate how "disreputable" is used in various contexts. We've focused on everyday conversation and business scenarios, as they best capture the word's practical applications in Thailand.

Everyday Conversation

English: I heard that restaurant has a disreputable owner, so we should avoid it. Thai: ฉันได้ยินว่าร้านอาหารนั้นมีเจ้าของที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ ดังนั้นเราควรเลี่ยงไป Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats among friends, like when planning a meal in Bangkok. It shows how Thais use "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" to express caution without being confrontational, often to protect group harmony. In daily life, this phrase might pop up during street food discussions, emphasizing the importance of reputation in Thai social interactions.

Business Context

English: We need to investigate that company; it's known for disreputable practices. Thai: เราต้องสืบสวนบริษัทนั้น มันมีพฤติกรรมที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this could arise when reviewing potential partners. Thai professionals might use this phrase to flag ethical concerns, but they'd pair it with polite language to avoid offending anyone, reflecting the cultural norm of "kreng jai" (consideration for others). This highlights how business in Thailand often balances directness with relationship-building.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The novel portrays the disreputable side of city life through its flawed characters. Thai: นวนิยายเรื่องนี้สะท้อนด้านที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือของชีวิตในเมืองผ่านตัวละครที่บกพร่อง Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Khwam Jing" by Sidaoruang, where themes of urban corruption are common. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this concept is often explored to critique societal issues, making it a relatable reference for language learners.

Related Expressions

Understanding related terms can enrich your vocabulary and help you navigate Thai conversations more naturally.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เสื่อมเสีย (Seuam sia) - Use this when emphasizing moral decline or degradation, such as in discussions about ethics in politics. It's less about trust and more about loss of value, which is common in formal Thai settings.
• ไม่ไว้ใจได้ (Mai wai jai dai) - This is great for everyday talk when you want to convey suspicion, like doubting a friend's story. It carries a similar connotation to "disreputable" but feels more personal and immediate in Thai culture.

Common Collocations:

• Disreputable business - In Thailand, often said as "ธุรกิจที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ," as in warning about scam operations in tourist areas like Pattaya. This collocation is frequently used in consumer advice forums.
• Disreputable person - Translated as "คนที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ," which might come up in community gossip or social media posts, reflecting how Thais discuss unreliable individuals while maintaining indirectness.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "disreputable" touch on deep-seated values of "sanuk" (fun and enjoyment) and "face" (maintaining dignity). Historically, influenced by Buddhist principles, Thais avoid direct confrontation, so labeling someone as "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" is often a gentle way to express disapproval without causing conflict. This stems from the concept of "kreng jai," where preserving harmony is key. Interestingly, in rural areas, such terms might link to folklore stories about deceitful characters, while in urban centers, they're tied to modern issues like online scams.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use this word sparingly and in appropriate contexts to avoid unintended offense—Thais might interpret it as overly blunt. If you're in a business or social setting, soften it with phrases like "according to what I've heard." A common misuse is applying it too broadly; instead, observe how locals use indirect language to build trust first.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ," think of it as "not worth trusting" – visualize a shaky bridge (not reliable) and pair it with the sound "mai" (no) for a quick mental hook. This visual association can make pronunciation and meaning stick, especially since Thai words often rely on tone for nuance.

Dialect Variations: While "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear a softer variation like "bòk khàp" (not reliable) in local dialects, which adds a folksy flavor. In southern dialects, it's pronounced more crisply, but the core meaning remains consistent, making it versatile for travelers.

This entry for "disreputable" in our English-Thai dictionary is crafted to be a go-to resource, blending language learning with cultural insights. If you're exploring Thailand, practicing these phrases can enhance your experiences and foster genuine connections. For more words, check out our related guides on Thai vocabulary for travelers!