Main Translations

English Word: Divulge Thai Primary Translation: เปิดเผย (bpai phruey) Phonetic Pronunciation: Bpai phruey (pronounced with a rising tone on "bpai" and a falling tone on "phruey"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "เปิดเผย" goes beyond simply revealing information—it's often tied to concepts of trust, privacy, and social harmony. Thai society places a high value on "kreng jai" (ความเกรงใจ), or consideration for others' feelings, so divulging secrets can carry emotional weight. For instance, it might evoke connotations of betrayal if used carelessly, as Thais generally prefer indirect communication to avoid conflict. In daily life, people use "เปิดเผย" in casual conversations about sharing personal stories or in professional settings like journalism, but it's rarely forced; instead, it's employed when the context demands transparency, such as in legal or ethical discussions. This word doesn't have strong secondary translations, but related terms like "บอกเล่า" (bok lao, meaning to tell or narrate) can sometimes overlap in less formal scenarios.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "divulge" (or its Thai equivalent) is commonly used in situations involving confidentiality, such as personal relationships, business dealings, or media disclosures. For example, it's frequent in urban areas like Bangkok, where fast-paced professional environments demand clear communication about sensitive information. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express similar ideas more indirectly, using euphemisms or storytelling to "divulge" without direct confrontation, reflecting Thailand's collectivist culture. Overall, this word highlights the balance between openness and discretion, making it essential for travelers navigating social norms or expats in negotiations.

Example Sentences

To make learning practical, here are a few relevant examples tailored to real-life scenarios in Thailand. I've selected three that best capture the word's essence: everyday talk, business contexts, and a literary reference, as these align with how "divulge" is typically encountered. Everyday Conversation English: I don't want to divulge my friend's secret, but it's important you know. Thai: ฉันไม่อยากเปิดเผยความลับของเพื่อน แต่คุณควรรู้ (Chăn mâi yàak bpai phruey khwaam làp khǎwng pûuay, tàe khun khuan róo). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat over street food in Bangkok, where maintaining face is key. Thais often hesitate to divulge personal details to preserve relationships, so use a gentle tone to show respect—perhaps with a smile or "krub/ka" (polite particles) for added politeness. Business Context English: The company decided not to divulge the financial details during the meeting. Thai: บริษัทตัดสินใจไม่เปิดเผยรายละเอียดทางการเงินในการประชุม (Bòr-ri-sàt dtàt sin jàt mâi bpai phruey rai lá-èid tham-kaan dtàang gaan nai gaan bpra-chum). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this could arise when discussing mergers or investments. Thai professionals might avoid divulging sensitive info to uphold "sanuk" (fun and harmony), so pair it with phrases like "proht bpai" (let's proceed) to keep the atmosphere positive and collaborative. Literary or Media Reference English: The novel's protagonist chooses to divulge the truth, changing everything. Thai: ผู้แสดงนำในนิยายเลือกที่จะเปิดเผยความจริง ซึ่งเปลี่ยนทุกอย่าง (Pûu sà-dàng nâa nai niyay lek thîi jà bpai phruey khwaam jing, sùt bpien túk yàang). Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Khwam Jing" (The Truth) by Sidaoruang, where themes of revelation often explore personal growth. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, divulging secrets drives plot twists, reflecting cultural fascination with karma and redemption—watch popular shows on Netflix for more context.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, "divulge" touches on deep-rooted values like "mai pen rai" (never mind), which promotes letting go rather than revealing uncomfortable truths. Historically, influenced by Buddhism, Thais have used words like "เปิดเผย" to navigate social hierarchies, such as in royal or community stories where discretion maintains peace. Interestingly, in modern contexts, social media has amplified its use, but with a twist—Thais often divulge anonymously to avoid losing face, as seen in platforms like Pantip forums. This word can evoke a sense of vulnerability, reminding us of the Thai emphasis on "sanuk" and avoiding confrontation. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "divulge" sparingly in Thailand to respect the cultural norm of indirectness. If you're in a conversation, preface it with "I hope this doesn't cause any trouble" to show sensitivity. A common misuse is being too blunt in rural areas, where it might lead to awkwardness—opt for a smile and softer language instead. In business, it's fine in formal emails, but in person, gauge the room first.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "divulge" as "เปิดเผย," think of it like "opening a curtain" (the word "bpai" sounds like "buy," as in buying a view). Visualize pulling back a Thai temple curtain to reveal a beautiful statue—this links to Thailand's visual culture and helps with pronunciation. Dialect Variations: While "เปิดเผย" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear a softer pronunciation like "bpai phruey" with a more drawn-out vowel, influenced by Lao dialects. In southern areas, it's similar but spoken faster, so listen to local podcasts for nuances if you're traveling there.

This entry aims to be your go-to resource for mastering "divulge" in Thai contexts—feel free to explore more words in our series for an authentic language journey! If you're preparing for a trip, practicing these phrases with a language app can make your interactions in Thailand more meaningful and respectful.