Main Translations

English: Example

Thai Primary Translation: ตัวอย่าง (dtua yang) Phonetic: /dtua yang/ (pronounced with a soft "d" sound like in "do," and "yang" rhyming with "young"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ตัวอย่าง" is a versatile word that literally means "body sample" or "model form," but it's used much like in English to illustrate ideas, demonstrate concepts, or serve as a reference. It carries neutral to positive emotional connotations, often evoking a sense of learning and improvement—think of it as a tool for guidance in everyday life. Thai people frequently use it in educational settings, like teachers explaining lessons, or in casual talks to share stories. For instance, in a society that values humility and indirect communication, "ตัวอย่าง" might be employed to gently correct someone by saying, "Look at this example," rather than being direct. This word reflects Thailand's collectivist culture, where examples from proverbs or elders are used to teach morals, fostering harmony and respect. Secondary translations include "กรณีศึกษา" (gan nee suksaa, meaning "case study") for more formal or academic contexts, like research or business analysis.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "example" (or its Thai equivalent) is commonly used in educational, professional, and everyday scenarios to clarify ideas or provide models. For instance, it's a staple in classrooms, meetings, and even street-side chats. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use it in more formal, fast-paced contexts—such as in tech presentations or marketing pitches—while rural regions, like those in Chiang Mai, might incorporate it into storytelling or traditional wisdom-sharing, often blending it with local dialects for a more relaxed feel. Overall, the word bridges communication gaps, but its application can vary subtly: in bustling cities, it's about efficiency, whereas in countryside settings, it's tied to community lessons, like using nature as an "example" of resilience.

Example Sentences

We've selected three relevant scenarios for "example," focusing on everyday life, business, and practical travel contexts. These highlight how the word adapts to real Thai situations, making it easier for learners to apply.

1. Everyday Conversation

English: For example, this recipe makes a great Thai curry. Thai: ตัวอย่างเช่น สูตรนี้ทำให้แกงไทยอร่อยมาก (dtua yang chen, sutoo nee tum hai gaeng Thai a ròi maak). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like sharing cooking tips with friends. In Thailand, food discussions often use "ตัวอย่าง" to make points relatable, emphasizing the communal joy of eating. It's a natural way to build rapport, especially in social gatherings where storytelling is key.

2. Business Context

English: Let me give you an example of how our new software works. Thai: ปล่อยให้ฉันยกตัวอย่างการทำงานของซอฟต์แวร์ใหม่ของเรา (plaoy hai chan yók dtua yang gaan tam ngan khong softwear mai khong rao). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up during a product demo, where Thais value clear, visual explanations to maintain "face" and avoid confusion. Using "ตัวอย่าง" here shows professionalism while aligning with Thailand's relationship-based business culture—always follow up with a smile or polite gesture for better engagement.

3. Practical Travel Phrase

English: For example, can you show me an example of the local street food? Thai: ตัวอย่างเช่น คุณสามารถแสดงตัวอย่างอาหารข้างถนนท้องถิ่นได้ไหม (dtua yang chen, khun sǎa mard sai dtua yang aa hahn khang tan tong thi laen dai mai). Travel Tip: When exploring markets in places like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, this phrase helps vendors feel appreciated and can lead to tastier recommendations. Remember, Thais are hospitable, so pair it with a wai (the traditional greeting) to show respect—it's a simple way to turn a transaction into a cultural exchange and avoid any awkward miscommunications.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เช่น (chen) - Use this for a quicker, more casual way to introduce examples, like in lists or explanations; it's common in everyday Thai speech, such as saying "such as mango" in a fruit discussion.
• กรณี (gan nee) - This is handy for formal situations, like legal or problem-solving contexts, where you need to reference a specific case; Thais might use it in debates to keep things objective and polite.

Common Collocations:

• ตัวอย่างที่ดี (dtua yang dee) - Meaning "a good example," this is often used in motivational talks or parenting, like praising a child's behavior; in Thailand, it's tied to cultural values of respect and emulation, as seen in Buddhist teachings.
• ตัวอย่างจากชีวิตจริง (dtua yang jaak chee wit jing) - Translates to "an example from real life," frequently heard in media or workshops; it's popular for sharing personal stories, reflecting Thailand's love for narratives that draw from everyday experiences.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "ตัวอย่าง" are deeply rooted in a culture that prioritizes learning through observation and stories, influenced by Buddhism and traditional folklore. Historically, examples from the Jataka tales (stories of Buddha's past lives) have been used to teach ethics, making the concept a cornerstone of social harmony. For Thais, an "example" isn't just factual—it's emotional, often carrying implied lessons about kindness or perseverance. This can evoke a sense of warmth and community, but it also underscores the importance of context; misusing it, like giving a negative example without tact, might be seen as confrontational. Practical Advice: For foreigners, always use "ตัวอย่าง" with a polite tone to align with Thai etiquette—start with "khun" (you) to show respect. Avoid overusing it in sensitive discussions, as Thais prefer indirectness to preserve relationships. If you're unsure, observe how locals incorporate it in conversations, like in markets or temples, to ensure your usage feels genuine and not robotic.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ตัวอย่าง" (dtua yang), visualize a "body" (dtua) as a human figure holding up a "sample" (yang, like a young exhibit). This ties into Thai culture's visual storytelling, where examples are often demonstrated physically, such as in street performances. Practicing with flashcards or apps can reinforce this association. Dialect Variations: While "ตัวอย่าง" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation might soften in the North (e.g., in Chiang Mai, it could sound more like "dtua yahng" with a lighter tone). In the South, like in Phuket, people might blend it with local influences for a quicker pace, but the word itself remains consistent, making it easy for travelers to use nationwide.