Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "explanation" refers to a clear account or reason given to clarify something. This word is commonly used in everyday Thai communication, where providing context and clarity is valued for maintaining harmony in social interactions.

Thai Primary Translation: คำอธิบาย (kham a-thi-bai) Phonetic: Pronounced as "kahm ah-tee-bye" in a gentle, flowing tone, with the emphasis on the second syllable. This reflects Thai's tonal nature, where a mid-tone helps convey neutrality and respect. Explanation: In Thai culture, "คำอธิบาย" goes beyond a simple definition—it's about fostering understanding and avoiding confusion, which aligns with the Thai value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others). Emotionally, it carries a neutral to positive connotation, evoking patience and thoughtfulness rather than confrontation. Thai people often use it in daily life during casual chats, like explaining a recipe or a traffic delay, to build rapport. For instance, in a hierarchical society like Thailand, giving a detailed "คำอธิบาย" shows respect to elders or superiors, helping to preserve face and social harmony. Secondary translations might include "การอธิบาย" (kan a-thi-bai), which emphasizes the process of explaining, but "คำอธิบาย" is the most direct noun form.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "explanation" (or its Thai equivalent) is a versatile word that pops up in everything from casual conversations to formal settings. It's all about making things clear without overwhelming the listener, which ties into the cultural emphasis on politeness and indirectness. In bustling urban areas like Bangkok, people might use it more frequently in fast-paced contexts, such as business meetings or tech discussions, where efficiency is key. In contrast, in rural areas like Chiang Mai, explanations often come with storytelling elements, drawing on local traditions to make them more relatable and community-oriented. Overall, it's a word that bridges gaps, whether you're navigating a street market in the north or debating ideas in a southern classroom.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to illustrate how "explanation" is used in real Thai scenarios. We've selected three key contexts— everyday talk, business interactions, and travel situations—to keep it focused and relevant for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: Could you give me a quick explanation of how to make Thai green curry? Thai: คุณช่วยอธิบายให้หน่อยได้ไหมว่าทำแกงเขียวหวานยังไง (Khun chuay a-thi-bai hai noi dai mai wa tham gaeng kiao wan yang-ngai) Brief Notes: This sentence is super casual and friendly, perfect for chatting with a friend or neighbor. In Thailand, starting with "คุณช่วย" (khun chuay) adds politeness, making the request feel less demanding. It's a great way to learn in everyday settings, like in a Bangkok kitchen, where food discussions often turn into mini lessons.

Business Context

English: The manager provided a detailed explanation of the new project timeline. Thai: ผู้จัดการให้คำอธิบายที่ละเอียดเกี่ยวกับตารางเวลาของโครงการใหม่ (Phu-jang ga hai kham a-thi-bai thi la-diadเกี่ยงกับ ta-rang we-la khong kong-kan mai) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase highlights clarity and respect for colleagues. Thai professionals often use detailed explanations to avoid misunderstandings, especially in hierarchical environments, where it helps maintain "face" and builds trust—think of it as a tool for smooth team collaborations.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: I need an explanation of the bus schedule to get to the temple. Thai: ฉันต้องการคำอธิบายตารางรถบัสไปวัด (Chan dtong-gan kham a-thi-bai ta-rang rot bus pai wat) Travel Tip: When traveling in places like Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya, use this phrase at bus stations to sound polite and engaged. Thais appreciate when foreigners show interest in local details, so follow up with a smile and a "khob khun ka/khap" (thank you). It can turn a simple query into a friendly chat, potentially leading to insider tips on hidden temple spots!

Related Expressions

Thai has a rich vocabulary for concepts like "explanation," often blending them with cultural nuances for better communication.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• การชี้แจง (kan chi-jaeng) - This is used when you need to clarify or point out details, like in a debate or customer service scenario, where precision is key without being overly formal.
• คำบรรยาย (kham ban-yai) - Often employed in educational or storytelling contexts, it adds a narrative flair, evoking Thailand's oral traditions, such as explaining a folk tale during a village gathering.

Common Collocations:

• ให้คำอธิบาย (hai kham a-thi-bai) - Meaning "to give an explanation," this is a staple in daily life, like a teacher explaining a lesson in school, emphasizing patience and clarity in Thai education.
• ขอคำอธิบาย (khor kham a-thi-bai) - Translating to "to ask for an explanation," it's commonly heard in urban settings, such as requesting details about a product in a Bangkok mall, where it helps navigate consumer interactions smoothly.

Cultural Notes

From a Thai perspective, "explanation" embodies the cultural principle of "sanuk" (fun and ease) mixed with "mai pen rai" (no worries), where the goal is to explain things in a way that keeps everyone comfortable. Historically, this stems from Thailand's Buddhist influences, where clear communication aids in personal and communal harmony, as seen in ancient texts like the Tipitaka. Socially, it's tied to customs like "wai" (the traditional greeting), where explanations often accompany gestures to show respect. An interesting fact: In Thai media, such as soap operas or news, explanations are dramatized to resolve conflicts, reinforcing their role in maintaining social balance.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "explanation"-related words to show you're making an effort to understand Thai ways—it's a sign of respect. Avoid being too direct in sensitive situations, like family matters, as Thais might prefer indirect hints. If you're unsure, pair it with phrases like "mai chua" (I don't understand) to invite clarification without pressure.

Practical Tips

Learning "explanation" in Thai can be straightforward with a few memory tricks and awareness of regional tweaks.

Memory Aid: Think of "kham a-thi-bai" as "come and tie by," like tying together loose ends in a story—it's a visual way to remember its role in clarifying things. Pair it with everyday scenarios, such as watching Thai cooking videos, where explanations are key, to reinforce the word through fun associations. Dialect Variations: While standard Thai is widely used, pronunciation might soften in the North (e.g., in Chiang Mai, "a-thi-bai" could sound more like "a-dee-bye" with a melodic lilt), whereas in the South, it might be quicker and sharper. In Isan (northeastern) dialects, people might opt for simpler terms like "a-thong" for quick clarifications, so adapt based on where you are to sound more natural.