Main Translations

The English word "explanatory" is an adjective that means providing clarification or explanation, often used to describe something that makes ideas clearer.

Thai Primary Translation: อธิบาย (Athibai) Phonetic: /à-thì-bai/ (pronounced with a falling tone on the first syllable, like "ah" in "father," followed by "thee" and "buy").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "อธิบาย" (athibai) is a everyday term that emphasizes clarity and understanding, reflecting the Thai value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others' feelings). It's not just about explaining facts; it often carries a gentle, patient connotation to avoid confusion and maintain harmony. For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life during family discussions or teaching moments, where the goal is to educate without overwhelming. Emotionally, it evokes a sense of helpfulness and approachability, as Thais prioritize indirect communication to preserve face. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's common in professional settings, while in rural regions, it might be paired with storytelling for a more narrative style.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you might see "ชี้แจง" (chit chaeng), which implies a more formal or official explanation, often used in legal or governmental contexts. This variant highlights Thailand's bureaucratic traditions, where detailed clarifications are key to resolving disputes amicably.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "explanatory" and its translations are woven into both casual and formal interactions, serving as a bridge for clear communication. You'll hear it most in educational, professional, and everyday explanatory scenarios, like explaining directions or product features. Regionally, Bangkok's fast-paced urban environment favors concise, direct uses, such as in meetings or apps, while in places like Chiang Mai, explanations might incorporate local dialects or slower, more illustrative storytelling to build rapport. Overall, it's a versatile word that underscores Thailand's emphasis on mutual understanding in a collectivist society.

Example Sentences

Below, we've selected three practical examples to show how "explanatory" is used in different contexts. These sentences are crafted to feel natural and help you apply the word in real Thai situations.

Everyday Conversation

English: Could you give me an explanatory summary of the story? Thai: คุณช่วยอธิบายสรุปเรื่องนี้ให้หน่อยได้ไหม (Khun chuay athibai sorap reuang ni hai noi dai mai?) Brief Notes: This is a friendly way to ask for clarification during a chat, perhaps over coffee in a Bangkok café. Thais often soften requests with polite particles like "ได้ไหม" to keep the conversation warm and non-intrusive, making it ideal for building relationships.

Business Context

English: The report includes an explanatory diagram to illustrate the data. Thai: รายงานนี้มีแผนภาพอธิบายเพื่อแสดงข้อมูล (Rai-ngan ni mee plan-phap athibai pheua sa-daeng khwahm-jor) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this sentence might come up when presenting to clients, highlighting Thailand's visual communication style. Thais value visuals in business to make complex ideas accessible, helping to foster trust and avoid misunderstandings.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: This map has an explanatory legend that makes navigation easier. Thai: แผนที่นี้มีคำอธิบายที่ช่วยให้เดินทางสะดวกขึ้น (Plan thi ni mee kham athibai thi chuay hai dern thang sa-duak kheun) Travel Tip: When exploring places like Chiang Mai's old city, use this phrase with a taxi driver or guide. Thais appreciate when foreigners show interest in details, so pointing to the map while speaking can enhance understanding—remember to smile and use basic politeness to align with Thai hospitality norms.

Related Expressions

Expanding your vocabulary with related terms can make your Thai conversations more nuanced and authentic.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ชี้แจง (Chit chaeng) - Use this for more formal explanations, like in official documents or when addressing complaints, as it conveys a sense of accountability often seen in Thai administrative contexts.
• นิยาม (Niyam) - This is great for definitions or descriptive explanations, commonly used in educational settings where Thais emphasize precise wording to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Common Collocations:

• หมายเหตุอธิบาย (May net athibai) - Meaning "explanatory notes," this is frequently used in Thai textbooks or guides, such as in a history lesson where teachers add notes to clarify cultural events.
• วีดีโออธิบาย (Wideo athibai) - Referring to "explanatory videos," it's popular on platforms like YouTube in Thailand, where creators use simple visuals to explain topics like cooking or travel tips.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the concept of "explanatory" ties into the cultural pillar of "sanuk" (fun and ease) and "mai pen rai" (no worries), where explanations are delivered in a light-hearted way to keep interactions positive. Historically, this stems from Buddhist influences, encouraging mindfulness and clear communication to reduce conflict. For example, in social customs, Thais might use explanatory language during festivals like Songkran to share traditions, fostering community bonds. Interestingly, in rural areas, explanations often blend with folklore, making learning more engaging.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, always pair explanations with a smile or gesture to respect Thai etiquette—over-explaining can sometimes be seen as condescending, so keep it concise. Avoid blunt corrections in public to prevent loss of face, and instead, offer explanations privately or with humor.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "อธิบาย" (athibai), think of it as "a Thai buy"—imagine buying something in Thailand and the seller patiently explaining the details. This visual association links the word to the helpful, explanatory nature of Thai market interactions, making it easier to recall during conversations.

Dialect Variations: While Standard Thai is widely used, in Northern Thailand like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "a-thi-bai" with a lilt, reflecting the region's melodic dialect. In the South, it could be quicker and more clipped, but the word remains consistent, so it's a good one for beginners to practice across the country.

This entry is designed to be your go-to resource for mastering "explanatory" in Thai. By incorporating these insights, you'll not only expand your language skills but also deepen your appreciation for Thai culture. For more words, explore our English-Thai dictionary series!