Main Translations

English Word: Feature Thai Primary Translation: ลักษณะ (lák-sà-nà) This is the most common translation when referring to a distinctive characteristic, attribute, or quality of something. For example, it could describe the features of a landscape, a product, or even a person's personality. Phonetic Guide: Pronounced as "lák-sà-nà" (with a rising tone on the first syllable and a falling tone on the second). If you're borrowing the English term directly, Thais might say "ฟีเจอร์" (fēe-jər), especially in tech or modern contexts, but this is less common in casual speech. Explanation and Cultural Nuances: In Thai culture, ลักษณะ carries a subtle emphasis on harmony and balance, reflecting the Buddhist-influenced idea that every feature contributes to the whole. It's often used in daily life to discuss personal traits, like saying someone has a "kind feature" (ลักษณะที่ใจดี), which evokes warmth and approachability. Emotionally, it can have positive connotations, symbolizing uniqueness without overt individualism—Thais value modesty, so boasting about one's features might come across as humble rather than arrogant. In everyday conversations, you'll hear it in markets when vendors describe product features, or in tourism when guides highlight Thailand's natural features, like the lush ลักษณะ of the northern hills. Secondary translations include:

This word adapts flexibly across contexts, making it essential for travelers navigating Thailand's diverse environments.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "feature" (translated as ลักษณะ or its variants) is commonly used to describe attributes in practical scenarios like product reviews, travel descriptions, and personal discussions. For instance, it's a staple in everyday language for highlighting what makes something special, such as the features of a traditional Thai dish or a smartphone. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to incorporate English loanwords (e.g., "ฟีเจอร์" in tech talks), reflecting the city's cosmopolitan vibe, while rural regions, such as Chiang Mai, might stick to pure Thai terms like ลักษณะ to emphasize local traditions. This regional difference underscores Thailand's blend of modernity and cultural preservation—Bangkok dwellers might discuss app features in a fast-paced meeting, whereas in the countryside, it's more about the natural features of rice fields, fostering a slower, more reflective conversation.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, here are a few curated examples based on common Thai scenarios. I've selected three that best illustrate "feature" in relatable contexts, focusing on everyday life, business, and travel for a well-rounded view. Everyday Conversation English: "This phone's camera feature is really impressive." Thai: "ลักษณะกล้องของโทรศัพท์เครื่องนี้ impressive จริงๆ" (Lák-sà-nà glâung kǎhng dtôh-rá-sàp krêuang níi impressive jing-jing.) Brief Notes: In casual chats, Thais often mix English words like "impressive" for emphasis, especially among younger people. This sentence might come up when friends are comparing gadgets in a Bangkok café, highlighting how technology integrates into daily life while keeping the conversation light and engaging. Business Context English: "The key feature of our new product is its energy efficiency." Thai: "ลักษณะสำคัญของสินค้าใหม่ของเราคือความประหยัดพลังงาน" (Lák-sà-nà sǎm-kan kǎhng sîn-khâa mài kǎhng rao keu kwaam bpà-rà-yàt phlang-ngaan.) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase could be used during a product pitch to foreign clients. Thais in professional settings value politeness and indirectness, so framing features positively like this builds rapport and avoids confrontation. Practical Travel Phrase English: "What are the main features of this hotel room?" Thai: "ลักษณะหลักของห้องพักโรงแรมนี้มีอะไรบ้าง" (Lák-sà-nà lûng kǎhng hâhng pâk rohng-ráem níi mee à-rai bâang.) Travel Tip: When staying in places like Phuket or Chiang Mai, asking about room features helps ensure comfort—Thais appreciate polite inquiries, so add "ครับ/ค่ะ" (kráp/kâ) at the end for respect. This can lead to upgrades or helpful recommendations, like mentioning air conditioning as a key feature in hot weather.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, "feature" (ลักษณะ) embodies the concept of interconnectedness, drawing from Buddhist principles where individual features contribute to a greater whole, much like the intricate designs in Thai art or architecture. Historically, it ties into practices like describing the features of sacred sites, such as the golden spires of temples, which evoke a sense of serenity and national identity. In social customs, Thais might use it to compliment others indirectly, avoiding direct praise to maintain humility— for example, noting the features of a meal during a family gathering reinforces community bonds. Interestingly, in rural areas, features of nature are often romanticized in folk songs, while urban settings link it to innovation, showing Thailand's dynamic cultural evolution. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use ลักษณะ when you want to inquire or describe without overwhelming the conversation—Thais respond well to curiosity about their culture. Avoid misusing it in overly critical ways, as it could seem rude; instead, frame it positively. In etiquette-heavy situations, like negotiations, pair it with a smile and polite phrases to build trust. If you're unsure, listening to how locals use it in context, such as in street markets, can help you adapt seamlessly.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember ลักษณะ, think of it as "lock-sa-na," which sounds a bit like "lock and key"—just as a key feature unlocks understanding, this word helps you "unlock" descriptions in Thai conversations. Visualize Thailand's iconic landscapes, like the layered terraces of rice fields, each layer representing a unique feature, to reinforce the connection visually. Dialect Variations: While ลักษณะ is standard across Thailand, pronunciation can vary slightly by region. In the North, like Chiang Mai, it might sound softer with a more drawn-out "sà," whereas in the South, such as Phuket, it's pronounced more crisply. In Isan (northeastern) dialects, people might simplify it or use related terms, but it's generally understood everywhere, making it a reliable word for travelers.

This entry is designed to be your go-to resource for mastering "feature" in Thai contexts. By incorporating these insights, you'll not only communicate more effectively but also gain a deeper appreciation for Thailand's rich cultural tapestry. If you're preparing for a trip or language study, practice these phrases to enhance your experience!