Main Translations

In English, "fourth" is an ordinal number referring to the position or sequence after third. It's commonly used for rankings, dates, fractions, or divisions.

Thai Primary Translation: ที่สี่ (thîi sì) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): thîi sì (pronounced with a rising tone on "thîi" and a mid tone on "sì", similar to "thee see" but with a soft Thai inflection).

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ที่สี่" is a straightforward ordinal number without strong emotional connotations, but it carries practical everyday significance. Thai people use it neutrally in daily life for sequencing events, like listing items, discussing dates (e.g., the fourth of the month), or ranking achievements. For instance, in a culture that values hierarchy and order—rooted in Buddhist principles and social etiquette—"ที่สี่" might subtly evoke ideas of progression or placement in a series, such as in family birth order or competition rankings. Unlike some numbers in Thai folklore (e.g., "9" for luck), "fourth" doesn't have mystical associations, but it's essential in administrative contexts like ID numbers or addresses, reflecting Thailand's organized yet flexible approach to time and structure.

No secondary translations are typically needed for "fourth" in standard Thai, as it's a basic ordinal form. However, in specific contexts like music (e.g., a fourth interval), it could be adapted as "ช่วงที่สี่" (châang thîi sì), meaning "fourth section" or "fourth note".

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "fourth" (or "ที่สี่") is most commonly used in everyday scenarios involving order, timing, or division. For example, it's frequent in conversations about dates, such as the fourth day of Songkran festival, or in sports and education for rankings. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use it more formally, such as in business reports for "fourth quarter" finances, while rural regions like Chiang Mai might incorporate it casually in storytelling or agricultural cycles (e.g., the fourth harvest). This reflects Thailand's blend of modernity and tradition, where numbers help maintain social harmony without overcomplicating interactions.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "fourth" in various contexts. I've selected scenarios that are most relevant for learners and travelers, focusing on everyday use, business, and travel to keep it concise and applicable.

Everyday Conversation

English: "Today is the fourth of May, so let's plan our trip." Thai: "วันนี้เป็นวันที่สี่ของเดือนพฤษภาคม ดังนั้นเรามาวางแผนทริปกันเถอะ" (Wan née bpen wan thîi sì kàawng duean phrùet-sà-phâ-khǎm, dang-nâan rao maa wǎng plan trip gan thǎo). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like with friends or locals. In Thailand, people often start conversations with dates to build rapport, especially during festivals—note the polite "เถอะ" (thǎo) to soften the suggestion, which is a common Thai way to avoid directness.

Business Context

English: "Our company achieved fourth place in the national sales ranking this quarter." Thai: "บริษัทของเราอยู่ในอันดับที่สี่ของการจัดอันดับยอดขายระดับชาติในไตรมาสนี้" (Bò-rí-sàt kàawng rao yùu nai an-dàp thîi sì kàawng gaan jàt an-dàp yòt kàai rûeb châat nai traa-màat née). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up during quarterly reviews. Thais often use numbers like "ที่สี่" to discuss performance humbly, as modesty is key in professional settings—pair it with a smile or "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" (khàawp khun kráp/kâ) to show gratitude and maintain positive vibes.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: "I'm staying on the fourth floor of the hotel." Thai: "ฉันพักอยู่ที่ชั้นที่สี่ของโรงแรม" (Chăn pàk yùu thîi chán thîi sì kàawng rohng-ráem). Travel Tip: When checking into hotels in places like Phuket or Chiang Mai, using this phrase helps with directions. Thais are incredibly hospitable, so adding "ช่วยบอกทางหน่อยครับ/ค่ะ" (chûuay bàawk thaang nàuy kráp/kâ) can make interactions smoother—remember, elevators in older buildings might be labeled in Thai numerals, so clarifying with gestures can prevent mix-ups.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• อันดับสี่ (an-dàp sì) - Use this when emphasizing rankings, like in competitions or lists, as it's more specific and common in formal Thai contexts, such as sports events.
• หนึ่งในสี่ (nùeng nai sì) - This means "one fourth" or a fraction, ideal for dividing things like costs or portions in everyday scenarios, reflecting Thailand's practical approach to sharing resources.

Common Collocations:

• วันที่สี่ (wan thîi sì) - Literally "the fourth day," often used in travel itineraries or event planning, like during a festival in Isan where people might say this to coordinate gatherings.
• ไตรมาสที่สี่ (traa-màat thîi sì) - Meaning "fourth quarter," this is popular in business discussions, such as budgeting for year-end in Bangkok's corporate world.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: Numbers like "fourth" in Thai culture are more functional than symbolic, but they tie into broader themes of balance and cycles, influenced by Buddhism and the Thai lunar calendar. For example, the fourth day of the waxing moon might subtly align with spiritual practices, though it's not as auspicious as numbers like "8" (for wealth). Historically, during the reign of King Rama IV (a progressive monarch in the 19th century), Thailand modernized its numbering systems, making "ที่สี่" a staple in education and administration. Socially, Thais use it to maintain "kreng jai" (consideration for others), such as politely noting one's place in line or family hierarchy. Practical Advice: For foreigners, always pair "ที่สี่" with context to avoid confusion—Thais appreciate clarity in communication. Avoid overusing it in casual talks to prevent sounding too rigid; instead, integrate it with smiles or questions. A common misuse is confusing it with cardinal numbers (e.g., saying "สี่" alone for "four" instead of "ที่สี่"), which might lead to misunderstandings in ordering food or directions.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ที่สี่" (thîi sì), think of it as "thee see," like viewing a scenic spot (e.g., the fourth viewpoint on a Thai island tour). Visualize a staircase: "thîi" sounds like "thee" (as in "the floor"), and "sì" rhymes with "see," helping with pronunciation. Practice by counting floors in a hotel—it's a fun, immersive way to internalize it. Dialect Variations: In standard Central Thai (spoken in Bangkok), it's consistently "ที่สี่." However, in Northern dialects like those in Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "thîi sii" with a quicker tone, due to regional accents. In the South, like in Phuket, it's similar but could be spoken more rapidly in casual chats—always listen and mimic locals for the best fit.