Main Translations

For the English word "grudge," which refers to a persistent feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone due to a past wrong, the primary Thai translation is ความแค้น (kwām kæ̆n). This noun captures the essence of holding onto bitterness, often stemming from perceived injustices.

• Thai Primary Translation: ความแค้น (kwām kæ̆n)
• Phonetic: kwām kæ̆n (pronounced with a short, sharp "kæ̆n" sound, similar to "can" in English but with a rising tone for emphasis).

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ความแค้น" carries deep emotional connotations, often linked to personal honor and the Buddhist principle of karma. It's not just about anger; it's about a lingering resentment that can affect relationships. Thai people might use this word in daily life to describe family feuds or workplace disputes, but it's tempered by a cultural emphasis on "saving face" (known as khǎo jàt in Thai), where openly expressing a grudge is seen as disruptive. For instance, someone might say they hold a "ความแค้น" internally rather than confront it directly, reflecting Thailand's collectivist society where harmony is prioritized. As a verb, it can be adapted as แค้น (kæ̆n), meaning "to resent," but the noun form is more common in everyday speech.

Secondary translations might include ความอาฆาต (kwām ākhāt), which implies a more intense, vengeful grudge, often used in literary contexts to denote deep-seated hatred. This variation is less common in casual conversation but appears in media or historical discussions.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "grudge" or its equivalents like "ความแค้น" typically arise in scenarios involving interpersonal conflicts, such as family disagreements, professional rivalries, or even minor social slights. Urban areas like Bangkok often see this word used in a more subdued, indirect manner due to the fast-paced, modern lifestyle, where people might vent through social media rather than face-to-face talks. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai may express grudges more openly in community settings, tied to traditional values and storytelling, where resolving resentment is key to maintaining village harmony. Overall, it's a word that highlights Thailand's balance between emotional expression and cultural restraint, making it essential for foreigners to understand for smoother interactions.

Example Sentences

Below are a few practical examples of "grudge" in context, selected to cover everyday life, media references, and travel situations. These illustrate how the word adapts to real Thai scenarios, helping you practice and apply it naturally.

Everyday Conversation

English: I still hold a grudge against my neighbor for that argument last year.

Thai: ฉันยังมีความแค้นกับเพื่อนบ้านเพราะการทะเลาะเมื่อปีที่แล้ว (Chăn yang mii kwām kæ̆n gàp pûean bâan prap kān tà-lìao mụ̄a pî tî̀ lɛ̀g).

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like over a meal at a local market. In Thailand, it's common to downplay grudges to avoid conflict, so Thais might add phrases like "แต่ฉันพยายามปล่อยวาง" (tê chăn phrá-ya-dam plòi wâang, meaning "but I'm trying to let it go") to show emotional maturity, reflecting Buddhist influences.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character's grudge against his family drives the entire plot of the novel.

Thai: ความแค้นของตัวละครต่อครอบครัวเป็นแรงผลักดันทั้งเรื่อง (Kwām kæ̆n kǎw tua lá-krà tò króp-khrua bpen lâang plàk-dan tang rûang).

Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Kru Kor Kanya," where themes of resentment often appear in folk tales. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, grudges are portrayed as catalysts for drama but usually resolved through forgiveness, emphasizing cultural values of reconciliation over prolonged bitterness.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: I don't want to hold a grudge after our misunderstanding at the hotel.

Thai: ฉันไม่อยากมีความแค้นหลังจากความเข้าใจผิดที่โรงแรม (Chăn mâi yàak mii kwām kæ̆n lăng jàk kwām khâo jai plid tî̀ rûng-rém).

Travel Tip: Use this phrase during trips in tourist spots like Phuket to smooth over minor issues, such as booking errors. Thais appreciate a polite, forgiving attitude—always smile and say "ไม่เป็นไร" (mâi bpen rai, meaning "no problem") to align with the local custom of maintaining good vibes, which can turn a potential grudge into a positive experience.

Related Expressions

Understanding related terms can enrich your vocabulary and help you express shades of resentment more accurately in Thai conversations.

Synonyms/Related Terms

• ความโกรธ (kwām gròt) - Use this when the grudge feels more immediate and fiery, like a burst of anger in a heated argument; it's common in everyday disputes but often fades quickly in Thai culture.
• ความอาฆาต (kwām ākhāt) - Reserve this for deeper, more vengeful feelings, such as in historical or dramatic contexts; it's less frequent in daily talk but pops up in Thai movies or novels to describe long-term rivalries.

Common Collocations

• เก็บความแค้น (gèp kwām kæ̆n) - Literally "to store a grudge," this is used in Thailand to mean holding onto resentment over time, like in a family feud; for example, "เขาเก็บความแค้นนานมาก" (He held the grudge for a long time).
• ความแค้นแค้นใจ (kwām kæ̆n kæ̆n jai) - A collocation meaning "heartfelt grudge," often heard in emotional discussions; Thais might use it in therapy or counseling sessions to describe inner turmoil.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, a grudge like "ความแค้น" is often viewed through the lens of Buddhist teachings, which encourage letting go of negative emotions to achieve inner peace. Historically, this concept has roots in ancient Thai folklore, where stories of kings and warriors holding grudges lead to epic battles, but modern society promotes forgiveness to preserve social harmony. For instance, during festivals like Songkran, people symbolically wash away grudges with water, highlighting the cultural push toward renewal rather than resentment.

Practical Advice: As a foreigner, avoid expressing grudges too openly, as it might be seen as rude or confrontational—Thais value indirect communication. Instead, use phrases that signal resolution, like "ลืมเรื่องนี้ไปเถอะ" (lûm rûang níi bpai thoe, meaning "let's forget about this"). A common misuse is confusing it with simple anger; remember, "ความแค้น" implies longevity, so use it sparingly to build trust in relationships.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ความแค้น" (kwām kæ̆n), think of it as "can't let go"—the word "kæ̆n" sounds like "can," but in Thai, it represents something you can't release, tying into the idea of holding onto feelings. Visualize a locked box (symbolizing Thai emotional restraint) to make it stick, and practice by repeating it in sentences during language apps or conversations.

Dialect Variations: While Standard Thai is widely used, in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation of "kæ̆n" with a more drawn-out tone, making it sound like "kaen." In the Isan dialect of northeastern Thailand, similar words for grudge might incorporate Lao influences, but "ความแค้น" remains consistent overall, so it's a reliable term nationwide.

This entry is designed to be your go-to resource for mastering "grudge" in English-Thai contexts. For more words, explore our English-Thai dictionary series, optimized for learners seeking authentic, culturally rich language tips. If you have questions, feel free to engage in the comments below!