Main Translations

English: Hyena

Thai Primary Translation: ไฮยีนา (Haiyīinā)

Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): hai-yee-na (pronounced with a soft, rising tone on the second syllable, like "high-yee-na").

Explanation: In Thai, "ไฮยีนา" is a direct transliteration of the English word, as hyenas aren't native to Thailand and are more commonly encountered in zoos, wildlife documentaries, or international media. This term carries connotations of cunning, scavenging behavior, and a distinctive laughing call, which can evoke a mix of curiosity and wariness in Thai culture. For instance, Thai people might use it metaphorically in casual conversations to describe someone who's sneaky or opportunistic, drawing from global portrayals in films like "The Lion King." Emotionally, it's neutral but can feel exotic or humorous, especially among younger audiences influenced by Western media. In daily life, you'll hear it in educational settings or wildlife discussions rather than everyday chit-chat, as Thailand's fauna focuses more on local animals like elephants or tigers.

No secondary translations are typically needed for "hyena," as it's a specific animal term. However, in informal contexts, people might loosely compare it to "สุนัขป่า" (sù-nàk bpà, meaning "wild dog") if emphasizing scavenging traits.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "hyena" (ไฮยีนา) is rarely used in daily life since these animals aren't part of the local ecosystem. Instead, it's most common in urban areas like Bangkok, where zoos and educational programs introduce it to children and tourists. For example, in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market or the Dusit Zoo, you might hear it in guided tours. In contrast, rural areas like Chiang Mai or Isan regions focus more on indigenous wildlife, so the word appears less frequently—perhaps only in school lessons or TV shows. Overall, usage is educational or metaphorical, with no major regional dialects altering the term, making it a great word for learners to practice in structured settings.

Example Sentences

We've selected three relevant scenarios for "hyena," focusing on its practical applications in wildlife discussions, media, and travel. These examples highlight natural Thai phrasing and provide context for real-life use.

Everyday Conversation

English: I saw a hyena at the zoo yesterday—it was so funny how it laughed!

Thai: ฉันเห็นไฮยีนาที่สวนสัตว์เมื่อวานนี้ มันขำมากเลยตอนที่มันหัวเราะ (Chăn hěn haiyīinā thî sùn sàtwì mêuă wâan nîi, man khǎm mâak loei tôn thî man hǔa rǎo.)

Brief Notes: This sentence works well in casual chats, like with friends at a coffee shop in Bangkok. Note the word "ขำ" (khǎm, meaning "funny") to capture the hyena's laugh, which adds a light-hearted tone. Thai speakers often use expressive language here to make stories more engaging.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In that documentary, the hyena was portrayed as a clever survivor in the African savanna.

Thai: ในสารคดีเรื่องนั้น ไฮยีนาถูกวาดเป็นสัตว์ที่ฉลาดรอดชีวิตในทุ่งหญ้าของแอฟริกา (Nai sǎa khǎdī rûang nán, haiyīinā thùk wâat bpen sàtwì thî chà-lâd rót chīwit nai thûng yâa khǎwng Africa.)

Source: Inspired by Thai-dubbed wildlife documentaries on channels like Thai PBS. This usage is common in media discussions, where "ฉลาด" (chà-lâd, meaning "clever") emphasizes survival skills, reflecting how Thai audiences appreciate animal intelligence in stories.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can you tell me more about the hyena exhibit at the zoo?

Thai: คุณบอกฉันเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับนิทรรศการไฮยีนาที่สวนสัตว์ได้ไหม (Khun bàwk chăn pèrm dtrèm gàp nít-tà-rá-sà-kān haiyīinā thî sùn sàtwì dâi măi?)

Travel Tip: Use this when visiting a zoo in places like Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park or Bangkok's attractions. Thais appreciate polite inquiries, so start with "คุณ" (khun, meaning "you") for respect. If you're a foreigner, staff might switch to English, but trying Thai first shows cultural effort and could lead to a more memorable interaction.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เสือชีตาห์ (sěua chī thâ) - Often confused with hyenas due to similar wild animal vibes, but it actually means "cheetah." Use this when discussing fast predators in African contexts, as it's more familiar in Thai wildlife talks.
• สัตว์นักล่า (sàtwì nák lâa) - Meaning "predator animal," this is a broader term for hyena-like creatures. It's handy in conversations about ecosystems, especially in rural areas where people discuss local predators metaphorically.

Common Collocations:

• ไฮยีนาในสารคดี (haiyīinā nai sǎa khǎdī) - Example: "I love watching hyenas in documentaries" (ฉันชอบดูไฮยีนาในสารคดี). This collocation pops up in media-loving urban circles, like Bangkok film clubs.
• นิทรรศการไฮยีนา (nít-tà-rá-sà-kān haiyīinā) - Example: "The hyena exhibit is popular with kids" (นิทรรศการไฮยีนาได้รับความนิยมจากเด็กๆ). You'll hear this at zoos or educational events, highlighting its role in family outings across Thailand.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: Hyenas hold a more peripheral role in Thai culture, as they're not indigenous and don't feature in ancient folklore like mythical creatures such as the "naga" serpent. However, with globalization, they've gained popularity through imported media, where they're often depicted as clever outcasts—mirroring themes in Thai stories of underdogs rising up. Historically, Thai attitudes toward wild animals emphasize harmony with nature, as seen in festivals like Songkran, so hyenas might symbolize adaptability in modern contexts. An interesting fact: In Thai pop culture, hyenas from Disney films have been adapted into local dubs, teaching lessons about community and survival, which resonates with Thailand's collectivist society.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ไฮยีนา" sparingly and in appropriate contexts, like wildlife tours, to avoid confusion with more familiar animals. Etiquette-wise, Thais value humility, so if you're unsure, ask for clarification with a smile—saying "ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ" (khǎo thôot kráp/kâ, meaning "excuse me") can smooth things over. Avoid using it metaphorically for people, as it might come off as rude in sensitive social settings.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไฮยีนา" (hai-yee-na), think of it as "high-yee-na"—imagine a hyena standing on a hill (high) making its yipping laugh. This visual link ties the pronunciation to the animal's iconic sound, making it easier to recall during conversations at Thai zoos or wildlife talks.

Dialect Variations: As a borrowed word, "ไฮยีนา" doesn't vary much across regions. However, in southern Thailand, you might hear a slightly softer pronunciation with a quicker pace, influenced by local accents, while in the north like Chiang Mai, it's spoken more deliberately. Overall, it's consistent, so no major adjustments are needed for travelers.

This entry for "hyena" in our English-Thai dictionary is just the start—practice these phrases during your next trip to Thailand for a deeper cultural connection. If you're exploring more words, check out related entries like "elephant" or "tiger" for a fuller picture of Thai wildlife vocabulary.