Main Translations

English: Hypersensitive

Thai Primary Translation: อ่อนไหวเกินไป (on wai geern bpai)

Explanation: In Thai, "อ่อนไหวเกินไป" literally means "overly sensitive" and is commonly used to describe someone who reacts intensely to emotional triggers, criticism, or even minor environmental changes. This term carries emotional connotations of vulnerability, which in Thai culture can evoke sympathy or concern, as Thais value harmony and "face" (saving dignity in social interactions). For instance, it's often applied in daily life to discuss personal relationships or mental health, where being hypersensitive might be seen as a double-edged sword—indicating deep empathy but also potential for conflict. In medical contexts, like allergies, a more precise term is "มีความไวสูง" (mee kwaam wai soong), but for emotional use, "อ่อนไหวเกินไป" is the go-to phrase. Thai people might use it casually in conversations to gently point out someone's reactions without causing offense, reflecting the cultural emphasis on indirect communication.

Secondary Translations: If you're referring to physical hypersensitivity (e.g., to allergens), you could use "ไวต่อสิ่งกระตุ้น" (wai taw sing kra toohn), pronounced as "wai taw sing kra toohn." This is less common in everyday talk but appears in health discussions.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "hypersensitive" and its translations are frequently used in personal and professional settings to describe emotional or sensory overreactions. For example, in bustling urban areas like Bangkok, people might use it to navigate the fast-paced, stress-filled environment, where emotional sensitivity can affect workplace dynamics. In contrast, in rural regions like Chiang Mai, the term often ties into community values, emphasizing mindfulness and emotional balance influenced by Buddhist principles. Overall, it's more prevalent in self-reflection or counseling conversations rather than casual chit-chat, highlighting Thailand's collectivist culture where individual sensitivities are discussed with care to maintain social harmony.

Example Sentences

Below, I've selected three relevant scenarios to illustrate "hypersensitive" in context. These examples focus on everyday life, business, and cultural interactions, making them practical for learners and travelers in Thailand.

Everyday Conversation

English: She's hypersensitive to any kind of criticism, so I have to be careful with my words.

Thai: เธออ่อนไหวเกินไปต่อคำวิจารณ์ทุกอย่าง เลยต้องระวังคำพูดของตัวเอง (ter on wai geern bpai tor kwam wicahn took yang, loey dtong ra wang kwam phut kong dtua eng)

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats with friends or family in Thailand, where people often share personal stories over coffee. It highlights the need for tact, as Thais prioritize avoiding confrontation—use it to show empathy and build rapport.

Business Context

English: In negotiations, being hypersensitive to feedback can hinder progress, so we need to stay objective.

Thai: ในที่ประชุมเจรจา การอ่อนไหวเกินไปต่อความคิดเห็นอาจทำให้การก้าวหน้าติดขัด (nai tee bpra chum jer ja, gaan on wai geern bpai tor kwaam tink seun aa ja tam hai gaan gwap naa tid khat)

Usage Context: This might come up in a Bangkok business meeting, where professionals discuss team dynamics. Thais often use such phrases to promote harmony, so pair it with a positive follow-up to keep the conversation smooth and productive.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character in the novel is hypersensitive to the world's injustices, driving her to activism.

Thai: ตัวละครในนิยายอ่อนไหวเกินไปต่อความอยุติธรรมของโลก ทำให้เธอผลักดันตัวเองไปสู่การเคลื่อนไหว (dtua la khon nai ni yaa on wai geern bpai tor kwaam a yoo ti tham khong lok, tam hai ter pul lak dan dtua eng pai soo gaan kleeun wai)

Source: Inspired by Thai literature like works by Sidaoruang, where emotional depth is a common theme. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this concept often explores personal growth, resonating with audiences who value introspection.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• อ่อนไหว (on wai) – Use this when describing general sensitivity, like in everyday empathy; it's milder and more neutral, perfect for casual Thai conversations without implying excess.
• ขี้ระแวง (khee ra waeng) – This means "paranoid" or overly suspicious, often used for hypersensitivity in social distrust; it's common in informal settings to lighten tense discussions.

Common Collocations:

• อ่อนไหวเกินไปต่อคำวิจารณ์ (on wai geern bpai tor kwam wicahn) – As in the everyday example above, this collocation is frequently heard in Thailand when talking about handling feedback in relationships or work.
• อ่อนไหวต่อสิ่งแวดล้อม (on wai tor sing waet lom) – Often used in environmental or health contexts, like discussing allergies; in rural areas, it might relate to sensitivity to weather changes, reflecting Thailand's diverse climates.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, hypersensitivity is viewed through the lens of Buddhist teachings, which encourage emotional moderation to achieve inner peace. Historically, this trait has been linked to the concept of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), where being overly sensitive can disrupt social balance. For instance, in traditional Thai society, expressing hypersensitivity might be downplayed to preserve group harmony, as seen in festivals like Songkran, where emotional restraint is key. Interestingly, modern Thai pop culture, influenced by global media, has started to normalize it as a strength, especially in mental health awareness campaigns.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use words like "อ่อนไหวเกินไป" sparingly and with sensitivity—Thais appreciate indirect language, so frame it positively (e.g., "It shows your deep care"). Avoid misusing it in heated arguments, as it could be seen as judgmental; instead, opt for it in supportive contexts like therapy or friendships to build trust.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "อ่อนไหวเกินไป," think of it as "overly delicate like a flower" – in Thai culture, flowers symbolize beauty and fragility, helping you associate the word with emotional vulnerability. Practice saying it out loud with a Thai friend, as the pronunciation flows like a gentle wave (on wai geern bpai).

Dialect Variations: Thai is relatively standardized due to media and education, but in southern regions, you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "on wai gin bpai," with a more melodic tone. In the north, such as Chiang Mai, people may emphasize the emotional aspect with local idioms, but the core word remains consistent across the country.

This entry is designed to be a practical resource for anyone engaging with Thai language and culture. If you're learning Thai, try incorporating these phrases into your daily routine for a more authentic experience. For more entries, search for "English-Thai dictionary" or explore related terms like emotional vocabulary.