Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "immoral" refers to actions, behaviors, or ideas that violate ethical standards or societal norms. This word often carries a strong judgmental tone, emphasizing what's considered wrong on a moral level.

Thai Primary Translation: ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม (Mai took tong tahng seen tam) Phonetic: Pronounced as "my took tong tahng seen tam" (with a soft, rising tone on "mai" and a falling tone on "tam" for emphasis). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" is a formal way to express something as immoral, drawing from Buddhist principles where actions are judged based on their impact on karma and community harmony. Unlike in English, where "immoral" might feel straightforward, Thai usage often evokes emotional depth—think of it as not just "wrong" but potentially harmful to one's spiritual well-being or social standing. For instance, Thai people might use this in everyday life when discussing infidelity, corruption, or unethical business practices, with connotations of disappointment or moral outrage. It's commonly heard in conversations about personal integrity, and in a society influenced by Theravada Buddhism, it can subtly reference the idea of "sin" (bap in Thai), which ties into concepts of rebirth and ethical living. Secondary translations like "ชั่ว" (chua, meaning wicked or evil) are sometimes used informally for a more intense, everyday feel, especially in casual or rural settings.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "immoral" and its translations are typically invoked in contexts involving ethics, relationships, or public scandals. Urban dwellers in places like Bangkok might use more formal phrasing in professional or media discussions, reflecting a modern, globalized perspective influenced by Western ideas of morality. In contrast, rural areas such as Chiang Mai often lean toward traditional Buddhist terminology, where words like "ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" are embedded in community storytelling or temple teachings. This regional variation highlights how urban settings prioritize legal and social implications, while rural ones emphasize spiritual consequences, making the word a bridge between personal and collective values.

Example Sentences

To make this entry practical, we've selected three relevant scenarios based on how "immoral" might naturally appear in Thai life—focusing on everyday talk, business ethics, and a literary nod. These examples include natural translations and tips for real-world application.

Everyday Conversation

English: I think cheating on a test is completely immoral. Thai: ผมคิดว่าการโกงข้อสอบนั้นไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรมเลย (Phom khid waa gaan kong eua-sop nan mai took tong tahng seen tam loei). Brief Notes: This sentence works well in casual chats, like among friends discussing school or work ethics. In Thailand, it might spark a deeper conversation about karma, so use it to show cultural awareness—Thais appreciate when foreigners tie in Buddhist values, making the exchange feel more relatable and less judgmental.

Business Context

English: The company's decision to cut corners was seen as immoral by many employees. Thai: การตัดสินใจของบริษัทในการประหยัดต้นทุนแบบไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรมถูกมองว่าไม่ดีโดยพนักงานหลายคน (Gaan dtat sin jai khong baan-ra-bor-tay nai gaan bpra-hyap dtoon dtam baep mai took tong tahng seen tam thuuk mong waa mai dee jaak phan-nak-ngaan laay khon). Usage Context: Picture a Bangkok business meeting where ethical lapses, like bribery, are debated. Thais might soften the language to maintain "face" (a key cultural concept), so phrase it diplomatically to avoid confrontation—it's a great way for travelers or expats to navigate professional settings while respecting local norms.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In the novel, the character's immoral actions lead to his downfall. Thai: ในนิยายนั้น การกระทำที่ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรมของตัวละครนำไปสู่ความล่มสลายของเขา (Nai ni-yaay nan, gaan kra tham thee mai took tong tahng seen tam khong dtua la khr nam pai suu kwaam lem sa lai khong khao). Source: This draws from Thai literature like the works of Sidaoruang, where moral themes are common in stories reflecting Buddhist tales. In media, such as Thai TV dramas, this phrasing highlights the consequences of bad deeds, making it a useful reference for learners interested in Thai pop culture.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ชั่ว (Chua) - Use this for a more casual or intense description of something evil or wicked, like in heated arguments about personal behavior; it's less formal than "ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" and often pops up in everyday Thai banter.
• ไม่สุจริต (Mai sutchrit) - This is ideal for contexts involving dishonesty or corruption, such as in politics or finance; it's commonly used in news reports to convey a sense of ethical betrayal without being overly emotional.

Common Collocations:

• Immoral behavior - In Thailand, paired as "พฤติกรรมไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" (Phruektham mai took tong tahng seen tam), often in discussions about social issues like infidelity; for example, "His immoral behavior ruined the family" might be said during community gossip in rural villages.
• Immoral decision - Expressed as "การตัดสินใจที่ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" (Gaan dtat sin jai thee mai took tong tahng seen tam), this is frequent in urban debates, like in Bangkok protests against corporate greed, emphasizing the long-term societal impact.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, concepts like "immoral" are deeply intertwined with Buddhist teachings, where actions are evaluated through the lens of the Five Precepts (e.g., no killing, no stealing). Historically, this stems from ancient Siamese society, influenced by Indian philosophies, making words like "ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม" not just about right and wrong but about maintaining social harmony and avoiding negative karma. Interestingly, Thais might avoid direct accusations to preserve "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so what seems like an "immoral" act could be discussed indirectly through stories or proverbs. Practical Advice: For foreigners, it's wise to use this word sparingly and with sensitivity—Thais value indirect communication, so frame discussions around shared values like community well-being rather than outright judgment. A common misuse is applying it too broadly in casual settings, which could come off as preachy; instead, learn to pair it with empathetic phrases to build rapport and avoid cultural faux pas.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไม่ถูกต้องทางศีลธรรม," think of it as "not right on the path of goodness"—visualize a winding temple path (common in Thailand) that's blocked by obstacles, linking it to the word's moral undertones. For pronunciation, break it down: "Mai" like "my" in "my way," and practice with Thai friends or apps for that melodic tone. Dialect Variations: While Standard Thai is widely used, in the North like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation with more emphasis on vowels, such as "mai took dtong" instead of "mai took tong." In the South, it could sound more clipped, but the word itself remains consistent, making it versatile for travelers across regions.