interrupt
ขัดจังหวะ - Thai translation
Main Translations
In the English-Thai dictionary, "interrupt" refers to the act of stopping someone or something mid-flow, often in conversations, events, or processes. This word is commonly encountered in daily life, business, and social interactions in Thailand, where maintaining harmony is key.
Thai Primary Translation: ขัดจังหวะ (kàt jà-nà-wá) Phonetic: Pronounced as "kàt jà-nà-wá" (with a rising tone on "kàt" and a mid tone on the rest, common in standard Thai). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ขัดจังหวะ" isn't just about physical interruption; it carries emotional weight related to respect and social harmony. Thais often use this word to describe disrupting a conversation, a performance, or even a routine, but it's infused with nuances of politeness. For instance, interrupting an elder or a superior might evoke feelings of rudeness or loss of "face" (a key concept in Thai society), so people tend to avoid it unless absolutely necessary. In daily life, you'll hear it in casual chats among friends or in formal settings like meetings, where Thais might preface an interruption with phrases like "ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ" (khǎaw thôo kráp/kâa, meaning "excuse me") to soften the impact. This reflects Thailand's collectivist culture, where smooth interactions are prioritized over assertiveness—unlike in more direct Western contexts.No secondary translations are typically needed for "interrupt," as "ขัดจังหวะ" is the most straightforward and widely used term. However, in informal or regional contexts, you might encounter "แทรก" (traek), which implies inserting oneself into a situation but with a lighter connotation.
Usage Overview
In Thailand, "interrupt" (ขัดจังหวะ) is most commonly used in scenarios involving communication or flow disruptions, such as in conversations, work meetings, or even traffic jams. Urban areas like Bangkok see it in fast-paced, professional environments where people might interrupt to keep things efficient, reflecting the city's hustle. In contrast, in more relaxed rural settings like Chiang Mai, interruptions are rarer and often handled with greater patience, emphasizing Thailand's cultural value of "sanuk" (fun and ease). Overall, this word highlights the Thai emphasis on mindfulness and respect, making it a useful term for travelers navigating social etiquette.
Example Sentences
Here are a few practical examples of "interrupt" in context, selected to cover everyday interactions, business scenarios, and travel situations. I've focused on these three for their relevance to learners and visitors, showing how the word adapts to real-life Thai settings.
Everyday Conversation
English: I didn't mean to interrupt your story, but I have a quick question. Thai: ฉันไม่ได้ตั้งใจขัดจังหวะเรื่องของคุณหรอก แต่ฉันมีคำถามสั้นๆ (Chăn mâi dâi dtâng jai khàt jà-nà-wá rûueang khǎawng khun lôrk, tàe chăn mii kham thảan sǎ-nǎ) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like at a street food stall in Bangkok. Thais appreciate the polite acknowledgment of the interruption, which helps preserve good vibes—remember, starting with "I didn't mean to" shows humility and aligns with Thai social norms.Business Context
English: Please don't interrupt the presentation; we can discuss questions at the end. Thai: กรุณาอย่าขัดจังหวะการนำเสนอ เราเอาไว้คุยคำถามตอนท้าย (Gà-rú-nǎ yàa khàt jà-nà-wá gaan ná sěn, rao ao wái khûy kham thảan dtôn thâai) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up during a corporate presentation. Thai professionals often use this to maintain order and respect hierarchy, as interrupting a speaker can disrupt the group's "face-saving" dynamics—urban Thais might add a smile or gesture to keep it friendly.Practical Travel Phrase
English: Excuse me, I hate to interrupt, but could you repeat that direction? Thai: ขอโทษนะ ฉันไม่อยากขัดจังหวะ แต่คุณช่วยบอกทางซ้ำได้ไหม (Khǎaw thôo ná, chăn mâi yàak khàt jà-nà-wá, tàe khun chûai bòk thaang sùp dâi mǎi) Travel Tip: This is handy when asking for directions from a tuk-tuk driver in places like Chiang Mai. Thais are generally welcoming to tourists, but phrasing it politely like this shows cultural sensitivity—always smile and use "khǎaw thôo" (excuse me) to avoid seeming abrupt, which could lead to misunderstandings in busy tourist spots.Related Expressions
Synonyms/Related Terms:- แทรก (traek) - Use this when you want to imply gently inserting yourself into a conversation, like in a group discussion; it's less formal and often feels more playful in everyday Thai banter.
- หยุดกลางคัน (yùt glâang khan) - This means "to stop midway," and it's great for describing interruptions in processes, such as a sudden power outage; Thais might use it with a sense of humor to lighten the mood.
- ขัดจังหวะการสนทนา (kàt jà-nà-wá gaan sŏn-thá-na) - Meaning "interrupt the conversation," this is a staple in Thai social settings, like family dinners, where someone might say it while laughing off a playful disruption.
- ขัดจังหวะงาน (kàt jà-nà-wá ngahn) - Translates to "interrupt work," often heard in offices or markets in Thailand, where it highlights how unexpected events, like a phone call, throw off the flow—Thais use it to express mild frustration with a positive spin.