Main Translations

English: Intolerant

Thai Primary Translation: ไม่ทน (mai ton)

Phonetic: Mai ton (pronounced with a short "ai" sound like in "eye" and a soft "ton" as in "tone").

Explanation: In Thai, "ไม่ทน" literally means "not enduring" or "cannot tolerate," and it's commonly used to describe someone who lacks patience or acceptance, whether for physical discomfort, differing opinions, or behaviors. This word carries a negative emotional connotation, often evoking ideas of rigidity or frustration, which can disrupt the Thai cultural emphasis on "kreng jai" (consideration and harmony). For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life to discuss personal limits, like dietary preferences, but in social contexts, it implies a lack of openness—something that's frowned upon in a society that values politeness and avoiding conflict. Unlike in English, where "intolerant" often relates to prejudice (e.g., racial or ideological), Thai usage leans more toward everyday impatience, though it can extend to broader issues like religious differences.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, alternatives include "ไม่ยอมรับ" (mai yom rap, meaning "not accepting") for social or ideological intolerance, or "หัวแข็ง" (hua khaeng, meaning "stubborn-headed") for a more personality-driven sense. These are flexible and chosen based on the situation—e.g., "ไม่ยอมรับ" is ideal for debates on diversity.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "intolerant" (or its Thai equivalents) appears in everyday conversations about personal boundaries, social issues, and even health. It's particularly common in urban areas like Bangkok, where fast-paced life leads to discussions about stress and differing viewpoints, such as in workplaces or social media debates. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express this concept more indirectly to preserve harmony—Thais in these areas often use euphemisms or non-verbal cues rather than direct words, reflecting the cultural norm of "saving face." Overall, this word highlights Thailand's blend of tolerance and occasional frustration in a collectivist society.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples, selected for their relevance to daily life, business, and cultural interactions. We've focused on scenarios where "intolerant" might naturally arise, helping you apply it in real Thai contexts.

Everyday Conversation

English: She's intolerant of loud noises, so we have to keep it quiet in the house.

Thai: เธอไม่ทนต่อเสียงดัง ดังนั้นเราต้องเงียบๆ ในบ้าน (Ther mai ton tor siang dang, dang nan rao dtaung ngiab-ngiab nai baan).

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like with neighbors or family. In Thailand, where community living is common, Thais might use this to express sensitivity without causing offense—always pair it with a smile to maintain that relaxed vibe!

Business Context

English: The boss is intolerant of mistakes, so double-check your work before the meeting.

Thai: เจ้านายไม่ทนต่อความผิดพลาด ดังนั้นตรวจสอบงานของคุณก่อนประชุม (Jaonaai mai ton tor khwam pit plaad, dang nan truat sop ngan khong khun kon pra chum).

Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this could come up when discussing deadlines or quality control. Thai workplaces often prioritize hierarchy, so use this phrase carefully to show respect—perhaps add "krub" or "ka" (polite particles) to soften it and align with local etiquette.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character in the novel is intolerant of change, leading to his downfall.

Thai: ตัวละครในนิยายไม่ทนต่อการเปลี่ยนแปลง ส่งผลให้เขาล้มเหลว (Dta la korn nai ni yai mai ton tor gaan plian plaang, song phal hai kao lom leo).

Source: Inspired by Thai literature like works from Sidaoruang, where themes of rigidity versus adaptation are common. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this word reflects societal shifts, like urban modernization clashing with traditional values.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ไม่ยอมรับ (mai yom rap) - Use this when talking about refusing to accept differences, like in social justice discussions; it's more formal and common in debates to emphasize inclusivity.
• หัวรั้น (hua ran) - Similar to "stubborn," it's great for describing someone who's unyielding in opinions, often in family or personal contexts where Thai people value flexibility.

Common Collocations:

• ไม่ทนความร้อน (mai ton khwam ron) - Meaning "intolerant of heat," this is a frequent phrase in Thailand's tropical climate, like when complaining about weather during a Songkran festival.
• ไม่ทนต่อความคิดเห็นที่แตกต่าง (mai ton tor khwam khit pen thi taek tang) - Translates to "intolerant of differing opinions," often used in political or social media talks, highlighting Thailand's push for unity amid diversity.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, being "intolerant" can clash with core values like "sanuk" (fun and enjoyment) and the Buddhist-influenced emphasis on patience and empathy. Historically, this stems from Thailand's history of maintaining social harmony to avoid conflict, as seen in events like the Ayutthaya era. Today, it's often linked to modern issues, such as debates over LGBTQ+ rights or regional diversity—Thais in the Isan region, for example, might be more openly expressive due to their laid-back culture, while Bangkok residents could view intolerance as a urban stressor. Fun fact: Thai proverbs, like "น้ำใจคนไทย" (the kindness of Thai people), often promote tolerance, making this word a reminder of what to avoid in daily interactions.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use words like "ไม่ทน" sparingly in conversations to prevent seeming confrontational—Thais appreciate indirect language. If discussing sensitive topics, frame it positively, like suggesting alternatives. A common misuse is applying it too broadly; instead, observe local cues and use it only when necessary, such as in health-related talks during travel.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "mai ton," think of it as "not strong" in a Thai context—picture a bamboo shoot (a symbol of Thai resilience) that breaks under pressure. This visual ties into pronunciation: "mai" sounds like "my" (as in "my way"), and "ton" like "tone," making it easier to recall during chats or while exploring markets.

Dialect Variations: In northern Thailand, like Chiang Mai, "ไม่ทน" might be pronounced with a softer tone (more like "mai dton"), reflecting the region's melodic dialect. In the south, it's similar but could include local slang for emphasis, so adapt based on your location to sound more natural.

This English-Thai dictionary entry for "intolerant" is tailored for practical use, whether you're learning Thai for travel, business, or cultural immersion. For more words, search for "English-Thai dictionary translations" or explore related terms on language apps. Remember, embracing Thai nuances will enhance your experiences in the Land of Smiles!