Main Translations

English: Jeopardize (verb, meaning to put something at risk or in danger, often unintentionally)

Thai Primary Translation: ทำให้เสี่ยง (Tam hai siang)

Phonetic: Tam hai siang (pronounced with a soft, rising tone on "siang," emphasizing the idea of risk)

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ทำให้เสี่ยง" carries a strong connotation of caution and potential harm, often evoking emotions like worry or regret. It's not just a neutral term; it reflects the Thai emphasis on maintaining "sanuk" (fun and harmony) while avoiding disruptions. For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life to discuss decisions that could upset family balance or community stability, such as risky business ventures or environmental actions. Semantically, it's nuanced—similar to English, but with a cultural undertone of collectivism, where individual actions are seen as potentially affecting the group. In casual conversations, it's straightforward, but in formal settings, it might imply a moral responsibility to prevent harm.

Secondary Translation: ทำให้มีอันตราย (Tam hai mee an dtrai), which is used when emphasizing physical or severe danger, such as in safety warnings. This variant is less common but appears in contexts like health advisories or legal discussions.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "ทำให้เสี่ยง" is a versatile phrase commonly used to highlight risks in personal, professional, and social scenarios. It's prevalent in urban hubs like Bangkok, where fast-paced business and traffic often lead to discussions about jeopardizing careers or safety. In contrast, rural areas like Chiang Mai might apply it more to agricultural or environmental contexts, such as how climate change could jeopardize crop yields. Overall, the word underscores Thailand's cultural value of "mai pen rai" (it's okay, don't worry), but with a pragmatic twist—Thais often use it to gently remind others to think twice before acting, blending optimism with realism.

Example Sentences

Below, we've selected three relevant scenarios to illustrate "jeopardize" in action. These examples draw from authentic Thai language use, focusing on natural phrasing for learners and travelers.

Everyday Conversation

English: Don't jeopardize your health by skipping meals during work.

Thai: อย่าทำให้สุขภาพของคุณเสี่ยงโดยการข้ามมื้ออาหารตอนทำงาน (Yah tam hai sooka pha khong chun siang doi gaan kham muea ahahn dtorn tam ngan)

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like advising a friend. In Thailand, health is a big topic in daily life, especially with the emphasis on "sanuk" and well-being, so using this phrase shows care without being overly dramatic. It's common in family settings or among colleagues in places like street food markets in Bangkok.

Business Context

English: Changing suppliers could jeopardize our project's timeline.

Thai: การเปลี่ยนซัพพลายเออร์อาจทำให้โครงการของเรามีความเสี่ยง (Gaan plian sap plai yer aat tam hai kong karn khong rao mee kwaam siang)

Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up when discussing supply chain issues. Thai business culture values harmony, so phrasing it this way helps avoid confrontation while highlighting risks, perhaps during negotiations over contracts. It's a polite way to express concerns without directly blaming anyone.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Riding a motorbike without a helmet could jeopardize your safety.

Thai: การขับมอเตอร์ไซค์โดยไม่สวมหมวกกันน็อคอาจทำให้ความปลอดภัยของคุณเสี่ยง (Gaan khap mo ter sai yah doi mai som muk gan nok aat tam hai kwaam plort pai khong chun siang)

Travel Tip: When traveling in tourist spots like Phuket or Chiang Mai, always use this phrase to remind locals or fellow travelers about road safety—Thailand has high traffic accident rates. It's a great way to show respect for Thai customs, where safety is often discussed in group settings, and could even spark a helpful conversation with a taxi driver.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ทำให้มีอันตราย (Tam hai mee an dtrai) – Use this when the risk involves direct physical harm, like in emergency situations; it's more intense than "ทำให้เสี่ยง" and common in health or disaster contexts in Thailand.
• คุกคาม (Khuk kham) – This is ideal for threats to security or rights, such as in social justice discussions; in Thai media, it's often linked to environmental activism, reflecting growing awareness of issues like deforestation.

Common Collocations:

• ทำให้เสี่ยงชีวิต (Tam hai siang chee wit) – Example: "Smoking can jeopardize your life" (การสูบบุหรี่อาจทำให้ชีวิตของคุณเสี่ยง). In Thailand, this is frequently used in anti-smoking campaigns, tying into public health initiatives.
• ทำให้เสี่ยงธุรกิจ (Tam hai siang tura kit) – Example: "Poor planning could jeopardize the business" (การวางแผนที่ไม่ดีอาจทำให้ธุรกิจเสี่ยง). This pops up in entrepreneurial talks, especially in Bangkok's startup scene, where risk management is key to success.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "ทำให้เสี่ยง" are deeply tied to the concept of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), where actions that jeopardize harmony are often avoided. Historically, this stems from Buddhist influences, emphasizing mindfulness and the interconnectedness of actions—much like the idea of karma. For example, in rural communities, it might relate to seasonal floods jeopardizing farms, evoking stories from Thai folklore about balancing nature. Socially, it's used to foster caution in a society that prizes politeness, but it can also highlight modern challenges, such as how tourism might jeopardize traditional ways of life in places like the northern hills.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ทำให้เสี่ยง" sparingly in conversations to avoid sounding alarmist—Thais prefer indirect language to maintain face. If you're in a business or social setting, pair it with positive suggestions, like offering alternatives. A common misuse is overusing it in casual talk, which might come across as pessimistic; instead, save it for genuine risks to build trust and show cultural sensitivity.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ทำให้เสี่ยง," think of it as "tam hai" (make) + "siang" (risk, like a warning siren). Visualize a Thai traffic jam in Bangkok, where one wrong move could "siang" everything up—it's a fun way to link the word to the chaotic yet vibrant energy of Thai streets. This visual association can help with pronunciation and recall during real-life situations.

Dialect Variations: While "ทำให้เสี่ยง" is standard Central Thai, in the North like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation with more emphasis on the vowels, such as "tam hai siang" sounding like "tam hai siaang." In the South, it's similar but could be shortened in casual speech. If you're traveling, locals will appreciate your effort to adapt, so listen and mimic regional tones for better connections.

This entry provides a balanced, authentic look at "jeopardize" in Thai, blending language learning with cultural depth. For more words, explore our other guides or search for "English-Thai dictionary phrases" to enhance your Thai language journey!