Main Translations

In English, "kaput" is slang for something that's no longer functional, derived from German and popularized in English-speaking contexts. It's often used humorously or with a sense of resignation.

Thai Primary Translation: พัง (phang) Phonetic: phang (pronounced with a rising tone, like "pung" but with a soft 'ph' sound; in Thai script, it's พัง) Explanation: In Thai culture, "พัง" is a versatile word that's deeply embedded in daily life, evoking a mix of frustration, acceptance, and even light-heartedness. Thais often use it to describe anything from a broken gadget to a failed plan, reflecting the cultural value of "mai pen rai" (never mind), which encourages moving on without dwelling on setbacks. For instance, if your motorbike won't start, a Thai friend might say "พังแล้ว" with a smile, turning a negative into something relatable. Emotionally, it carries less weight than in English; it's more about practicality than despair. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's tossed around casually in conversations, while in rural spots like Isan, people might pair it with vivid stories or local idioms for emphasis. Secondary Translations: If you're aiming for more nuance, try "หมดสภาพ" (mot sapap, meaning worn out or exhausted) for people or objects that are beyond repair, or "จบ" (job, meaning finished or over) in contexts like events or relationships. These aren't direct swaps but offer shades of meaning depending on the situation.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "kaput" equivalents like "พัง" pop up everywhere from street markets to office chats. It's commonly used in casual settings to describe mechanical failures, like a phone battery dying, or metaphorical ones, such as a friendship fizzling out. In bustling Bangkok, people might use it quickly in fast-paced talks, often with slang for emphasis. Contrast that with Chiang Mai or rural areas, where expressions can be more descriptive—folks might add proverbs or gestures to convey the same idea, making it feel more storytelling-like. Overall, it's a word that bridges everyday annoyances with Thailand's resilient spirit, helping Thais navigate life's imperfections with ease.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to show "kaput" in action. We've selected scenarios that highlight its versatility in Thai contexts, focusing on everyday life and business for relevance.

Everyday Conversation

English: My old laptop is kaput, so I need to buy a new one. Thai: คอมพิวเตอร์เก่าของฉันพังแล้ว ต้องซื้อใหม่แล้วล่ะ Brief Notes: This is a super common phrase in daily chit-chat, like complaining to a friend at a coffee shop in Bangkok. Thais might add "แล้วล่ะ" for a casual, resigned tone, emphasizing the inevitability of things breaking—it's all part of the fun in Thailand's tech-savvy culture.

Business Context

English: The printer is kaput again; we'll have to fix it before the meeting. Thai: เครื่องปริ้นเตอร์พังอีกแล้ว ต้องซ่อมก่อนประชุมนะ Usage Context: Imagine you're in a Bangkok office dealing with typical tech woes. Thais use this in professional settings to keep things light, often followed by a laugh or "mai bpen rai" to maintain harmony. It's a great way to show adaptability in Thailand's business world, where efficiency meets a relaxed attitude.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เสีย (sia) - Use this when something is faulty or malfunctioning, like a car engine; it's milder and often implies it can be fixed, which aligns with Thailand's resourceful mindset.
• ชำรุด (chamrud) - Perfect for formal situations, like describing damaged goods in a store; Thais might employ it in markets to negotiate repairs, highlighting the cultural emphasis on bargaining and community solutions.

Common Collocations:

• เครื่องพัง (khrueang phang) - Literally "machine kaput," as in "My washing machine is kaput." You'll hear this in households across Thailand, especially in rainy seasons when appliances act up.
• แผนพัง (phaen phang) - Meaning "plan kaput," like "Our travel plan is kaput due to the rain." This is common among tourists or locals in places like Phuket, where weather can derail outings, teaching flexibility as a key Thai life skill.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "พัง" embody the "sanuk" philosophy—making life fun even in tough spots. Historically, influenced by Buddhist ideas of impermanence, Thais view things breaking as just another cycle, not a catastrophe. Socially, it's tied to customs like the Songkran festival, where "kaput" items might be playfully discarded amid water fights, symbolizing renewal. An interesting fact: in rural villages, people often repurpose broken things, turning "kaput" into creative opportunities, which reinforces community bonds. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "พัง" sparingly at first—it's informal, so save it for friends or casual talks to avoid seeming too blunt in formal settings. Etiquette-wise, pair it with a smile or "mai pen rai" to keep the vibe positive; Thais appreciate this. Watch out for misuses, like overusing it in serious contexts, which might come off as dismissive—always gauge the situation for that signature Thai warmth.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "phang," think of it as sounding like "pang" in "pang of pain"—imagine a broken toy making a loud "pang" noise. This visual link ties into Thai street scenes where vendors fix things on the spot, making the word feel alive and memorable. Dialect Variations: While "พัง" is standard across Thailand, in the southern regions, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "phahng," influenced by local accents. In Isan (northeastern Thailand), people could mix it with Lao-influenced slang, but it's still widely understood, so don't sweat the differences as you travel!