Main Translations

In English, "laboured" primarily functions as an adjective (e.g., describing something done with great effort or strain) or the past tense of the verb "labour" (to work hard). This word often carries connotations of exertion, difficulty, or unnaturalness, making it a useful term for describing physical, emotional, or creative struggles.

Thai Primary Translation: ลำบาก (lam-bak) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): lum-bàk (with a rising tone on the second syllable, as in "lum" like "loom" and "bàk" like "buck"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ลำบาก" goes beyond a simple translation—it's deeply tied to everyday resilience and empathy. It evokes emotions like sympathy or admiration for perseverance, often used to describe hardships in work, health, or life circumstances. For instance, Thai people might say it when talking about a farmer's tough day in the fields or a student's intense study sessions. Unlike in English, where "laboured" can sound formal or critical (e.g., a "laboured performance" implying it's forced), in Thailand, it fosters connection and community support. Historically, influenced by rural traditions, this word reflects the "kreng jai" (considerate heart) value, where acknowledging struggles builds relationships. In daily life, you'll hear it in casual chats, like complaining about Bangkok's traffic or praising someone's hard work during Songkran festivals. Secondary Translations (if applicable): Depending on context, alternatives include: - ฝืด (feut) – For a more specific sense of something being strained or unnatural, like a "laboured conversation." This is common in artistic or social settings. - ทำงานหนัก (tam-ngan nak) – Literally "work hard," used for the verb form, emphasizing physical or mental effort in professional contexts.

Usage Overview

"Laboured" and its Thai equivalents are versatile, popping up in scenarios involving effort, struggle, or inefficiency. In Thailand, it's often used to express empathy or share experiences, aligning with the cultural emphasis on "sanuk" (fun) and "mai pen rai" (no worries), where even hardships are discussed with a light touch to maintain harmony. Regionally, usage varies: In bustling Bangkok, people might describe a "laboured commute" as ลำบากเพราะรถติด (lam-bak proh rot tid), highlighting urban stresses like traffic. In contrast, in rural areas like Chiang Mai, it could refer to agricultural toil, such as ลำบากในนา (lam-bak nai na), meaning struggles in the rice fields. Urban dwellers tend to use it metaphorically for modern life hassles, while rural communities link it to physical endurance, reflecting Thailand's diverse landscapes and lifestyles.

Example Sentences

To illustrate "laboured" in action, we've selected three relevant scenarios based on its common associations with effort and daily challenges. These examples are drawn from authentic Thai contexts, helping you practice naturally.

1. Everyday Conversation

English: Her breathing sounded laboured after the long hike up the mountain. Thai: การหายใจของเธอดูลำบากหลังจากเดินป่าขึ้นเขานานๆ Brief Notes: This sentence captures a physical struggle, which is relatable in Thailand's outdoor culture. In casual talks, Thais might add "mai bpen rai" (it's okay) to soften the hardship, making conversations more encouraging and less intense.

2. Business Context

English: The team's presentation felt laboured, as if they hadn't prepared enough. Thai: การนำเสนอของทีมรู้สึกฝืด ราวกับว่าพวกเขาไม่ได้เตรียมตัวมากพอ Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this could arise during a pitch session. Thais value "face-saving" etiquette, so phrase it politely to avoid offending—perhaps follow with encouragement like "but it's a good start" to keep the mood positive.

3. Literary or Media Reference

English: In the novel, the character's laboured steps symbolized his inner turmoil. Thai: ในนิยาย การก้าวเดินลำบากของตัวละครสะท้อนความวุ่นวายในใจเขา Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Kru Khrua" by Sidaoruang, where themes of struggle are common. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this word's essence appears in stories of rural-to-urban migration, evoking national pride in overcoming adversity.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: - ยากลำบาก (yak lam-bak) – Use this when emphasizing something more intense, like a "laboured journey" through life's obstacles. It's perfect for heartfelt discussions in Thailand, where sharing struggles can strengthen bonds. - อึดอัด (eud-ut) – Similar to a "laboured feeling," implying discomfort or strain; handy in social settings, such as describing awkward interactions at a family gathering. Common Collocations: - ชีวิตลำบาก (chivit lam-bak) – Example: "My life in the city is laboured because of the high cost of living." This is a go-to phrase in Thailand for venting about daily grind, especially among young professionals in Bangkok. - หายใจลำบาก (ha-yai lam-bak) – Example: "The pollution makes breathing laboured during the dry season." You'll hear this in health-related talks, particularly in polluted areas like Chiang Mai, where environmental concerns are rising.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "ลำบาก" aren't just about hardship—they're woven into the fabric of "mai bpen rai" philosophy, turning struggles into opportunities for growth and community. Historically, influenced by Buddhist teachings and agricultural roots, it reflects the idea of "suffering as a path to enlightenment." For instance, during festivals like Loy Krathong, people might share stories of laboured efforts in preparing floats, celebrating resilience. Socially, it's a way to show "kreng jai," fostering empathy without complaint. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "laboured" equivalents sparingly in conversations to avoid sounding negative—Thais prefer optimistic tones. If discussing someone's hard work, pair it with praise, like "but you're doing great!" to align with local etiquette. A common misuse is overemphasizing struggles in formal settings, which might make you seem insincere; instead, observe and mirror how locals downplay difficulties.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ลำบาก" (lam-bak), picture a Thai elephant (a symbol of strength in Thailand) trudging through muddy fields—effortful and resilient, just like the word's meaning. This visual ties into Thailand's cultural icons, making it easier to recall during travels. Dialect Variations: While "ลำบาก" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation can soften in the North, like in Chiang Mai, where it might sound more like "lum-bah" with a gentler tone. In the South, it's similar but often paired with local idioms, so if you're in Phuket, listen for blends with regional dialects to adapt your usage. --- This entry provides a balanced, user-friendly resource for learning "laboured" in a Thai context. By focusing on real-life applications and cultural insights, it's tailored for travelers and learners alike. If you're exploring more words, check out our other English-Thai guides for seamless language integration!