Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "lapis" most commonly refers to "lapis lazuli," a deep-blue stone with historical significance. This word isn't a staple in everyday Thai conversation but appears in specialized areas like gem trading, tourism, and traditional crafts.

Thai Primary Translation: ลาพิสลาซูลี (Lapis Lazuli) Phonetic: la-pìt laa-zu-li (pronounced with a soft "p" sound in "pìt" and emphasis on the first syllable, similar to how Thais might adapt foreign words).

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ลาพิสลาซูลี" evokes a sense of luxury and ancient mystique, often linked to spiritual or royal symbolism. Historically, lapis lazuli has been used in Buddhist amulets, temple decorations, and jewelry, symbolizing wisdom and protection—much like how Thais view other sacred stones such as sapphires. Emotionally, it carries positive connotations of prosperity and calmness, but it's not used casually in daily life. Instead, you'll hear it in markets like Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market or among artisans in Chiang Mai, where it's discussed with reverence. For Thais, this word highlights foreign influences, as lapis lazuli was imported via ancient trade routes, blending with local beliefs to create items like ornate Buddha statues. No secondary translations are typically needed, as "lapis" is directly borrowed and adapted in Thai.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "lapis" (or its Thai equivalent) is rarely used in casual chit-chat but pops up in niche scenarios like jewelry shopping, cultural tours, or artisan workshops. Urban areas like Bangkok see it in high-end retail or export businesses, where it's discussed in English-Thai bilingual contexts. In contrast, rural or northern regions like Chiang Mai might reference it more poetically in traditional crafts, tying it to folklore about protective gems. Overall, it's a word that bridges global trade and local heritage, making it useful for travelers exploring Thailand's gem markets.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "lapis" in relevant contexts. I've selected four scenarios that best fit its specialized nature, focusing on everyday interactions, business, media, and travel to keep it balanced and applicable.

Everyday Conversation

English: I love that necklace— is it made from lapis? Thai: ฉันชอบสร้อยคออันนั้น—มันทำจากลาพิสลาซูลีไหม? (Chăn chôp sŏy kǎo an nán—mân tam jàk lā-pìt laa-zu-li mái?) Brief Notes: This is a natural way to strike up a conversation in a Thai market or with a friend who's into accessories. Thais might respond with enthusiasm, sharing stories about the stone's "lucky" properties, which adds a warm, relational touch to the exchange.

Business Context

English: We're sourcing high-quality lapis for our new jewelry line. Thai: เรากำลังหาลาพิสลาซูลีคุณภาพสูงสำหรับไลน์เครื่องประดับใหม่ของเรา (Rao gam-lang hǎa lā-pìt laa-zu-li khun-phaap sǔng sǎm-ráb laa-in krûang bpra-dàp mài kǎng rao) Usage Context: Picture a supplier meeting in Bangkok's gem district; Thais often mix English terms like "lapis" here to appeal to international clients, emphasizing quality to build trust and close deals.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In the ancient tale, the king's crown was adorned with lapis, symbolizing eternal wisdom. Thai: ในนิทานโบราณ มงกุฎของกษัตริย์ประดับด้วยลาพิสลาซูลี แทนความรู้สึกอมตะ (Nai ní-taan bò-raan, mong-gùt kǎng gòt-dtrì prà-dàp dûey lā-pìt laa-zu-li, dtèan khwaam róo sèuk om-ta) Source: Inspired by Thai folklore and media like historical dramas on Thai TV channels, where lapis often represents divine power, reflecting its real use in royal artifacts from the Ayutthaya era.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can I see some lapis jewelry that's affordable for souvenirs? Thai: ฉันอยากดูเครื่องประดับลาพิสลาซูลีที่ราคาไม่แพงสำหรับของที่ระลึกได้ไหม? (Chăn yàak duu krûang bpra-dàp lā-pìt laa-zu-li tîi raa-khǎa mâi pǎeng sǎm-ráb kǎng tîi rà-lûek dâi mái?) Travel Tip: Use this when bargaining at street markets in places like Phuket or Chiang Mai—Thais appreciate polite haggling, so smile and add "krub/ka" (for men/women) to show respect. It's a great way to connect with vendors and learn about local gemstone lore.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• พลอยน้ำเงิน (phloi nám-ngern) - This is a broader term for blue gemstones, often used interchangeably with lapis in casual Thai talk; it's handy for everyday descriptions of jewelry without sounding too formal.
• หินศักดิ์สิทธิ์ (hĭn sàk-dtrìt) - Literally "sacred stone," this relates to lapis in spiritual contexts, like in amulets, and is commonly referenced in northern Thailand where mysticism plays a bigger role.

Common Collocations:

• สร้อยคอลาพิสลาซูลี (sŏy kǎo lā-pìt laa-zu-li) - Meaning "lapis necklace," this is a frequent phrase in Thai markets, evoking images of elegant, affordable accessories that tourists snap up as gifts.
• ประดับลาพิส (prà-dàp lā-pìt) - Translates to "adorned with lapis," often heard in cultural discussions or artisan demos, highlighting how Thais incorporate it into traditional designs for festivals.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, lapis lazuli isn't just a pretty stone—it's tied to centuries of trade and spirituality. Historically, it arrived via the Silk Road and influenced Sukhothai-era art, where it was embedded in statues to ward off evil spirits. In modern Thai society, it symbolizes status and serenity, often featured in Songkran festival jewelry or as a gift during weddings. This reflects Thailand's blend of Buddhism and animism, where gems like lapis are seen as conduits for good fortune, though urban youth might view it more as a trendy import. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ลาพิสลาซูลี" sparingly and in appropriate settings, like gem shops, to avoid sounding out of place. Always pair it with a smile and basic politeness (e.g., ending sentences with "krub" or "ka"), as Thais value humility. A common misuse is assuming it's cheap—be prepared for higher prices in authentic sources, and steer clear of fakes by shopping at certified markets.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ลาพิสลาซูลี," think of it as "lazy blue" (la-zu-li), linking the word to its striking color—like a lazy river's deep blue hue. This visual association can help with pronunciation, and picturing a serene Thai temple adorned with blue stones makes it stick for cultural learners. Dialect Variations: While standard Thai uses "ลาพิสลาซูลี," in southern dialects like those in Phuket, you might hear a quicker pronunciation, almost like "la-pìt laa-su-li," with softer vowels. In the north, such as Chiang Mai, it's often elongated for emphasis, reflecting the region's storytelling traditions—adapt by listening and mimicking locals for better rapport.