maturity
ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ - Thai translation
Main Translations
The English word "maturity" refers to the state of being fully developed, whether physically, emotionally, or intellectually. In Thai culture, it often carries deeper connotations related to personal growth, responsibility, and social harmony.
Thai Primary Translation: ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ (kwam bpen phu yai) Phonetic: kwahm bpen poo yai (pronounced with a rising tone on "bpen" and a mid tone on "phu yai") Explanation: In Thailand, "ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่" goes beyond just age or biological development; it embodies emotional wisdom, self-control, and the ability to navigate social situations with grace. This term is deeply rooted in Thai values like "kreng jai" (consideration for others) and respect for elders, often evoking a sense of stability and moral uprightness. Thai people use it in daily life to describe someone who handles conflicts maturely, such as a parent mediating family disputes or a young adult taking on responsibilities. It's not just about reaching a certain age—it's about demonstrating "phu yai" qualities, which can foster admiration and trust in relationships. Secondary translations might include "ความเจริญเต็มที่" (kwam jaroen dtem thi), which leans more toward physical or professional maturity, like the ripening of fruit or career advancement, but "ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่" is the most versatile and commonly used in everyday contexts.Usage Overview
In Thailand, "maturity" is frequently discussed in contexts that emphasize personal and social development, influenced by Buddhist principles of mindfulness and balance. Urban areas like Bangkok often use the term in professional settings to highlight emotional intelligence in the workplace, while rural regions, such as Chiang Mai, might tie it more to traditional life stages, like farming responsibilities or community roles. For instance, in bustling Bangkok, people might reference maturity in discussions about career progression, whereas in the laid-back villages of the North, it's linked to familial duties and cultural rites of passage. This word bridges generational gaps, making it a key concept for foreigners navigating Thai society.
Example Sentences
Below are carefully selected examples that showcase "maturity" in various real-life scenarios. We've focused on everyday conversation, business contexts, and a literary reference to keep it relevant and practical for learners.
Everyday Conversation
English: She showed great maturity by apologizing first in the argument. Thai: เธอแสดงความเป็นผู้ใหญ่โดยขอโทษก่อนในข้อโต้แย้ง (ter oh sadaeng kwam bpen phu yai doi kor toht gawhn nai eua dtoh yaeng) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like among friends or family. In Thai culture, apologizing first is seen as a sign of emotional maturity and helps maintain "sanuk" (fun and harmony) in relationships. Use it to impress locals by showing you understand Thai social etiquette.Business Context
English: The team's maturity in decision-making led to the project's success. Thai: ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ของทีมในการตัดสินใจนำไปสู่ความสำเร็จของโครงการ (kwam bpen phu yai kong tim nai gaan dtat sin jai nam pai su kwaam sam reub khong kong ja korn) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, where emphasizing maturity highlights reliability and foresight. Thai business culture values "face-saving" (not embarrassing others), so using this term can build trust and foster collaborative environments.Literary or Media Reference
English: In the novel, the character's journey to maturity teaches valuable life lessons. Thai: ในนิยาย การเดินทางสู่ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ของตัวละครสอนบทเรียนชีวิตที่มีค่า (nai ni yai, gaan dern tahn su kwam bpen phu yai khong dtua la khon sawn bot reu·an chee wit tee mee kha) Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Kru Khrua" by Sri Burapha, where personal growth is a common theme. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, maturity often symbolizes overcoming adversity, reflecting the cultural ideal of resilience and inner peace.Related Expressions
Synonyms/Related Terms:- ความโตเต็มวัย (kwam dto dtem wai) - Use this when discussing physical or age-related maturity, like reaching adulthood, which is common in family conversations or legal contexts in Thailand.
- ความเจริญทางจิตใจ (kwam jaroen tahng jit jai) - This is ideal for emotional or psychological growth, often in therapeutic or self-help discussions, aligning with Thailand's Buddhist emphasis on mental development.
- Reach maturity - บรรลุความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ (ban lu kwam bpen phu yai): For example, in Thai families, parents might say this about a child taking on household responsibilities, symbolizing a rite of passage.
- Emotional maturity - ความเป็นผู้ใหญ่ทางอารมณ์ (kwam bpen phu yai tahng ah·rom): This is frequently used in counseling sessions or media, where Thais discuss handling stress with composure, tying into cultural norms of emotional restraint.