Main Translations

The word "meager" describes something that is lacking in quantity, quality, or sufficiency—often evoking a sense of scarcity or disappointment. In Thai, it's commonly translated based on context, reflecting the language's nuanced approach to expressing inadequacy.

English: Meager Thai Primary Translation: ขัดสน (khàt sǒn) Phonetic: khàt sǒn (pronounced with a short "a" sound in "khat" and a rising tone on "sǒn") Explanation: In Thai culture, "ขัดสน" goes beyond a simple description of scarcity; it carries emotional weight, often implying hardship or struggle that requires resilience or community support. For instance, Thai people might use it in everyday life to discuss economic challenges, like a "meager harvest" during dry seasons, which can evoke empathy and align with Buddhist values of acceptance and generosity. Unlike in English, where "meager" might sound neutral or clinical, in Thailand it can subtly convey a call for help or shared understanding—think of it as a word that fosters "kreng jai" (consideration for others). In daily conversations, it's not overly formal; rural Thais in places like Isan might pair it with stories of tough times, while urban dwellers in Bangkok use it more matter-of-factly in professional settings. Secondary Translation: If the context emphasizes something small or insufficient in size, you might hear "น้อย" (nôi), which is simpler and less emotionally charged, often used for minor shortages like a "meager portion" of food.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "meager" (or its translations like "ขัดสน") frequently appears in discussions about resources, finances, or daily necessities, reflecting the country's mix of economic growth and inequalities. It's commonly used in personal stories of hardship, business planning, or even media critiques of social issues. Regionally, Bangkok's fast-paced urban environment might frame it in terms of "meager opportunities" in a competitive job market, while in rural areas like Chiang Mai, it's often tied to agriculture—such as a "meager rice yield" due to weather challenges. This highlights how urban Thais might express it more abstractly, whereas rural communities use it with a practical, grounded tone, emphasizing community resilience over individual complaint.

Example Sentences

To make this word stick, I've selected three relevant scenarios: everyday conversation, business context, and a practical travel phrase. These examples show how "meager" adapts to real-life situations in Thailand, with natural phrasing and cultural notes.

Everyday Conversation

English: The family's dinner was meager, so we shared what little we had. Thai: มื้ออาหารของครอบครัวขัดสน เลยแบ่งปันกันไป (Mêua àahaan khǎawng khrôp-khrua khàt sǒn, loei bǎhng bpahn gan bpai). Brief Notes: This sentence captures a common Thai scenario where food scarcity leads to sharing, emphasizing the cultural value of "sanuk" (making the best of things). In daily life, Thais might say this during family gatherings, turning a potentially negative situation into a moment of bonding—perfect for travelers experiencing rural hospitality.

Business Context

English: Due to the economic downturn, our company's budget is looking meager this quarter. Thai: ด้วยเศรษฐกิจที่ซบเซา งบประมาณของบริษัทเราขัดสนในไตรมาสนี้ (Dûay sètsakit thîi sòp sao, ngop prachaathan khǎawng baan-ra-wieng rao khàt sǒn nai traimaa ni). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up when discussing financial constraints, as Thailand's economy often faces fluctuations. It's a polite way to address challenges without assigning blame, aligning with Thai etiquette of maintaining "face" (saving dignity), so use it to propose collaborative solutions rather than complaints.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: The street food portions were meager, but they were still delicious. Thai: อาหารข้างถนนมีปริมาณขัดสน แต่ก็อร่อยอยู่ดี (Àahaan khaang thaan mii bpriraan khàt sǒn, tae gò ahròy yùu di). Travel Tip: When exploring Thailand's vibrant street food scenes in places like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, this phrase can help you express mild disappointment without offending vendors. Thais appreciate honesty mixed with positivity—follow up with a smile and a compliment to keep the interaction warm, as it reflects the local custom of "jai dee" (good heartedness).

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• น้อย (nôi) - This is a lighter synonym for when something is just a little insufficient, like a meager amount of rain during the rainy season; it's commonly used in casual chats to avoid sounding too dramatic.
• จำกัด (jamkàt) - Often used for limited or restricted resources, such as a meager selection at a market; in Thailand, it's popular in educational or professional contexts to discuss constraints without negativity.

Common Collocations:

• ขัดสนทางการเงิน (khàt sǒn thang gaan ngoen) - Meaning "financially meager," this is a go-to phrase in Thailand for talking about money troubles, like during economic discussions on TV news, where it highlights the need for family support.
• ขัดสนด้านอาหาร (khàt sǒn daan àahaan) - Refers to "meager food supplies," often heard in rural areas or during festivals, where it underscores the importance of sharing meals as a cultural norm.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "ขัดสน" are deeply intertwined with the country's history of agricultural dependence and Buddhist philosophy, which teaches contentment amid scarcity. Historically, during times of war or natural disasters, Thais have used such terms to describe meager resources while promoting "kwam jing" (truthfulness) and community aid. Socially, it can evoke "mai pen rai" (never mind) attitudes, where people downplay hardships to maintain harmony. For example, in media or literature, it's often portrayed in stories of rural life, like in folk tales or modern songs about farmers, reminding listeners of Thailand's resilient spirit rather than dwelling on negativity. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ขัดสน" sparingly and with sensitivity—Thais might interpret it as a sign of complaint, which can disrupt social flow. Instead, pair it with positive follow-ups, like suggesting solutions, to align with the culture's emphasis on politeness. Avoid overusing it in formal settings, as it could come across as pessimistic; in casual talks, it's fine but always smile to keep things light.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ขัดสน" (khàt sǒn), think of it as "caught in a snag"—the word evokes a sense of being stuck or short on something, much like getting tangled in Thailand's lush jungles. Pair this with a visual of a simple Thai meal, like a modest plate of rice, to reinforce the connection between the word and everyday life. Dialect Variations: In Central Thailand (e.g., Bangkok), "ขัดสน" is pronounced clearly as described, but in the North like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer, more drawn-out "khàat sǒn" with a slight Northern accent. In the Isan region, it could blend with Lao influences, sounding more like "kàt sòn," so listen and adapt when traveling to ensure you're connecting authentically. This entry provides a balanced, user-friendly resource for mastering "meager" in a Thai context, helping you navigate language barriers while appreciating the rich cultural tapestry of Thailand. For more words, search for "English-Thai dictionary" or explore related terms!