Main Translations

The word "meteorological" refers to anything related to the study of weather, climate, and atmospheric conditions. In Thailand, this term is essential due to the country's tropical climate, where weather plays a big role in daily life, from farming in rural areas to urban planning in bustling cities like Bangkok.

English: meteorological Thai Primary Translation: อุตุนิยมวิทยา (utuniyomwitthaya) Phonetic: ù-tù-ní-yom-wit-thá-yà (The emphasis is on the second syllable, and it's pronounced with a rising tone for a natural flow in conversation.) Explanation: In Thai culture, "อุตุนิยมวิทยา" isn't just a technical term—it's deeply tied to everyday experiences. Thailand's weather can be unpredictable, with heavy monsoons, floods, and heatwaves, so people often discuss meteorological topics with a mix of practicality and emotion. For instance, it evokes a sense of caution during Songkran (the Thai New Year water festival), where sudden rains can turn celebrations into safety concerns. In daily life, Thais might use it casually in conversations about checking the weather app before a trip, or more formally in news reports. There's a positive connotation of reliability, as it connects to the Thai Meteorological Department (กรมอุตุนิยมวิทยา), a trusted source for forecasts that help with agriculture in rural areas. No secondary translations are needed here, as this is a standard, direct equivalent.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "meteorological" (or its Thai equivalent) is commonly used in contexts like weather forecasts, education, tourism, and business, especially given the country's vulnerability to climate events. For example, urban dwellers in Bangkok might reference it when discussing air pollution or traffic disruptions from storms, relying on apps like the official Thai Meteorological Department website. In contrast, in rural areas like Chiang Mai, it's more tied to seasonal farming, where locals use it to talk about monsoon patterns affecting crops. This regional difference highlights how the term adapts: urban settings emphasize technology and data, while rural ones focus on traditional knowledge and community impact.

Example Sentences

We've selected three relevant scenarios to illustrate "meteorological" in action, focusing on everyday life, business, and travel—key areas for learners in Thailand.

Everyday Conversation

English: The meteorological forecast says it might rain heavily this afternoon, so let's postpone our picnic. Thai: พยากรณ์อุตุนิยมวิทยาบอกว่าอาจจะฝนตกหนักช่วงบ่ายนี้ เลยเลื่อนปิกนิกไปก่อนดีกว่า (Phayakron utuniyomwitthaya bok waa aaj ja fon tok nang khan baay ni, loey leuan piknik pai kon dee gwaa.) Brief Notes: This sentence feels natural in casual chats, like with friends or family. In Thailand, people often add phrases like "ดีกว่า" (dee gwaa, meaning "better") to soften suggestions, reflecting the cultural value of harmony. It's especially common during the rainy season, when Thais frequently check apps or TV forecasts.

Business Context

English: Our company needs to review the meteorological data before finalizing the outdoor event schedule. Thai: บริษัทของเราต้องตรวจสอบข้อมูลอุตุนิยมวิทยาก่อนยืนยันตารางงานกลางแจ้ง (Brorchit khong rao dtong truat som khwahm utuniyomwitthaya kon yin yun tarang ngan klang jaeng.) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps for tourism or event planning companies. Thailand's weather can disrupt schedules, so it's wise to discuss it early—Thais might use polite language like "ต้อง" (dtong, meaning "need to") to show respect and avoid confrontation.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can you check the meteorological app for tomorrow's weather in Phuket? Thai: คุณเช็คแอปอุตุนิยมวิทยาสำหรับสภาพอากาศพรุ่งนี้ที่ภูเก็ตได้ไหม (Khun chet app utuniyomwitthaya samrab saphap aagat prung nee tee Phuket dai mai?) Travel Tip: When traveling in Thailand, always verify weather updates via the Thai Meteorological Department's app or website, as sudden storms are common in places like Phuket. Thais appreciate this proactive approach, and using phrases like "ได้ไหม" (dai mai, meaning "can you?") keeps the conversation polite—it's a great way to build rapport with locals or hotel staff.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เกี่ยวกับสภาพอากาศ (geub waan saphap aagat) - Use this for a more general reference to weather-related matters, like in casual talks about daily forecasts; it's less formal and perfect for everyday chit-chat in Thailand.
• พยากรณ์อากาศ (phayakron aagat) - This is a common synonym for weather forecasting; Thais often use it in media or apps, evoking a sense of immediacy during events like the rainy season.

Common Collocations:

• กรมอุตุนิยมวิทยา (krom utuniyomwitthaya) - Literally "Meteorological Department," this is a frequent pairing in official contexts, like news reports; in Thailand, it's a go-to source for reliable updates during floods or heatwaves.
• ข้อมูลอุตุนิยมวิทยา (khwahm utuniyomwitthaya) - Meaning "meteorological data," this shows up in scientific or business discussions; for example, farmers in Chiang Mai might reference it when planning harvests, blending traditional wisdom with modern tech.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, meteorological concepts are intertwined with daily life and history. The country's monsoon-driven climate has shaped customs, like the annual Loy Krathong festival, where people float baskets on rivers to "send away" bad luck—often timed around weather patterns. Historically, ancient Thai societies relied on natural signs for weather prediction, and today, this blends with modern meteorology through the Thai Meteorological Department, established in the early 20th century. It's not just about science; it carries a subtle emotional weight, reminding people of resilience against nature's forces, especially in flood-prone areas like the central plains. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "อุตุนิยมวิทยา" in formal or educational settings, but opt for simpler phrases like "พยากรณ์อากาศ" in casual talks to avoid sounding overly technical. Etiquette-wise, Thais value humility, so phrase questions politely (e.g., add "ครับ/ค่ะ" for "please" in responses). A common misuse is assuming stable weather—always double-check forecasts to prevent misunderstandings, like planning an outdoor activity during rainy season without local input.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "อุตุนิยมวิทยา," think of it as "u-too knee-yom wit-tha-ya"—associate "u-too" with "meteor" (like a shooting star in the sky) and "wit-tha-ya" with "weather wisdom." This visual link ties into Thailand's starry nights during dry seasons, making it easier to recall in conversations. Dialect Variations: While standard Central Thai uses "อุตุนิยมวิทยา," in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation with a more drawn-out tone, such as "ù-tù-née-yom-wit-thá-yà." In the Isan (northeastern) dialect, people often simplify it to "pà-yà-khron fák fák" in casual speech, focusing on weather forecasting rather than the full term—adapt based on your location for a more authentic feel.