Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "neurotic" refers to someone who is excessively anxious, overly worried, or has traits associated with neurosis in psychology. This word often carries a connotation of emotional instability or irrational behavior.

Thai Primary Translation: ประสาท (Prasàat) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): Prasàat (pronounced with a rising tone on the first syllable, like "prah-saht")

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ประสาท" is commonly used to describe someone who is overly nervous, anxious, or exhibiting behaviors linked to mental health issues, but it's often applied more casually than in Western contexts. For instance, Thai people might say someone is "ประสาท" if they're fretting over minor things, like worrying about traffic in Bangkok. However, due to the cultural stigma around mental health in Thailand—where discussions of psychological issues are sometimes taboo—this word can evoke sympathy, humor, or even judgment. In daily life, it's used in informal settings among friends or family, but professionals might prefer more clinical terms like "โรคประสาท" (neurotic disorder). Semantically, it draws from the Thai word for "nerve" or "nervous system," emphasizing physical and emotional overreactions. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's linked to modern stresses like work pressure, while in rural regions, it might describe someone who's superstitiously fearful of spirits.

Secondary Translations (if applicable): For nuances, you might hear "เครียดเกินเหตุ" (kriat geun het, meaning "overly stressed") in everyday talk, or "วิตกจริต" (witok ja rit, implying "neurotic" in a more exaggerated, almost comical way). These are less direct but capture the emotional essence without the clinical undertone.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "neurotic" and its translations pop up in scenarios involving high stress or emotional exaggeration, from bustling city life to quieter rural settings. For example, in fast-paced Bangkok, people often use it to describe the anxiety of daily commutes or work deadlines, reflecting Thailand's growing awareness of mental health amid urbanization. In contrast, in places like Chiang Mai, where life is more laid-back, the term might relate to cultural beliefs, such as worrying about bad luck or family matters. Urban dwellers tend to express it directly in conversations, while rural areas might soften it with humor or indirect phrases to avoid confrontation, highlighting Thailand's emphasis on social harmony.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "neurotic" in action, tailored to common Thai scenarios. We've selected three relevant ones—focusing on everyday talk, business, and media—to keep it concise and applicable for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: My friend is so neurotic about germs that she sanitizes everything before touching it. Thai: เพื่อนฉันประสาทเรื่องเชื้อโรคมากจนต้องฆ่าเชื้อทุกอย่างก่อนจับ (Phueng chan prasàat reuang chuea rok mak jon tangua khuachuea took yang kon jap). Brief Notes: This sentence captures a light-hearted chat among friends in Thailand, where mental health topics are broached casually. In Thai culture, adding "มาก" (mak, meaning "a lot") softens the judgment, making it more relatable than critical—perfect for coffee shop talks in Bangkok.

Business Context

English: The manager's neurotic behavior during deadlines makes the team feel on edge. Thai: พฤติกรรมประสาทของผู้จัดการในช่วงเส้นตายทำให้ทีมรู้สึกตึงเครียด (Phrithigam prasàat khong phu jang nai chun sen dai tham hai tim ru seuk teung kriat). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up when discussing team dynamics. Thai workplaces value "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so framing it this way helps avoid direct conflict—use it sparingly to maintain harmony.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character in the novel is portrayed as neurotic, always second-guessing her decisions. Thai: ตัวละครในนิยายถูกวาดให้เป็นคนประสาท เอะอะเดาใจตัวเองอยู่เสมอ (Dtua lhak nai niyai thuuk waat hai pen khon prasàat e a dao jai tua eng yu sem o). Source: This draws from modern Thai media, like novels or TV dramas (e.g., influences from shows on Thai Netflix), where characters with anxiety are common. In Thai literature, such portrayals often highlight societal pressures, making it a subtle nod to urban life's toll.

Related Expressions

Understanding related terms can help you navigate Thai conversations more naturally, especially when "neurotic" feels too direct.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เครียด (Kriat) - Use this for general stress or anxiety; it's milder and more common in daily life, like saying someone is "stressed out" without implying a disorder.
• วิตกกังวล (Witok kangwan) - This is great for describing ongoing worry, often in professional or self-reflective contexts, as it evokes a sense of deep unease without stigma.

Common Collocations:

• คนประสาทง่าย (Khon prasàat ngai) - Literally "easily neurotic person"; Thais might use this in casual chats to describe someone who gets anxious over small things, like traffic jams in Bangkok.
• ประสาทเสีย (Prasàat sia) - Meaning "nerves are shot"; this collocation appears in everyday venting, such as after a long day, and reflects Thailand's blend of humor and empathy in tough situations.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "neurotic" touch on deeper cultural threads, including the influence of Buddhism, which encourages emotional balance and mindfulness to avoid "suffering" (dukkha). Historically, mental health wasn't discussed openly due to stigma, but with globalization and social media, terms like "ประสาท" are gaining traction, especially among younger generations in cities. Social customs often prioritize "saving face," so accusing someone of being neurotic might be indirect—perhaps through humor or proverbs. An interesting fact: Thai folklore links excessive worry to spirits or bad karma, blending psychological and supernatural explanations.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use words like "ประสาท" thoughtfully to respect Thai etiquette; it's best in close relationships rather than formal settings. Avoid misuses that could offend, like labeling someone without context, and pair it with empathy—Thais appreciate phrases like "mai bpen rai" (never mind) to lighten the mood. If you're learning, observe how locals in places like Chiang Mai use it more metaphorically compared to Bangkok's straightforward style.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "neurotic" as "ประสาท," think of it like a "nervous prance"—the word sounds a bit like "prance at," evoking someone fidgeting anxiously. Visualize a stressed-out elephant (Thailand's national symbol) pacing nervously; this cultural tie-in makes it stickier for travelers.

Dialect Variations: While "ประสาท" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation can vary slightly by region. In the North, like Chiang Mai, it might sound softer with a more drawn-out vowel (almost "praa-saht"), whereas in the South, it's quicker and sharper. In Isan dialects, people might swap it for "เครียด" entirely, so adapt based on your location for a more authentic feel.

This entry aims to be a go-to resource for anyone exploring the English-Thai dictionary, offering not just translations but a gateway to genuine Thai interactions. Whether you're a traveler navigating Bangkok's chaos or a learner delving into Thai media, these insights will help you use "neurotic" with confidence and cultural sensitivity. For more words, search for "English-Thai dictionary terms" online!