Main Translations

English: Pavid

Thai Primary Translation: ขี้กลัว (kee glua) Phonetic (Romanized): kee glua Explanation: In Thai culture, "ขี้กลัว" is a versatile term that captures the essence of being timid or easily scared, much like "pavid." It's often used with a light-hearted or affectionate tone, especially in casual conversations, to describe someone who avoids risks or shows hesitation in the face of uncertainty. For instance, Thai people might say it playfully about a friend who's afraid of ghosts during Songkran festivals or someone who's nervous in new social settings. Emotionally, it carries a connotation of vulnerability rather than outright criticism, reflecting Thailand's collectivist society where such traits are sometimes viewed as endearing or humorous. Unlike the formal "pavid," "ขี้กลัว" is colloquial and deeply embedded in daily life, evoking images of childhood stories or family teasing. If you're learning Thai, note that this word can vary slightly in intensity—pairing it with adverbs like "มาก" (mak, meaning "very") amplifies the fearfulness.

Secondary Translations: In more formal or literary contexts, alternatives include "หวั่นเกรง" (wan kreng, phonetic: wan kreng), which implies a sense of apprehension or wariness, often in professional or emotional scenarios. This might be used in writing or media to convey a subtler form of timidity without the playful undertone of "ขี้กลัว."

Usage Overview

In Thailand, words like "ขี้กลัว" are commonly used to describe personal traits in everyday interactions, reflecting the country's emphasis on emotional expression and social harmony. You'll hear it most in informal settings, such as family gatherings or among friends, where it's often said with a smile to diffuse tension. In urban areas like Bangkok, people might use it ironically in fast-paced environments, such as traffic or crowded markets, to poke fun at someone's hesitation. Conversely, in rural regions like Chiang Mai, it's tied more to traditional beliefs, such as fear of spirits in the forests, and could be expressed with local dialects that soften the word for a more community-oriented feel. Overall, this concept highlights Thailand's cultural value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), where admitting timidity can strengthen bonds rather than weaken them.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, we've selected three relevant scenarios that showcase "pavid" and its Thai equivalent in authentic contexts. These examples focus on everyday life, a literary reference, and travel, as they best illustrate the word's nuances for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: "My little brother is so pavid; he won't even go near the stray cats in the alley." Thai: "น้องชายฉันขี้กลัวมาก เขาไม่ยอมเข้าใกล้แมวเร่ที่ตรอกเลย" (Nong chai chan kee glua mak, khao mai yom ker glai maew re thi trok loey) Brief Notes: This sentence captures a typical family chat in Thailand, where teasing about fears is common. In daily life, Thais might use this to bond over shared vulnerabilities, like during a neighborhood walk in Bangkok. It's a natural way to express affection while highlighting how "ขี้กลัว" softens the criticism.

Literary or Media Reference

English: "The hero in the story was pavid at first, but he overcame his fears to save the village." Thai: "ตัวเอกในเรื่องเป็นคนขี้กลัวตั้งแต่แรก แต่เขาก็เอาชนะความกลัวเพื่อช่วยหมู่บ้าน" (Doo aek nai reuang bpen khon kee glua dtang dtae raek, tae khao gaw ao chana kwaam glua pheua chuay muu ban) Source: Inspired by Thai folktales like those in "Phra Aphai Mani" by Sunthorn Phu, where characters often face and conquer fears. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this trope is popular, emphasizing personal growth and cultural themes of resilience amidst superstition.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: "I'm feeling pavid about trying street food for the first time—do you think it's safe?" Thai: "ฉันรู้สึกขี้กลัวที่จะลองกินอาหารข้างถนนเป็นครั้งแรก คุณคิดว่าปลอดภัยไหม" (Chan ruu seuk kee glua thi ja long gin ahan khang thon pen khrang raek, khun khit wa bplort pai mai) Travel Tip: When traveling in places like Chiang Mai's night markets, admitting you're "ขี้กลัว" can endear you to locals, who might offer reassurance or safer recommendations. Use this phrase to build rapport, but remember Thai etiquette—smile and show "kreng jai" to avoid seeming rude. It's a great icebreaker for food adventures!

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, concepts like "pavid" or "ขี้กลัว" tie into the cultural belief in "dukkha" (suffering) from Buddhist teachings, where fear is seen as a natural emotion that can be managed through mindfulness. Historically, this word echoes in Thai folklore, such as stories of heroes facing mythical creatures, symbolizing the balance between caution and courage. Socially, it's not viewed as a flaw but as a trait that fosters community support—Thais often use humor to address fears, as seen in festivals like Loy Krathong, where people release floating lanterns to ward off bad spirits. This reflects the "sanuk" (fun) aspect of Thai life, turning vulnerability into a shared experience. Practical Advice: For foreigners, using "ขี้กลัว" can help you connect with locals, but be mindful of context—avoid it in formal situations like business meetings, where it might seem unprofessional. Instead, opt for "หวั่นเกรง" for a polished tone. A common misuse is overusing it jokingly without gauging the other person's comfort, which could unintentionally offend. Always pair it with a smile or follow-up question to keep the interaction warm and respectful.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ขี้กลัว," think of it as "key glue"—imagine a key that's "glued" in place because it's too scared to turn! This visual ties into Thai culture's love for metaphors in everyday language, making it easier to recall during conversations. Pronounce it with a rising tone on "kee" for authenticity. Dialect Variations: While "ขี้กลัว" is widely understood across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear variations like "ke glua" with a more drawn-out vowel, influenced by Lao dialects. In southern areas, it could be softened to "ke glua lek lek" for emphasis, reflecting local storytelling styles. If you're traveling, listening to regional podcasts or chatting with guides can help you pick up these nuances.