Main Translations

In English, "pedigree" refers to a recorded line of descent, often emphasizing ancestry, breeding, or heritage. It's commonly used for animals (like purebred dogs) or metaphorically for people or organizations to highlight prestigious backgrounds.

Thai Primary Translation: เชื้อสาย (Chuea Sai) Phonetic: Pronounced as "chuh-uh sai" (with a soft "ch" sound like in "church" and emphasis on the second syllable). Explanation: In Thai culture, "เชื้อสาย" captures the essence of lineage or ancestry, carrying subtle emotional connotations of pride, tradition, and social status. It's not just a factual term—Thais often use it to evoke a sense of belonging or legacy, especially in family discussions or when talking about purebred animals like Siamese cats or Thai ridgeback dogs, which are national symbols. For instance, in daily life, you might hear it in conversations about family reunions or pet breeding, where it subtly reinforces cultural values like respect for elders and heritage. Unlike in English, where "pedigree" can sound formal or elitist, Thai usage feels more relational and community-oriented, often tied to "sanuk" (fun and enjoyment) in social settings. If you're in Bangkok, it's frequently used in urban contexts like business networking; in rural areas, such as Isan, it might appear in stories about ancestral lands. Secondary Translations: For a more specific focus on bloodlines or breeding, alternatives include: - สายเลือด (Sai Luead) – Emphasizes "bloodline" in a metaphorical sense, often for people or animals, and is used when discussing inherited traits or family prestige. - สายพันธุ์ (Sai Pan) – More common for animal breeds, like in dog shows, and highlights purity or origin.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "pedigree" (translated as เชื้อสาย or related terms) is versatile but most often appears in contexts involving family history, animal breeding, or professional backgrounds. Urban areas like Bangkok use it in modern, polished ways—such as in business meetings to discuss a company's heritage—while rural regions, like Chiang Mai or the northern hills, might frame it through storytelling about ancestral roots or traditional farming breeds. This reflects Thailand's blend of tradition and progress: in cities, it's tied to social mobility, whereas in countryside settings, it evokes community ties and folklore. Overall, it's a word that adds depth to conversations, helping Thais navigate social hierarchies with a mix of respect and warmth.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "pedigree" in different scenarios. I've selected the most relevant ones based on its common applications in Thailand, focusing on everyday life, business, and cultural references to keep it concise and actionable.

Everyday Conversation

English: "This dog's pedigree makes it a great show champion." Thai: "เชื้อสายของหมาตัวนี้ทำให้มันเป็นแชมป์โชว์ที่ยอดเยี่ยม" (Chuea sai khong ma taw ni tham hai man pen champh show thi yot yiem). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up casually at a weekend market in Bangkok, like Chatuchak, where people discuss pet breeding. Thais often add a smile or gesture to make it friendly, emphasizing the joy of sharing stories rather than boasting—it's all about building rapport.

Business Context

English: "The company's pedigree gives it a strong reputation in the industry." Thai: "เชื้อสายของบริษัททำให้มันมีชื่อเสียงที่ดีในอุตสาหกรรม" (Chuea sai khong borri sat tham hai man mee chuea siang thi dee nai ut sa ha gam). Usage Context: Picture a formal meeting in a Bangkok skyscraper, like in Sukhumvit, where executives highlight their firm's history to build trust. In Thailand, this phrase is used strategically to show humility and respect for the past, aligning with cultural norms of "kreng jai" (consideration for others).

Literary or Media Reference

English: "In Thai folklore, the hero's pedigree traces back to ancient kings." Thai: "ในวรรณคดีไทย เชื้อสายของวีรบุรุษย้อนกลับไปถึงกษัตริย์โบราณ" (Nai wannakadi Thai, chuea sai khong wi ru rut yon klap pai teung kasat ri bo ran). Source: Inspired by Thai epics like the Ramakien (a local version of the Ramayana), where lineage plays a key role. In media, such as TV dramas on channels like Channel 7, this concept adds drama and moral depth, reminding viewers of Thailand's royal heritage.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• บรรพบุรุษ (Ban Phu Ru) – Use this when focusing on ancestors or family origins; it's ideal for heartfelt family gatherings, like Songkran festivals, where Thais honor their roots with stories and rituals.
• ต้นกำเนิด (Ton Kam Noet) – Great for discussing origins or sources, such as in tourism when explaining the pedigree of Thai silk in places like Chiang Mai markets.

Common Collocations:

• เชื้อสายราชวงศ์ (Chuea Sai Ratcha Wang) – Often used in historical tours or documentaries, like at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, to refer to royal pedigrees and evoke national pride.
• เชื้อสายดี (Chuea Sai Dee) – A go-to phrase in everyday pet talks, such as at animal shelters in rural areas, meaning "good pedigree" and implying quality or reliability.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the concept of pedigree is deeply intertwined with "sanuk" (fun-loving culture) and "bunkhun" (gratitude to ancestors), reflecting a society that values harmony and respect for the past. Historically, it stems from the influence of the Thai monarchy and Buddhist teachings, where lineage determines social roles—think of the revered Chakri Dynasty. Interestingly, in modern Thailand, pedigree isn't just about elitism; it's a way to foster community, as seen in festivals like Loy Krathong, where people share family stories. This word can evoke positive associations, like pride in heritage, but it's also used humorously in pop culture to poke fun at social climbers. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "pedigree" translations sparingly in initial conversations to avoid seeming overly formal—Thais appreciate warmth over precision. If discussing family backgrounds, always show respect (e.g., by smiling and using polite particles like "krub" or "ka"). A common misuse is assuming it only applies to animals; in Thailand, it's equally about human connections, so adapt based on context. If you're unsure, ask questions like "What's your family's story?" to keep things engaging.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เชื้อสาย" (Chuea Sai), visualize a "chain" (chuea sounds like "chain") linking generations, like a family tree in a Thai temple. This ties into the cultural idea of interconnectedness, making it easier to recall during travels. Dialect Variations: While "เชื้อสาย" is standard across Thailand, in the northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation with a drawn-out vowel, such as "chuh-uhh sai," influenced by Lanna dialects. In the southern areas, it's similar but often blended with local slang in casual chats, so listen for context to adapt your usage.