Main Translations

English: Perjury

Thai Primary Translation: การให้การเท็จ (gaan hai gaan dted) Phonetic: Gaan hai gaan dted (pronounced with a soft "d" sound, like "dt" in "date," and emphasis on the first syllable for natural flow).

Explanation: In Thai culture, การให้การเท็จ isn't just a legal term—it's loaded with emotional weight, evoking ideas of moral betrayal and social dishonor. Rooted in Buddhist principles of truth (known as sacca in Pali), this word is often used in contexts where honesty is paramount, such as courtrooms or public inquiries. Thai people might reference it in everyday discussions about corruption or justice, like in news debates, to highlight the consequences of dishonesty. For instance, it carries a stronger stigma in rural areas, where community trust is key, compared to urban Bangkok, where it's more commonly discussed in professional settings. Secondary translations include "การโกหกในศาล" (gaan gohok nai saan), which is more literal and used interchangeably in informal legal talk.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "perjury" and its translations are primarily confined to formal and legal scenarios, such as court cases, police investigations, or media reports on scandals. It's not a word you'd hear in casual chit-chat over street food in Chiang Mai, but it might come up in Bangkok's business districts during contract disputes or in rural areas when discussing local governance issues. Urban dwellers, influenced by global media, might use it more abstractly in conversations about international law, while rural communities emphasize its impact on community harmony, reflecting Thailand's collectivist culture.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to illustrate how "perjury" is used in Thai contexts. I've selected scenarios that are most relevant, focusing on legal and media applications to keep it authentic and useful for learners.

Business Context

English: The witness was charged with perjury after lying about the contract details in court. Thai: พยานถูกฟ้องฐานการให้การเท็จ หลังจากโกหกเรื่องรายละเอียดสัญญาในศาล (Phayaan thuuk fong taan gaan hai gaan dted, lang jaak gohok reuang rai laai sa-nya nai saan). Usage Context: This could occur in a high-stakes Bangkok business meeting or arbitration, where foreign investors might encounter Thai legal processes. It's a reminder to always verify statements in professional settings, as perjury can lead to severe penalties under Thai law.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In the Thai drama, the character's perjury unraveled the entire corruption scheme. Thai: ในละครไทย การให้การเท็จของตัวละครทำให้แผนการคอร์รัปชันทั้งหมดพังทลาย (Nai la-korn Thai, gaan hai gaan dted khong dtua la-korn tham hai plan gaan kaw-rup-chan thang haam pang talai). Source: Inspired by popular Thai TV series like those on Channel 7, where legal themes are common. This highlights how perjury is portrayed in media to critique societal issues, making it a great way for learners to pick up nuanced language through entertainment.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• การโกหกในศาล (gaan gohok nai saan) - Use this for a more straightforward reference to lying in court, especially in casual legal discussions, as it's less formal than การให้การเท็จ and feels more conversational in everyday Thai talk.
• การเบิกความเท็จ (gaan beuk khwam dted) - This is ideal when emphasizing false testimony in official statements, often in news reports, as it underscores the act of "swearing falsely," aligning with Thai cultural emphasis on oaths.

Common Collocations:

• ถูกฟ้องฐานการให้การเท็จ (thuuk fong taan gaan hai gaan dted) - Meaning "charged with perjury," this is frequently used in Thai headlines or legal briefs, as seen in cases involving politicians, to discuss accountability in public life.
• ลงโทษการให้การเท็จ (long thoht gaan hai gaan dted) - Translating to "punishing perjury," it's common in judicial contexts, like in Chiang Mai's community courts, where it reflects the cultural view that lies disrupt social order.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, perjury ties into the nation's Buddhist heritage, where truthfulness is a core tenet of karma and social harmony. Historically, it gained prominence during the Rattanakosin era's legal reforms, influenced by Western codes, but it's still viewed through a lens of moral duty rather than just law. For example, in rural villages, accusing someone of perjury might involve community mediation to restore balance, whereas in bustling Bangkok, it's often linked to high-profile corruption scandals. This word evokes a sense of shame, as lying under oath contradicts the Thai value of kreng jai (consideration for others), potentially leading to social isolation. Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner in Thailand, use terms like การให้การเท็จ sparingly and only in serious contexts, such as legal consultations. Avoid casual accusations, as they could be seen as rude or inflammatory—Thais prioritize indirect communication. If involved in a dispute, consult a bilingual lawyer to navigate nuances, and remember that cultural sensitivity can prevent misunderstandings.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "perjury" as การให้การเท็จ, think of it as "per" (like a person) + "jury" (like a court jury) + "dted" (sounding like "dead," implying the "death" of truth). Visualize a Thai courtroom drama where a lie "kills" trust—this cultural connection makes it stickier for learners. Pair it with common Thai phrases for better recall. Dialect Variations: While standard Central Thai is used nationwide for legal terms, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear a softer pronunciation like "gaan hai gaan dtep," with a more relaxed tone. In southern dialects, it's generally consistent, but locals may add emphasis on the final syllable for dramatic effect, reflecting regional storytelling styles. These variations are minor and won't hinder understanding in formal settings.