Main Translations

English: Postcard Thai Primary Translation: โปสการ์ด (poskard) Phonetic: Pronounced as /poːs.kàːd/ in Thai, with a rising tone on the second syllable. In Romanized form, it's commonly written as "poskard" to help non-native speakers. Explanation: In Thai culture, "โปสการ์ด" refers to a small, illustrated card used for sending short messages through the mail, often featuring scenic images like beaches, temples, or street markets. It carries a nostalgic and emotional connotation, evoking memories of travel and personal connections. While digital communication has reduced its everyday use, Thai people still associate postcards with tourism and heartfelt gestures—such as sending one from a trip to surprise family or friends. In daily life, you might hear it in casual conversations among tourists or locals in places like Bangkok's markets, where it's sold as a souvenir. Unlike in some Western cultures where postcards symbolize quick, fun updates, in Thailand, they can feel more sentimental, linking to traditions of "khwam jing jai" (sincerity) in communication.

(No secondary translations are typically needed for "postcard," as "โปสการ์ด" is the standard term across modern Thai usage.)

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "postcard" or "โปสการ์ด" is most commonly used in tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where people buy them to share travel experiences. Urban dwellers in Bangkok might use it more for commercial or social media-inspired purposes, such as posting photos online with a nod to traditional postcards. In contrast, rural areas like those in Isan (northeastern Thailand) may rarely use the term, as mailing physical cards is less common due to limited postal services and a preference for digital apps like LINE. Overall, it's a word tied to leisure and connectivity, with slight regional differences in frequency—Bangkok sees it in shops and hotels, while Chiang Mai's hill tribe areas might feature handmade versions as cultural artifacts.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to show how "postcard" is used in real-life Thai contexts. I've selected scenarios that are most relevant for travelers and everyday interactions.

Everyday Conversation

English: I bought a beautiful postcard from the market to send to my family. Thai: ฉันซื้อโปสการ์ดสวยๆ จากตลาดเพื่อส่งให้ครอบครัว (Chăn súey poskard sǔey-sǔey jàk talàat pêr sòng hâi krobkrua). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like when you're at a night market in Bangkok. It highlights the word's role in sharing personal stories, and Thai speakers often smile when discussing postcards, as it brings up fond memories of family ties—try adding "khà" (for women) or "kráp" (for men) at the end for politeness.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can I buy some postcards here? They have great pictures of the temples. Thai: ฉันสามารถซื้อโปสการ์ดได้ที่นี่ไหม มีรูปวัดสวยๆ ด้วย (Chăn sǎhmrát súey poskard dâi tîi nîi mái, mii rûp wát sǔey-sǔey dûey). Travel Tip: Use this when shopping in places like Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar or near famous temples in Ayutthaya. Thais appreciate when foreigners show interest in local landmarks, so this phrase can spark friendly conversations. Remember, bargaining is common, so follow up with "Lot ngern nít nòy dai mài?" (Can I get a discount?) to make it more interactive and culturally engaging.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: Postcards hold a special place in Thai culture as symbols of "kwam song sorn" (remembrance and sharing), often featuring iconic sites like the Grand Palace in Bangkok or the ancient ruins in Sukhothai. Historically, they gained popularity during the mid-20th century with the rise of tourism, reflecting Thailand's "Land of Smiles" image. Socially, sending a postcard is seen as a thoughtful act that fosters "kreng jai" (consideration for others), though in modern times, it's being overshadowed by apps like Facebook. Interestingly, in festivals like Songkran, people might use postcards to send water-themed greetings, blending tradition with fun. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "โปสการ์ด" when interacting with vendors or in travel scenarios to show cultural awareness—Thais will likely respond warmly. Avoid misusing it in formal settings, as it's more casual; instead, opt for digital alternatives in business contexts. If you're mailing one, check postal rates at Thailand Post offices, and always include a polite phrase like "Sawasdee" (hello) to align with Thai etiquette.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "โปสการ์ด," think of it as "post" (like mailing something) plus "card" (a fun picture card). Visualize a vibrant Thai temple on a postcard while saying "pos-kard"—the rising tone can be linked to the excitement of discovering new places, which is a big part of Thai travel culture. Dialect Variations: Thai is relatively standardized due to media and education, so "โปสการ์ด" doesn't vary much across regions. However, in southern dialects like those in Phuket, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "po-skaad," with a quicker pace, while in the north (e.g., Chiang Mai), it's enunciated more clearly. If you're in a rural area, locals might simply describe it as "kard sùt" (picture card) if the English loanword isn't familiar.