Main Translations

English: Prejudice

Thai Primary Translation: อคติ (Akati) Phonetic: Ah-ka-ti (pronounced with a short "ah" sound, like in "father", and emphasis on the second syllable). Explanation: In Thai, "อคติ" refers to a preconceived opinion or bias that influences judgment, often negatively. It's deeply rooted in Thai culture, where Buddhist principles emphasize impartiality and mindfulness to avoid such biases. For instance, Thais might use "อคติ" in daily life when discussing unfair treatment, such as in workplace decisions or social interactions. Emotionally, it carries a negative connotation, evoking feelings of injustice or imbalance, and is commonly linked to themes of equality in conversations about race, gender, or politics. In everyday Thai speech, people might say it casually to reflect on personal growth, like "I need to check my akati," highlighting self-awareness in a society that values harmony over confrontation. Secondary Translations: For more specific contexts, you might encounter "อคติเชิงลบ" (Akati cheung lap), meaning "negative prejudice" or "discriminatory bias," which is used in formal settings like legal or educational discussions to emphasize harmful effects.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "อคติ" is frequently used to address biases in personal, professional, and social scenarios, reflecting the country's emphasis on social harmony influenced by Buddhist teachings. For example, it's common in urban areas like Bangkok, where fast-paced business environments discuss workplace diversity, whereas in rural regions such as Chiang Mai, people might express similar ideas through proverbs or community stories, focusing on interpersonal relationships. Urban Thais often use it in modern contexts like social media debates, while rural areas might tie it to traditional values, making the word versatile but always with a tone of caution to promote fairness.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "prejudice" in different contexts. I've selected scenarios most relevant to Thai life, focusing on everyday conversation and business settings for their commonality.

Everyday Conversation

English: I try to avoid prejudice when meeting new people to keep an open mind. Thai: ฉันพยายามหลีกเลี่ยงอคติเมื่อพบคนใหม่เพื่อให้ใจเปิดกว้าง. (Chan payaam leek leung akati meua pop khon mai pheua hai jai bpert gwaang.) Brief Notes: This sentence is great for casual chats, like during a coffee meetup in Bangkok. Thais appreciate this kind of self-reflection, as it aligns with cultural norms of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so using it can help build rapport and show cultural sensitivity.

Business Context

English: We need to address prejudice in the team to ensure fair decisions. Thai: เราต้องจัดการอคติในทีมเพื่อให้การตัดสินเป็นธรรม. (Rao dtong jing gan akati nai tim pheua hai kan dtat sin pen tam.) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this might come up during diversity training or team discussions. Thai workplaces value consensus, so framing prejudice this way promotes harmony and could lead to productive conversations about inclusion.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• การเลือกปฏิบัติ (Kan leuk bpattibat) - This is often used interchangeably with prejudice in contexts of discrimination, like in hiring practices. It's more formal and highlights active unequal treatment, making it ideal for legal or advocacy discussions in Thailand.
• อคติทางสังคม (Akati thang sangkhom) - Refers to social prejudice, such as biases based on class or ethnicity. Thais might use this in community talks to address issues like those affecting migrant workers, emphasizing its broader societal impact.

Common Collocations:

• อคติทางเพศ (Akati thang phet) - Example: "อคติทางเพศยังคงเป็นปัญหาในสังคมไทย" (Akati thang phet yang khong pen panha nai sangkhom Thai), meaning "Sexual prejudice remains a problem in Thai society." This is often heard in urban activism or media.
• ขจัดอคติ (Kajad akati) - Example: "บริษัทนี้มุ่งมั่นขจัดอคติในองค์กร" (Brorchit nee mung man kajad akati nai ongkon), translating to "This company is committed to eliminating prejudice in the organization." It's common in corporate Thailand to signal ethical practices.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, prejudice is viewed through the lens of Buddhist philosophy, which promotes "metta" (loving-kindness) and discourages attachments that lead to bias. Historically, this has influenced social customs, such as the emphasis on community unity during festivals like Songkran, where prejudices are set aside for collective harmony. However, modern challenges like urbanization and globalization have brought issues like ethnic prejudice against hill tribes or immigrants to the forefront, often discussed in media or education. Interestingly, Thais might use humor or indirect language to address prejudice, avoiding direct conflict to maintain "face" (saving dignity). Practical Advice: For foreigners, it's wise to use words like "อคติ" thoughtfully—perhaps in learning exchanges or professional settings—rather than casual accusations, as Thais prioritize politeness. A common pitfall is assuming all biases are overt; in Thailand, they can be subtle, so listen actively and respond with empathy to build trust.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "อคติ" (ah-ka-ti), think of it as "a cat's eye"—just as a cat might judge things quickly with a sharp gaze, this word captures snap judgments or biases. This visual link can make pronunciation stick, especially if you practice with Thai friends or apps. Dialect Variations: While "อคติ" is standard Central Thai, in the North (e.g., Chiang Mai), you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "ah-ka-dee" with a rising tone, due to regional accents. In the South, it's similar but spoken faster, so adapt based on context to sound more natural. Always confirm with locals for the best fit!