Main Translations

English: Prejudicial

Thai Primary Translation: เป็นอคติ (bpen a-kà-dtì) Phonetic: Bpen a-kà-dtì (pronounced with a rising tone on "a-kà" and a falling tone on "dtì", similar to "bun ah-kah-dee")

Explanation: In Thai culture, "เป็นอคติ" (bpen a-kà-dtì) is commonly used to describe actions or attitudes that show bias or prejudice, often evoking emotions like frustration or injustice. It's deeply tied to social harmony, a core Thai value influenced by Buddhist principles, where maintaining "kreng jai" (consideration for others) is key. For instance, Thai people might use this term in daily life to discuss workplace discrimination or societal biases, such as favoritism based on social status or regional origins (e.g., stereotypes about people from Isan in the northeast). Unlike in English, where "prejudicial" can feel formal or legalistic, in Thailand it carries a more emotional connotation, highlighting how bias disrupts community balance. This word isn't forced into casual talk but appears in discussions about fairness, like in media debates or family conversations.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you might also hear "ทำให้เสียเปรียบ" (tam hai sîa bpèp, meaning "to cause disadvantage") in legal settings, or "ลำเอียง" (lam-èiang, meaning "biased") in everyday scenarios. These variations reflect Thailand's flexible language use, adapting to whether the situation is formal (e.g., courtrooms in Bangkok) or informal (e.g., community talks in rural areas).

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "prejudicial" and its translations are often invoked in contexts involving fairness and equality, such as legal disputes, social media debates, or workplace issues. For example, it's commonly used to address discrimination based on factors like skin color (a sensitive topic due to Thailand's colorism culture) or regional differences. In urban areas like Bangkok, people might use it more formally in professional settings, influenced by Western legal concepts. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai or Isan might express similar ideas through storytelling or proverbs, emphasizing community impact rather than strict definitions. This word highlights Thailand's blend of traditional values and modern influences, making it essential for travelers or expats dealing with social dynamics.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples showcasing "prejudicial" in various Thai contexts. We've selected scenarios that best illustrate its everyday and professional relevance, keeping it concise for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: It's prejudicial to judge someone based on their accent alone. Thai: เป็นอคติที่ตัดสินคนจากสำเนียงของเขาเพียงอย่างเดียว (Bpen a-kà-dtì thî tàt sin khon jàk sǎm-nèiang khǎo phǒng yàang diâo). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat about cultural stereotypes, like when discussing how people from different Thai regions are perceived. In Thailand, accents can evoke regional pride or prejudice, so using this phrase shows sensitivity and helps build rapport—perfect for making friends during a street food chat in Bangkok.

Business Context

English: That comment was prejudicial and could harm our team's diversity efforts. Thai: คำพูดนั้นเป็นอคติและอาจทำให้ความหลากหลายในทีมของเราหมดไป (Khǎm phûut nán bpen a-kà-dtì láe tàat tam hai khwaam lǎak-dà-lǎai nai thîm khǎwng rao mòt bpai). Usage Context: Imagine a Bangkok business meeting where workplace bias is discussed; this phrase could arise during HR talks or team-building sessions. In Thailand's corporate world, avoiding "prejudicial" behavior is crucial for "sanuk" (fun and harmony), so it's a great way to promote inclusive practices without escalating conflict.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ลำเอียง (lam-èiang) - Use this when describing subtle biases, like in family decisions or media reports; it's less formal and often pops up in everyday Thai conversations to keep things light-hearted.
• เลือกปฏิบัติ (lûek bpà-dtì-bàat) - This is ideal for contexts involving outright discrimination, such as legal or social justice talks; in Thailand, it's frequently linked to anti-discrimination campaigns, reflecting the country's growing awareness of equality issues.

Common Collocations:

• เป็นอคติทางเพศ (bpen a-kà-dtì thâang pèt) - Meaning "gender prejudicial," this is often used in discussions about gender roles, like in Thai TV shows or social media, where it highlights ongoing challenges in a society still influenced by traditional expectations.
• อคติเชิงชาติพันธุ์ (a-kà-dtì ching cháat phan-thùn) - Translates to "ethnic prejudicial," and you might hear it in contexts like tourism or border areas, where it addresses prejudices against minority groups, such as hill tribes in northern Thailand.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "prejudicial" tie into the cultural emphasis on "sanuk" and "mai pen rai" (no worries), where open conflicts are avoided to preserve face and harmony. Historically, prejudice has roots in Thailand's diverse ethnic makeup, from ancient kingdoms dealing with regional loyalties to modern issues like colorism in media (e.g., fair skin being idealized). Interestingly, Thai literature, such as in works by authors like Sidaoruang, often explores prejudice through metaphors of social imbalance, reflecting Buddhist teachings on karma and equality. For locals, using this term can evoke a sense of collective responsibility, reminding everyone of the "kreng jai" ethic. Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, use words like "เป็นอคติ" sparingly and with empathy—Thais appreciate indirect communication to avoid embarrassment. For instance, in a conversation, frame it as "I think this might cause unfairness" rather than accusing directly. Avoid misuses in sensitive areas like politics or religion, where it could be seen as confrontational. Instead, learn from local contexts, like watching Thai dramas, to gauge appropriate timing.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เป็นอคติ" (bpen a-kà-dtì), think of it as "being against equality," where "a-kà" sounds like "a car" (as in, a car veering off track unfairly). Visualize a Thai street scene where traffic (a symbol of daily life) gets disrupted by bias—it's a fun way to link the word to Thailand's bustling vibes and make it stick. Dialect Variations: While standard Central Thai uses "เป็นอคติ," in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, such as "bpen a-kah-dee" with a more drawn-out tone, reflecting the area's melodic dialect. In the south, it could be shortened in casual speech, so pay attention to context if you're traveling—adapting shows respect and helps you connect authentically.