Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "reasonable" refers to something that is fair, logical, or sensible. It's a versatile word often used to express moderation or justification in decisions, prices, or behaviors.

Thai Primary Translation: สมเหตุสมผล (sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen) Phonetic: Pronounced as "sah-mah-het sam-phloen," with a rising tone on the first syllable of each word for emphasis.

Explanation: In Thai culture, "สมเหตุสมผล" goes beyond a simple translation—it's deeply tied to the idea of harmony and balance, which are core Thai values. This word evokes a sense of emotional calmness and rationality, often used to avoid conflict or "lose face" (a big no-no in Thai social interactions). For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life during negotiations at a market or family discussions to suggest something is fair without escalating tensions. It's associated with "kreng jai" (a cultural concept of consideration and empathy), making it feel warm and conciliatory rather than cold or logical like in Western contexts. No secondary translations are typically needed, as "สมเหตุสมผล" covers the core meanings comprehensively.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "reasonable" (or its Thai equivalent) pops up in everyday scenarios where fairness and logic are key, such as haggling over prices, making business decisions, or resolving disputes. Urban areas like bustling Bangkok tend to use it in formal settings, like corporate meetings, to emphasize professionalism and efficiency. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express the concept more casually, weaving it into community talks or agricultural dealings, where it's about mutual understanding rather than strict rules. This word helps bridge gaps in communication, reflecting Thailand's emphasis on social harmony over confrontation.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, here are a few example sentences showcasing "reasonable" in relevant contexts. I've selected three scenarios—focusing on everyday chat, business interactions, and travel phrases—to keep it concise and applicable for real-life use in Thailand.

Everyday Conversation

English: "That price for the fruit is reasonable, so I'll buy it." Thai: "ราคาผลไม้ตัวนี้สมเหตุสมผลเลย ฉันจะซื้อแล้ว" (Rá-khàa phŏn-máa tûa-nîi sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen loei, chăn jà súey lɛ́ɛ) Brief Notes: This is a natural way to compliment a vendor during a street market chat in places like Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market. It shows politeness and helps build rapport, as Thais appreciate when foreigners acknowledge fairness—plus, it might lead to a small discount!

Business Context

English: "We need a reasonable budget for this project to move forward." Thai: "เราต้องการงบประมาณที่สมเหตุสมผลสำหรับโครงการนี้เพื่อให้เดินหน้าต่อ" (Rao dtông-gaan ngóp-prà-thaan thîi sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen sǎhm-ràp kà-rá-hâa-níi pûeu hâi dâen nâa tòr) Usage Context: Picture a business meeting in a Bangkok office tower—using this phrase keeps things professional and collaborative. In Thai business culture, emphasizing "reasonable" signals respect for others' input, helping to foster the "sanuk" (fun and easygoing) vibe that Thai workplaces often strive for.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: "Is this hotel rate reasonable for the location?" Thai: "อัตราที่พักโรงแรมนี้สมเหตุสมผลสำหรับทำเลไหม" (Àt-dtrà thîi pâak rûang-hɛ̀m níi sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen sǎhm-ràp tham-lêe mái) Travel Tip: Whip this out when checking into a guesthouse in tourist spots like Phuket or Chiang Mai. Thais value polite inquiries like this, as it shows you're considerate of local pricing norms—follow up with a smile and a "khob khun" (thank you) to avoid any awkwardness, and you might even negotiate a better deal while respecting the cultural emphasis on face-saving.

Related Expressions

Building on "reasonable," here are some synonyms and collocations commonly used in Thai. These aren't just definitions—they're tied to how Thais actually speak in daily life.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ยุติธรรม (yut-tì-tham) - Use this when you want to stress fairness in a moral sense, like in legal or ethical discussions; it's perfect for community meetings in rural areas where justice feels more personal.
• เหมาะสม (hèp sòm) - This one's great for situations involving suitability, such as saying something is "fitting" or "appropriate," often in family or social contexts to maintain harmony.

Common Collocations:

• ราคาสมเหตุสมผล (rá-khàa sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen) - You'll hear this a lot in markets or online shopping in Thailand, like bargaining for street food in Bangkok, where it means "reasonable price" and helps keep transactions friendly.
• ความคิดสมเหตุสมผล (kwām-thîng sà-mà-hèt sàm-phloen) - This phrase, meaning "reasonable idea," is common in casual debates or planning sessions, such as during a group dinner in Chiang Mai, to nod to logical yet considerate suggestions.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "reasonable" embodies the spirit of "mai pen rai" (never mind, it's okay), a philosophy that prioritizes emotional balance and avoiding confrontation. Historically, this stems from Buddhist influences, where logic and fairness are tools for maintaining social peace rather than winning arguments. For example, in traditional Thai festivals like Songkran, being reasonable helps resolve minor disputes amicably, reinforcing community bonds. It's less about cold rationality and more about "heart" in interactions.

Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, use words like "สมเหตุสมผล" to show respect and cultural awareness—it's a subtle way to blend in. Avoid overusing it in heated situations, as Thais might see that as pushy; instead, pair it with a smile or gesture to uphold etiquette. Common pitfalls include mistranslating it as overly strict, so remember: in Thailand, being reasonable is about fostering relationships, not just facts.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "สมเหตุสมผล," think of it as "same heat, same flow"—the "sam" sounds like "same" for similarity or fairness, and "heut" evokes a "heated" discussion where cool logic brings balance. This visual tie-in makes it stick, especially if you practice with Thai phrases during street eats or market visits.

Dialect Variations: While "สมเหตุสมผล" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation can soften in northern dialects like in Chiang Mai, where it might sound more like "sa-mah-het sam-phloen" with a gentler tone. In the deep south, near the Malaysian border, people might infuse it with a quicker rhythm, but the word itself remains consistent—great for travelers adapting on the go!

This entry wraps up with a focus on usability, drawing from real Thai experiences to make learning engaging and effective. For more English-Thai dictionary resources, explore phrases like these to enhance your travels or daily interactions in Thailand!