Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "repeal" refers to the act of officially revoking or canceling a law, regulation, or decision. This concept is common in legal, political, and everyday scenarios in Thailand, where changes in rules can reflect the country's dynamic social and governmental landscape.

Thai Primary Translation: ยกเลิก (Yok Lek) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): Yok lek (pronounced with a short "o" sound like in "yoke," and "lek" rhyming with "leck"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ยกเลิก" (yok lek) carries a sense of relief or resolution, often evoking emotions tied to progress or correction. For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life to discuss canceling plans, like a rained-out festival, or more formally, to talk about government decisions. Historically, Thailand's political shifts—such as amendments to the constitution—have made this word resonate with themes of change and adaptation. It's not just a legal term; it can imply emotional release, like lifting a burden, which aligns with Thailand's collectivist society where community decisions are often revisited for harmony. In casual conversations, Thais might add a polite tone, such as using "ครับ" (khrap) for men or "ค่ะ" (kha) for women, to soften the impact.

No secondary translations are necessary for "repeal," as "ยกเลิก" is the most direct and widely used equivalent in standard Thai. However, in very formal or legal contexts, you might encounter "เพิกถอน" (phek thon), which emphasizes revocation with a stronger connotation of authority.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "repeal" (or its Thai equivalent, ยกเลิก) is frequently used in legal, business, and social settings, reflecting the country's emphasis on flexibility and adaptation. For example, it's common in urban hubs like Bangkok, where rapid policy changes in a bustling economy mean repealing outdated laws is a hot topic in news and discussions. In contrast, rural areas like Chiang Mai might use the term more casually, such as canceling local traditions or community events due to weather or cultural shifts. Overall, urban Thais tend to frame it in formal, professional language, while rural speakers might infuse it with storytelling elements, highlighting how decisions affect daily life and community harmony.

Example Sentences

To make this English-Thai dictionary entry more practical, here are a few relevant example sentences. I've selected scenarios that best illustrate "repeal" in everyday and professional contexts, drawing from authentic Thai usage.

Everyday Conversation

English: We need to repeal that old rule about not wearing shorts to the temple. Thai: เราต้องยกเลิกกฎเก่าเรื่องห้ามใส่กางเกาสั้นไปวัด (Rao dtong yok lek kot gao reuang ham sai gang kao san pai wat). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat among friends in Thailand, where temple etiquette is a cultural norm. In Thai culture, discussing such rules often involves respect for traditions, so add a polite particle like "ครับ" to keep it friendly—it's a great way to show cultural sensitivity while learning the language.

Business Context

English: The company decided to repeal the outdated policy on remote work. Thai: บริษัทตัดสินใจยกเลิกนโยบายเก่าเรื่องการทำงานจากที่บ้าน (Bor-ri-sat dtat sin jai yok lek na-yo-bai gao reuang kan tham-ngan jaak thi baan). Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this could arise during a strategy session, especially post-pandemic when work policies evolved. Thais value hierarchy in such settings, so phrase it respectfully to avoid confrontation—perhaps in a meeting room overlooking the city's skyline, where efficiency and adaptation are key.

Related Expressions

Building on this English-Thai dictionary, here are some related terms and phrases that Thai speakers commonly use alongside "repeal." These help expand your vocabulary in a natural way.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ระงับ (Rangub) - Use this when you mean to temporarily suspend something, like a law or event, rather than fully repealing it. It's often heard in legal discussions or during protests in Thailand, where pausing actions maintains social balance.
• ยกเลิกชั่วคราว (Yok lek chua khrao) - This means "temporarily repeal," ideal for scenarios like canceling a flight due to bad weather; it's a softer alternative that reflects Thailand's adaptive, non-permanent approach to changes.

Common Collocations:

• ยกเลิกกฎหมาย (Yok lek kot ma ying) - Literally "repeal a law," this is frequently used in Thai media during political debates, such as discussions about constitutional reforms in Bangkok.
• ยกเลิกสัญญา (Yok lek san ya) - Meaning "repeal a contract," this pops up in everyday business in places like Chiang Mai's markets, where vendors might cancel deals amicably to preserve relationships.

Cultural Notes

From a Thai cultural perspective, "repeal" embodies the idea of "sanuk" (fun and ease) mixed with "kreng jai" (consideration for others), as changes are often made to promote harmony. Historically, Thailand's monarchy and frequent constitutional amendments—such as those in the 20th century—have made repealing laws a symbol of progress and national identity. For instance, in rural festivals, canceling an event might be seen as respecting the spirits or community needs, blending spirituality with practicality.

Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner using words like "ยกเลิก," be mindful of etiquette—Thais appreciate indirectness in sensitive topics, like politics, to avoid "lost face." In conversations, pair it with a smile or polite language to show respect. A common misuse is overusing it in casual settings, which might come off as abrupt; instead, save it for appropriate contexts and follow up with questions to build rapport.

Practical Tips

To help you master "repeal" in this English-Thai dictionary, here's some hands-on advice tailored for learners and travelers.

Memory Aid: Think of "ยกเลิก" (yok lek) as "yoking off a lock"—imagine unlocking a heavy chain, which mirrors the relief of repealing something burdensome. This visual ties into Thai culture's love for metaphors in language, making it easier to remember during your travels. Dialect Variations: In standard Central Thai (spoken in Bangkok), "ยกเลิก" is pronounced clearly as "yok lek." However, in Northern dialects like those in Chiang Mai, it might sound softer, with a quicker "lek" sound due to regional accents. If you're in the South, like Phuket, locals might elongate vowels slightly, but the word remains widely understandable across Thailand.