Main Translations

English: Reprobate

Thai Primary Translation: คนเลว (kon leow) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): Kon leow (pronounced with a short "o" sound, like "cone" without the "e", and "leow" rhyming with "meow").

Explanation: In Thai, "คนเลว" is commonly used to describe someone who is morally corrupt, untrustworthy, or habitually engaging in bad behavior—much like the English "reprobate." This term carries emotional weight in Thai culture, often implying not just personal flaws but a broader karmic consequence, as Buddhism emphasizes the cycle of actions and their repercussions. For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life to discuss someone who's cheated in business or betrayed a friend, evoking feelings of disappointment or pity rather than outright anger. It's a word that highlights social harmony; calling someone "คนเลว" in conversation can serve as a subtle warning or moral lesson, especially in close-knit communities. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's used more casually in gossip or media, while in rural regions, it might carry a deeper stigma tied to village reputations.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you might also hear "คนชั่ว" (kon chua), which emphasizes wickedness or evil deeds, or "ทราม" (trarm), a more formal term for depraved behavior. These are interchangeable in some scenarios but "คนเลว" is the most straightforward for everyday use.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "reprobate" and its equivalents like "คนเลว" pop up in discussions about ethics, relationships, and even pop culture. It's not an everyday word in casual chit-chat but appears in contexts where moral integrity is questioned, such as family disputes or news stories about scandals. In bustling Bangkok, people might use it lightly in social media debates about celebrities, reflecting a modern, urban vibe. Contrast that with rural areas like Chiang Mai, where the term could be more serious, tied to community values and traditional storytelling—perhaps in local festivals or elder advice sessions. Overall, it's a word that underscores Thailand's collectivist society, where individual actions affect the group, making it a tool for social correction rather than outright condemnation.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to show how "reprobate" translates and is used in real Thai contexts. I've selected scenarios that best fit its moral undertones: everyday conversation and a literary reference, as these highlight its cultural depth without forcing unrelated settings.

1. Everyday Conversation

English: "I can't believe he's such a reprobate; he lied to his own family." Thai: "ฉันไม่เชื่อว่าเขาเป็นคนเลวขนาดนี้ เขาหลอกครอบครัวตัวเองเลย" (Chan mai cheua wa kao pen kon leow kahn ni, kao look krob krua dtua eng loey). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual coffee shop chat in Bangkok, where friends discuss personal drama. Note how "คนเลว" adds a layer of disappointment, often prompting nods of agreement—it's a way to bond over shared values without escalating to conflict.

2. Literary or Media Reference

English: "The novel's protagonist is portrayed as a reprobate who redeems himself through good deeds." Thai: "ตัวเอกในนิยายถูกวาดเป็นคนเลวที่กลับใจทำความดี" (Dtua ek nai ni yai tuk waat pen kon leow thi klap jai tam khwam dee). Source: This echoes themes in Thai literature, like in works by authors such as S.E.A. Write Award winners, where characters often undergo moral transformations. In Thai media, such as TV dramas on channels like Channel 7, "คนเลว" characters are common villains who learn from their karma, making this a relatable trope in everyday viewing.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• คนชั่ว (kon chua) - Use this when emphasizing outright evil or criminal behavior, like in crime stories; it's a bit harsher than "คนเลว" and often appears in news reports about societal outcasts.
• ทราม (trarm) - This is more formal and intellectual, ideal for academic or literary discussions, such as analyzing historical figures in Thai history books.

Common Collocations:

• Reprobate behavior - In Thailand, this might be phrased as "พฤติกรรมคนเลว" (phruektham kon leow), often used in parenting advice sessions or community meetings to warn against bad influences.
• Call someone a reprobate - Equivalent to "เรียกใครว่าเป็นคนเลว" (riak khrai wa pen kon leow), which could surface in rural Chiang Mai gossip circles as a way to maintain social order.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "คนเลว" reflect the influence of Buddhist teachings, where actions are seen through the lens of karma—bad behavior isn't just personal; it ripples through society. Historically, this concept dates back to ancient Thai folklore and the Ramakien epic, where reprobate characters face consequences, reinforcing the idea that redemption is always possible. Socially, it's tied to "face" (saving dignity), so accusing someone of being a reprobate might be done indirectly to avoid confrontation. An interesting fact: during festivals like Songkran, stories of reformed "reprobates" are shared, blending fun with moral lessons. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use terms like "คนเลว" sparingly and in trusted settings, as it can come off as judgmental. Always pair it with empathy—Thais appreciate a gentle approach. Avoid misusing it in formal situations, like business networking in Bangkok, where it might offend. Instead, opt for neutral phrases if discussing flaws, to align with the cultural emphasis on harmony.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "reprobate" as "คนเลว," think of it like a "bad cat" (since "leow" sounds like "meow")—picture a mischievous kitten that keeps getting into trouble, mirroring the word's naughty connotations. This visual tie-in makes it easier to recall during conversations. Dialect Variations: While "คนเลว" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear it softened to "คนเลวๆ" with a drawn-out tone for emphasis, reflecting the area's more relaxed dialect. In southern dialects, like in Phuket, it could be pronounced with a quicker pace, but the meaning stays consistent—always check local context for nuances when traveling.

This entry for "reprobate" in our English-Thai dictionary aims to be more than just translations—it's a gateway to understanding Thai culture. Whether you're a traveler practicing phrases or a learner building vocabulary, incorporating these insights will make your interactions more authentic and respectful. For more words, search for "English-Thai dictionary entries" online!