Main Translations

English: Repute

Thai Primary Translation: ชื่อเสียง (Chuea siang) Phonetic: Chew-siang (pronounced with a rising tone on "chuea" and a falling tone on "siang") Explanation: In Thai culture, "ชื่อเสียง" goes beyond a simple reputation—it's deeply tied to one's social image, honor, and the concept of "saving face" (which Thais call "khum naa"). This word carries positive emotional connotations, evoking respect and trustworthiness, but it can also imply vulnerability if lost. For instance, Thai people often use it in everyday discussions about someone's reliability in the community or business world. In daily life, you might hear it in rural villages when praising a respected elder, or in bustling Bangkok when evaluating a company's credibility. Unlike in English, where "repute" can be neutral or formal, ชื่อเสียง often emphasizes positive aspects to maintain harmony, reflecting Thailand's collectivist society where group perception matters more than individual views.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you might also use เกียรติ (Kiat, meaning honor or prestige) for a more formal or personal sense of repute, especially in legal or ceremonial settings.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "repute" (or ชื่อเสียง) is commonly used in contexts that highlight social status, such as professional evaluations, community gossip, or media discussions. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to emphasize it in business and digital spaces, where online reviews and word-of-mouth can make or break a brand. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express it through traditional values, focusing on family lineage or local contributions rather than formal metrics. This word bridges personal and public life, making it essential for travelers navigating social interactions or foreigners building networks in Thailand.

Example Sentences

We've selected three relevant scenarios to illustrate "repute" in action, focusing on everyday life, business, and cultural references. These examples are drawn from authentic Thai contexts to help you practice naturally.

Everyday Conversation

English: "She has a good repute in our neighborhood because she's always helpful." Thai: "เธอมีชื่อเสียงที่ดีในย่านของเราเพราะเธอช่วยเหลือคนอื่นเสมอ" (Ther mī chuea siang thī̀ dī nı yān khǎwng rao phr̀ā ther chûp h̄elụ̄x khon h̄ĕn s̄eụ̄m) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like at a local market in Bangkok. Thais value community ties, so mentioning someone's helpfulness reinforces positive repute while avoiding direct criticism—remember, harmony is key!

Business Context

English: "This hotel is of high repute, which is why we recommend it to our clients." Thai: "โรงแรมนี้มีชื่อเสียงสูง นั่นคือเหตุผลที่เราขอแนะนำให้ลูกค้ามา" (Rongraem nī mī chuea siang s̄ụ̄ng, nận kheụ̄x h̄etp̄hụ̄n thī̀ ræ k̄hxb nảe nảh mī lūk khā mā) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps when discussing partnerships. In Thailand's service-oriented economy, highlighting a company's repute builds trust, but always pair it with polite language to align with cultural etiquette.

Literary or Media Reference

English: "The novel explores how a single mistake can tarnish one's repute forever." Thai: "นวนิยายเรื่องนี้สำรวจว่าความผิดพลาดครั้งเดียวสามารถทำลายชื่อเสียงได้ตลอดไป" (N̄wniyāy reụ̄ng nī s̄æn̄rwj wâ khwām p̄hlād khráng dı̄w s̄ảmbạd tham lair chuea siang dị̂ tlxd pị) Source: Inspired by Thai literature like the works of S.E.A. Write Award winner Ussiri Dhammachote, where themes of honor and social fallout are common. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this concept often highlights the emotional weight of maintaining repute in a face-saving society.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เกียรติ (Kiat) - Use this when emphasizing personal honor, like in formal ceremonies or family discussions, as it adds a layer of respect that's crucial in Thai social interactions.
• ชื่อเสียงดี (Chuea siang dī) - Essentially "good repute," it's a common phrase for positive endorsements, such as in job interviews or product reviews, where Thais might soften it with smiles to keep things amicable.

Common Collocations:

• High repute - ชื่อเสียงสูง (Chuea siang s̄ụ̄ng): Often used in Thailand's tourism industry, like when locals in Phuket praise a resort's service, helping to attract visitors while boosting local pride.
• Good repute - ชื่อเสียงดี (Chuea siang dī): You'll encounter this in everyday Bangkok conversations, such as recommending a street food vendor based on their consistent quality and friendly vibe.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, repute is intertwined with the Buddhist-influenced idea of "karma" and social harmony. Historically, it stems from ancient Siamese court traditions where one's standing could affect their entire family or community. For example, in rural areas, a person's repute might be tied to agricultural success or temple involvement, while in modern urban settings like Bangkok, it's more about professional achievements and social media presence. Interestingly, Thais often use indirect language to discuss negative repute to avoid conflict, reflecting the cultural emphasis on politeness and "kreng jai" (consideration for others). Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, always use words like ชื่อเสียง positively to show respect—criticizing someone's repute directly could cause embarrassment. In social settings, pair it with compliments to maintain goodwill, and avoid it in heated discussions. A common misuse is overgeneralizing; for instance, don't assume a business's repute based solely on appearances, as Thais value authenticity.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "repute" as ชื่อเสียง, think of it as "chew on your name's sound"—the word "chuea" sounds like "chew," and it involves how your "name" (or identity) echoes in society. This visual link can help with pronunciation while tying into Thai culture's focus on reputation. Dialect Variations: While ชื่อเสียง is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear a softer pronunciation like "chuea siang" with a more drawn-out tone, influenced by Lao dialects. In southern areas, it's similar but often used in faster-paced conversations, so listen for context to adapt your usage. This entry provides a balanced, user-friendly guide to "repute," blending language learning with cultural depth. For more English-Thai dictionary resources, explore related terms or practice with Thai phrases in real-life scenarios!