Main Translations

English: Revoke (verb, meaning to officially cancel, withdraw, or annul something, such as a decision, license, or privilege).

Thai Primary Translation: ยกเลิก (yok lek)

Phonetic: Yok lek (pronounced with a rising tone on "yok" and a mid tone on "lek," similar to "yoke" as in yoking animals, followed by "lek" like "leck").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ยกเลิก" is a versatile word that's deeply embedded in everyday administrative and social interactions. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative emotional connotation, evoking a sense of disruption or loss—much like how Thais might feel when a festival is canceled due to rain. For instance, Thai people frequently use it in daily life for practical matters, such as revoking a mobile phone plan or canceling a visa. This word reflects Thailand's bureaucratic culture, where official processes are common, and it's associated with politeness and formality to avoid conflict. In more nuanced contexts, like legal disputes, "ยกเลิก" can imply a need for harmony, as Thais value "kreng jai" (consideration for others) even in disagreements.

Secondary Translations: Depending on the context, you might also hear เพิกถอน (phek thon, pronounced "pek ton"), which is more formal and often used in legal or governmental settings, such as revoking a law or citizenship. This variant emphasizes permanence and is less common in casual talk but prevalent in official documents.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "revoke" and its equivalents like "ยกเลิก" pop up in a variety of scenarios, from routine cancellations to serious administrative actions. It's especially common in urban hubs like Bangkok, where fast-paced business and government dealings make it a staple in emails, meetings, and apps like Line for scheduling changes. In contrast, rural areas such as Chiang Mai might use it more informally, perhaps in community decisions like revoking a local event permit, blending it with traditional customs. Overall, the word highlights Thailand's emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, but regional differences can affect tone—Bangkok residents often use it matter-of-factly in digital communications, while northern dialects might soften it with polite particles for a warmer feel.

Example Sentences

Below, I've selected three key scenarios to illustrate "revoke" in action, focusing on everyday life, business, and practical travel contexts. These examples show how the word adapts to real Thai situations, helping you sound natural and culturally aware.

Everyday Conversation

English: I need to revoke my subscription to that streaming service because it's too expensive.

Thai: ฉันต้องยกเลิกการสมัครสมาชิกบริการสตรีมมิ่งนั้นเพราะมันแพงเกินไป (Chan tǎng yok lek kān sǎmàt sǎmàkhík bòri sat s̄t rīm mǐng nan pĕā pæng k̄hêēn pai).

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like venting to a friend over coffee in a Bangkok café. Thais often add words like "pĕā" (because) to explain reasons politely, emphasizing the cultural norm of justifying decisions to maintain face and avoid abruptness.

Business Context

English: The company has decided to revoke the contract due to the breach of terms.

Thai: บริษัทตัดสินใจยกเลิกสัญญาเพราะมีการละเมิดเงื่อนไข (Bòri sat tàt sin châi yok lek sǎnyā pĕā mii kān là meid keung nai).

Usage Context: Imagine this in a formal Bangkok business meeting, where Thais might use "ยกเลิก" to handle disputes smoothly. It's crucial to pair it with polite language, as Thai business etiquette prioritizes harmony—perhaps following up with an offer to renegotiate to preserve relationships.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can I revoke my hotel booking if I change my plans?

Thai: ฉันสามารถยกเลิกการจองโรงแรมได้ไหมถ้าฉันเปลี่ยนแผน (Chan sǎmmārt yok lek kān chong rohng h̄æm dâi mǎi t̂hâ chan pìan plaen).

Travel Tip: This is handy when dealing with last-minute changes in tourist spots like Phuket. In Thailand, always check for cancellation fees and use polite words like "dâi mǎi" (can I?) to show respect. Staff appreciate a smile and a "khob khun" (thank you) afterward, as it aligns with the friendly "sanuk" (fun-loving) culture.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• เพิกถอน (phek thon) - Use this for more official or irreversible actions, like revoking a driver's license, which is common in legal contexts to emphasize authority without escalating emotions.
• ยกเลิกการ (yok lek kān) - A phrasal variation meaning "to cancel something," ideal for everyday tasks like revoking an invitation, as it adds specificity and is widely used in informal Thai speech to soften the impact.

Common Collocations:

• ยกเลิกสัญญา (yok lek sǎnyā) - Often heard in contract negotiations, as in "They revoked the agreement during the meeting," reflecting Thailand's growing e-commerce scene where quick adaptations are key.
• ยกเลิกใบอนุญาต (yok lek bai onyùt) - Used for revoking permits, like a work visa, which is a practical phrase in expat communities, especially in places like Pattaya where bureaucratic processes are frequent.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: The concept of "revoke" in Thailand is tied to the country's hierarchical and community-oriented society. Historically, it stems from royal decrees and Buddhist principles of impermanence, where things like laws or traditions can be "revoked" to maintain balance. For example, during festivals like Songkran, plans might be revoked due to weather, symbolizing adaptability. Socially, Thais use it cautiously to avoid "lost face" (sia na), making conversations around revocation indirect and polite.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, always frame "revoke" discussions with courtesy—start with "Can we..." instead of demanding. Misuses, like abruptly revoking plans without explanation, can seem rude, so incorporate Thai phrases like "khǎaw thôot" (sorry) to keep interactions smooth. In business, consulting a local interpreter can prevent cultural faux pas.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "yok lek," think of it as "yoking" something back like a rope (yok) and letting it go (lek, like a quick release). Visualize pulling back a festival float that's being canceled—it's a fun way to connect the word to Thailand's vibrant events and make it stick.

Dialect Variations: While Standard Thai is consistent, in the North like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation of "yok lek" with a more drawn-out vowel, influenced by local dialects. In the South, it's similar but faster-paced, so listen for these nuances when traveling to adapt your speech naturally.

This entry equips you with the tools to use "revoke" confidently in Thai contexts. For more language tips, explore our other English-Thai dictionary guides or share your experiences in the comments below!