Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "scruple" primarily refers to a feeling of moral doubt or hesitation about doing something that might be wrong. This word doesn't have a direct one-to-one equivalent in Thai, as Thai language often weaves moral concepts into broader cultural and Buddhist influences. Here's the breakdown:

Thai Primary Translation: ความลังเล (kwam lang le) Phonetic: Kwam lang le (pronounced with a soft "kw" sound like in "quick" and a rising tone on "lang").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ความลังเล" captures the essence of scruple as an internal conflict over ethics or morality, often tied to Buddhist principles like avoiding harm (ahimsa) or maintaining "khwam dee" (goodness). It's not just about doubt—it's loaded with emotional weight, evoking feelings of guilt, reflection, or even spiritual unease. Thais might use this word in daily life when discussing decisions, such as whether to accept a favor that feels unethical, reflecting the cultural emphasis on "sanuk" (fun) balanced with "sila" (moral conduct). For instance, in a society where face-saving ("kreng jai") is key, expressing a scruple can show humility and thoughtfulness, making it a positive trait in social interactions. Secondary translations aren't strongly applicable here, as "scruple" in its less common sense (a unit of weight, about 1/24 of an ounce) is rarely used and might simply be transliterated as "สครูปเปิล" (screw-pei) in scientific contexts, but that's not everyday language.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "scruple" (or its Thai equivalent) typically appears in scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, personal integrity, or decision-making. Thais often express this concept through indirect language to maintain harmony, aligning with the cultural value of "jai dee" (good heart). In urban areas like Bangkok, it's common in professional or modern contexts, such as business ethics discussions, where people might reference it to navigate corruption or fairness. In contrast, rural areas like Chiang Mai might frame it more through traditional Buddhist teachings, using it in community talks about right livelihood or family obligations. Overall, it's a word that highlights Thailand's collectivist society, where individual scruples are often weighed against group harmony.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, we've selected three relevant scenarios based on how "scruple" might naturally arise in Thai life: everyday conversation, business context, and a cultural reference. These examples show real-world applications, with notes on pronunciation and cultural nuances.

Everyday Conversation

English: I have a scruple about accepting this gift— it feels like it might be bribery. Thai: ฉันมีความลังเลที่จะรับของขวัญนี้ เพราะมันอาจเป็นการติดสินบน (Chan mee kwam lang le thîi rap khong khwan née, phroo man dtày bpen gaan dtit sin bon). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like among friends in a Bangkok coffee shop. Note the polite tone—Thais often soften such expressions to avoid confrontation, emphasizing "kreng jai" (consideration for others). Pronounce "kwam lang le" with a gentle rising tone to sound natural.

Business Context

English: As a manager, I always have a scruple when cutting corners on safety regulations. Thai: ในฐานะผู้จัดการ ฉันมักมีความลังเลเมื่อตัดมุมเรื่องกฎความปลอดภัย (Nai tána pàw jàng, chan mak mee kwam lang le muer dtat moom reûang gòt khwàm plàw daai). Usage Context: This could come up in a Bangkok business meeting, where ethical lapses are a hot topic amid Thailand's growing corporate scene. It highlights how scruples align with Thai business etiquette, where building trust ("khwam ching chad") is crucial—use it to show integrity without accusing others.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The character in the novel faces a scruple that tests his loyalty to his family. Thai: ตัวละครในนิยายเผชิญกับความลังเลที่ทดสอบความซื่อสัตย์ต่อครอบครัว (Dtà lá korn nai ní yaa pèt sàn gub kwam lang le thîi tàt sòp khwàm séu sàt tor krob kròo). Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "Kru Kap Phit" by Saneh Sangsuk, where moral dilemmas are common themes. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, this word evokes the cultural tension between personal ethics and societal expectations, often rooted in Buddhist stories.

Related Expressions

Understanding related terms can help you expand your vocabulary and use "scruple" more effectively in Thai conversations.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ความข้องใจ (kwam khong jai) - Use this when you're dealing with deeper doubts or suspicions, like in relationships; it's more emotional and common in everyday Thai chit-chat to express inner conflict without being too direct.
• การลังเลใจ (gaan lang le jai) - This is great for situations involving hesitation in decision-making, often in a moral context, and it's frequently heard in rural areas where people discuss community ethics.

Common Collocations:

• มีความลังเลทางศีลธรรม (mee kwam lang le thaáng see lá tham) - Example in Thailand: Thais might say this when debating environmental issues, like in Chiang Mai protests against deforestation, to highlight moral reservations.
• ลังเลก่อนตัดสินใจ (lang le gawn dtat sin jai) - Often used in urban settings, such as a Bangkok workshop on leadership, to describe pausing before making a tough ethical choice.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, the idea of a "scruple" is deeply intertwined with Buddhist philosophy, where concepts like the Eightfold Path emphasize right action and mindfulness. Historically, this traces back to ancient Siamese society, where moral hesitation was seen as a sign of wisdom rather than weakness—think of folktales like those in the Ramakien, where heroes grapple with ethical choices. Socially, it's linked to "sanuk-jai" (fun with a good heart), where Thais prioritize harmony, so expressing a scruple can strengthen relationships by showing empathy. Interestingly, in modern Thailand, it's evolving with social media debates on issues like corruption, blending traditional values with global influences.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use words like "kwam lang le" sparingly and with sensitivity—Thais appreciate humility, so pair it with a smile or polite phrases like "pom/chan khid waa" (I think). Avoid overusing it in casual settings to prevent seeming judgmental; instead, save it for meaningful discussions. A common misuse is confusing it with simple indecision, which could come off as indecisive rather than principled.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "kwam lang le", think of it as a "mental speed bump"—just like Thailand's famous traffic jams in Bangkok make you pause and reflect, this word signals a stop for moral checks. Visualize a golden Buddha statue (a common Thai sight) with a thoughtful expression to link it to cultural introspection.

Dialect Variations: While "kwam lang le" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear it softened as "kwam lang jai" with a more drawn-out tone, reflecting the area's laid-back dialect. In southern dialects, like in Phuket, it's pronounced with a quicker pace, but the meaning stays consistent, so it's versatile for travelers.

This entry aims to be a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for your English-Thai language journey. If you're learning Thai, practicing these phrases in real contexts—like chatting with locals in a market—will help solidify your understanding. For more words, search for "English-Thai dictionary" resources tailored to travelers!