Main Translations

English: Sequence

Thai Primary Translation: ลำดับ (Lam-dàp) Phonetic: Lam-dàp (pronounced with a rising tone on "dàp," similar to saying "lam" as in "lamb" and "dàp" like "dap" in "dapper"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ลำดับ" (lam-dàp) is commonly used to denote an order, series, or progression of events, much like in English. It carries a sense of structure and logic, which aligns with Thailand's emphasis on harmony and proper etiquette in daily life. For instance, Thais often use it in contexts like storytelling, where maintaining a clear sequence helps preserve the flow and respect for the narrative—reflecting the cultural value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others). Emotionally, it evokes neutrality and organization rather than excitement, as Thais prioritize balance in communication. In everyday life, you might hear it in casual chats about daily routines or in formal settings like education, where teachers stress the sequence of lessons to build knowledge step by step. Note that in technical fields, like computing or film, Thais might borrow the English word "sequence" or use "สควีนซ์" (squence), but "ลำดับ" remains the go-to for general use.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "sequence" (ลำดับ) is versatile and appears in both casual and professional contexts, emphasizing logical progression. Urban areas like Bangkok often use it in fast-paced environments, such as business meetings or tech discussions, where efficiency is key. For example, in the bustling capital, people might reference the sequence of a project timeline to keep things on track. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai may incorporate it more organically in traditional storytelling or agricultural practices, where the sequence of seasons or festivals holds cultural significance. Overall, it's a word that promotes clarity and avoids chaos, aligning with Thai social norms of politeness and order.

Example Sentences

To help you grasp how "sequence" is used, here are a few practical examples drawn from real-life Thai scenarios. I've selected ones that highlight everyday and professional applications, as they're most relevant for learners.

Everyday Conversation

English: Let's follow the sequence of the recipe so we don't miss any steps. Thai: ลองทำตามลำดับของสูตรอาหารนะ ไม่งั้นเราจะพลาดขั้นตอน Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual kitchen chats, like cooking with friends in a Thai home. In Thailand, meals are often communal, so using "ลำดับ" here reinforces the idea of teamwork and patience—Thais value taking things one step at a time to ensure harmony.

Business Context

English: In our project, we need to maintain the sequence of tasks to meet the deadline. Thai: ในโครงการของเรา เราต้องรักษาลำดับของงานเพื่อให้ทันกำหนดเวลา Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps during a startup pitch or team huddle. Thai professionals often use "ลำดับ" to stress reliability, as punctuality and structured planning are crucial in Thailand's growing economy—always pair it with a polite tone to align with local etiquette.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: The concept of "sequence" in Thailand is intertwined with the idea of "sanuk" (fun and enjoyment) balanced with order, stemming from Buddhist influences that emphasize mindfulness and the natural flow of life. Historically, it appears in traditional Thai arts like dance or shadow puppetry, where precise sequences ensure storytelling remains engaging and respectful. In social customs, maintaining a sequence in conversations or events helps uphold "face" (saving dignity), so disrupting it might be seen as rude. For instance, during festivals like Songkran, the sequence of water splashing and merit-making activities follows age-old traditions, fostering community bonds. Practical Advice: As a foreigner, use "ลำดับ" sparingly at first to avoid sounding overly formal—Thais appreciate when learners adapt to context. In social settings, always observe the flow before jumping in, as interrupting a sequence can unintentionally cause awkwardness. A common misuse is confusing it with "time" (เวลา, wela), so clarify if needed. To build rapport, try linking it to Thai culture, like saying, "The sequence of the meal makes it even more delicious!"

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: Think of "ลำดับ" as a ladder ("lam" sounds like "lamb," and "dàp" like "step")—each rung represents a step in a sequence. Visualize climbing it during a Thai temple visit, where rituals follow a clear order, to reinforce the word's meaning and pronunciation. Dialect Variations: While "ลำดับ" is standard across Thailand, in the Northern dialect (like in Chiang Mai), you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "lam-dep," with a quicker tempo. In the South, it's similar but could be elongated for emphasis in storytelling, so pay attention to regional accents when traveling.