Main Translations

English Term: Sexism Thai Primary Translation: เพศนิยม (phet niyom) Phonetic Pronunciation: Pronounced as "pèt nì-yom" (with a short "e" sound in "pèt" like in "pet," and emphasis on the second syllable of "ni-yom"). Explanation: In Thai culture, "เพศนิยม" refers to prejudice or discrimination based on gender, often manifesting as unequal treatment of men, women, or non-binary individuals. It carries strong negative connotations, evoking emotions like frustration and injustice, especially in discussions about gender equality. Thai people commonly use this term in daily life during conversations about workplace inequality, media representation, or social movements. For instance, it's frequently heard in urban settings like Bangkok, where progressive attitudes are influenced by global campaigns such as #MeToo. However, in more conservative rural areas, people might express similar ideas through indirect phrases like "การดูถูกเพศ" (kān dùk thùk phet, meaning "gender belittling"), reflecting a cultural nuance where direct confrontation is avoided to maintain harmony (known as "kreng jai" or consideration for others).

Secondary Translations: A related term is "การเลือกปฏิบัติทางเพศ" (kān lʉ̌k bpàt dtì phet), which translates to "gender discrimination" and is used interchangeably in formal contexts, such as legal or academic discussions, to emphasize systemic issues.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "sexism" (or "เพศนิยม") is most commonly discussed in contexts related to social justice, education, and professional environments. It's a term that's gaining prominence amid Thailand's evolving gender norms, influenced by both traditional Buddhist values and modern globalization. In bustling urban centers like Bangkok, people use it straightforwardly in debates or social media, often linking it to topics like women's rights or the LGBTQI+ community. In contrast, in rural areas such as Chiang Mai, expressions of sexism might be more subtle, embedded in local customs or folklore, where traditional gender roles are still prevalent. This urban-rural divide highlights how the word adapts to Thailand's diverse social fabric, making it essential for foreigners to gauge the setting before using it.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "sexism" in action, tailored to real-life scenarios in Thailand. I've selected three relevant ones to keep it focused and applicable. Everyday Conversation English: "Sexism is still a big issue in many workplaces." Thai: "เพศนิยมยังคงเป็นปัญหาใหญ่ในที่ทำงานหลายแห่ง." (Phet niyom yang khrang pen panha yai nai thi tham-ngan laew fang.) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like over coffee in a Bangkok café. It highlights how Thai speakers often pair the term with "ปัญหาใหญ่" (big problem) to emphasize urgency, reflecting a cultural shift toward openness about gender issues without escalating to conflict. Business Context English: "We must eliminate sexism to create a fair work environment." Thai: "เราต้องขจัดเพศนิยมเพื่อสร้างสภาพแวดล้อมการทำงานที่เป็นธรรม." (Rao dtong kà-jàt phet niyom pêu sâang sà-pâp waet-lòng gaan tham-ngan thi pen tham.) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a formal Bangkok business meeting, such as during a diversity training session. In Thailand's corporate world, addressing sexism is crucial for companies aiming for international standards, so using this phrase shows respect for local etiquette like maintaining "face" (saving dignity) while promoting change. Literary or Media Reference English: "The novel explores sexism through the protagonist's struggles." Thai: "นวนิยายเรื่องนี้สำรวจเพศนิยมผ่านการต่อสู้ของตัวเอก." (Nuan-ni-yaay rʉ̌ang níi sǒm-rùet phet niyom thrûng gaan dtà-sù kǎw tua-èk.) Source: Inspired by Thai media like the book "The Happiness of Kati" by Ngarmpun Vejjajiva, which subtly touches on gender dynamics. In Thai literature, sexism is often woven into stories about family and society, making this phrase useful for book clubs or cultural discussions.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, sexism is deeply intertwined with the country's rich cultural tapestry, including influences from Buddhism, which promotes equality, and traditional hierarchies that sometimes reinforce gender roles. Historically, women have held significant positions in Thai society (e.g., as market traders or in royal courts), yet modern challenges like wage gaps and objectification in media persist. The rise of the LGBTQI+ movement has brought "เพศนิยม" into sharper focus, with events like Pride Month in Bangkok challenging outdated norms. Interestingly, Thai culture values "sanuk" (fun and lightheartedness), so discussions about sexism might be approached with humor to avoid tension, rather than direct confrontation. Practical Advice: For foreigners, it's wise to use "เพศนิยม" in supportive contexts, like allyship conversations, to show cultural awareness. Avoid bringing it up in sensitive family settings where it could disrupt harmony. If you're unsure, frame it positively—e.g., "I'm learning about reducing sexism here"—to align with Thailand's polite communication style. Misusing it, such as in casual banter, might come across as judgmental, so always pair it with empathy.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เพศนิยม" (phet niyom), think of it as "pet lion" – imagine a "pet" (like a small animal) symbolizing gender issues "roaring" for equality. This visual link can help with pronunciation, as "phet" sounds like "pet," and practicing with Thai friends will make it stick faster. Dialect Variations: While "เพศนิยม" is standard across Thailand, in southern dialects you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "pèt niyom" with a more drawn-out "i" sound. In Isan (northeastern) regions, people may prefer simpler terms like "ไอ้เพศ" (ai phet, informal for gender bias), so adapt based on your location for better rapport.

This entry is crafted to be a practical resource for your language journey in Thailand. If you're preparing for travel or work, practicing these phrases will help you engage authentically. For more entries, search for "English-Thai dictionary terms" to explore related words!