Main Translations

In Thai, "snobbery" reflects behaviors tied to social status, arrogance, or elitism. This word can evoke subtle emotional undertones in Thai culture, where maintaining harmony and respect is key, making discussions of snobbery a sensitive topic.

English: Snobbery

Thai Primary Translation: ความหยิ่ง (Kwām yìng) Phonetic: Kwām yìng (pronounced with a rising tone on "yìng," similar to saying "young" but with a sharper emphasis). Explanation: "ความหยิ่ง" is commonly used in Thai to describe an attitude of looking down on others based on perceived superiority, such as wealth, education, or social class. In daily life, Thai people might use this term playfully or critically in conversations about urban elites or foreign influences. For instance, it carries a negative connotation, evoking feelings of irritation or disappointment, and is often linked to modern societal changes in Thailand. Unlike in some Western contexts, where snobbery might be overt, Thais may express it indirectly to preserve "face" (saving dignity), such as through subtle hints in social gatherings. Secondary translations include "การโอ้อวด" (gān ō̌a wâd, meaning boasting or showing off), which is used when snobbery involves excessive pride.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "snobbery" or "ความหยิ่ง" typically appears in scenarios involving social hierarchies, like interactions between city dwellers and rural folks. In bustling Bangkok, it's often discussed in professional or social settings where status symbols (e.g., luxury brands) play a role. Conversely, in places like Chiang Mai, where community ties are stronger, people might downplay snobbery to emphasize equality and mutual respect. Urban areas tend to borrow from global influences, making the term more common in everyday critiques, while rural regions express similar ideas through proverbs or indirect language to avoid confrontation.

Example Sentences

Below are carefully selected examples to illustrate how "snobbery" translates and functions in Thai. We've focused on scenarios most relevant to learners, including everyday chats and business interactions, to help you apply this word practically.

Everyday Conversation

English: I hate how some people show snobbery just because they have more money. Thai: ฉันเกลียดที่บางคนแสดงความหยิ่งเพราะมีเงินมากกว่า (Chăn glìat thîi bang khon sǎadā kwām yìng phrûng mī ngern mak gwàa). Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual talks with friends, like over street food in Bangkok. It highlights how Thais might use "ความหยิ่ง" to vent frustrations about inequality, while keeping the tone light to maintain social harmony – a key cultural norm.

Business Context

English: In that meeting, his snobbery towards the team was really off-putting. Thai: ในที่ประชุมนั้น ความหยิ่งของเขาต่อทีมทำให้รู้สึกแย่จริงๆ (Nai thî prachum nán, kwām yìng kǎwng khǎo tò̀ tîm tham hâi rû́ sèuk yâe jàng-jàng). Usage Context: Imagine a corporate setting in a Bangkok office, where hierarchy is evident. This phrase could come up in post-meeting reflections, reminding you to use "ความหยิ่ง" cautiously, as Thais value "kreng jai" (consideration) and might address such issues indirectly to avoid conflict.

Related Expressions

Expanding your vocabulary with related terms can make your Thai conversations more nuanced. Here are some synonyms and common pairings that Thais use in real life.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ความโอ้อวด (Kwām ō̌a wâd) – Use this when talking about someone who brags excessively, like in social media posts; it's less about class and more about self-promotion, common in youth culture.
• การเหยียด (Gān yîat) – This means discrimination or prejudice; it's ideal for discussing broader social issues, such as in debates about inequality in Thai society.

Common Collocations:

• สังคมความหยิ่ง (Sangkhom kwām yìng) – Meaning "social snobbery," often heard in discussions about Bangkok's high-society events, where people critique elitism while enjoying the scene.
• ความหยิ่งทางวัฒนธรรม (Kwām yìng thāng wátthanáthām) – Refers to "cultural snobbery," like dismissing traditional Thai customs in favor of Western ones; this is relevant in tourist areas where cultural clashes occur.

Cultural Notes

From a Thai perspective, "snobbery" ties into the country's deep-rooted respect for hierarchy, influenced by historical factors like the monarchy and Buddhism. While Thailand prides itself on being the "Land of Smiles," snobbery can undermine the cultural value of "sanuk" (fun and ease), often leading to passive criticism rather than direct confrontation. For example, in rural villages, community stories might poke fun at overly proud individuals to reinforce equality.

Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, use words like "ความหยิ่ง" sparingly and with sensitivity – Thais might appreciate your awareness but could find direct accusations rude. Instead, frame it positively, such as discussing how to build inclusive relationships. Avoid misuses in formal settings, where it could be seen as disrespectful, and always pair it with a smile to keep things light-hearted.

Practical Tips

To make learning "snobbery" and its Thai equivalent stick, try these strategies tailored for travelers and learners.

Memory Aid: Think of "kwām yìng" as sounding like "queen" with a twist – just as a queen might hold a lofty position, it reminds you of the arrogance in snobbery. Visualize a haughty character from a Thai drama series to connect the word to everyday Thai entertainment. Dialect Variations: While "ความหยิ่ง" is standard across Thailand, in the Isan region (northeastern Thailand), you might hear slang like "yìng yàak" for a more intense form, emphasizing rural frustrations with urban elitism. In southern dialects, it's similar but often softened in pronunciation to maintain the region's laid-back vibe. Listening to local podcasts or chatting with natives can help you pick up these nuances.