Main Translations

The word "specific" in English refers to something precise, particular, or clearly defined. In Thai, it carries similar meanings but is often used in contexts that emphasize detail or exclusivity, reflecting Thailand's cultural appreciation for clarity in communication.

English: Specific

Thai Primary Translation: เฉพาะ (Chom kaan) Phonetic: Chom kaan (pronounced with a soft "ch" like in "church" and a rising tone on "kaan") Explanation: In Thai culture, "เฉพาะ" is a versatile word that denotes something exact or specialized, without strong emotional undertones—it's more neutral and practical. Thais use it daily to specify details in conversations, such as in shopping ("I want this specific size") or instructions ("Be specific about your preferences"). It evokes a sense of precision that aligns with Thai social norms, where indirectness is common, but clarity is valued in professional or educational settings. For instance, in family discussions or community events, using "เฉพาะ" helps avoid misunderstandings, though it might be softened with polite particles like "ครับ" (krap) for men or "ค่ะ" (ka) for women to maintain harmony. Secondary Translations: If you need more emphasis on precision, try "เฉพาะเจาะจง" (Chom kaan jao jong), which means "specifically" or "explicitly." This is often used in formal contexts like legal documents or scientific discussions, highlighting Thailand's growing influence from global business practices.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "specific" (or its Thai equivalents) appears in everyday scenarios from casual chats to professional meetings. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use it more formally, especially in business and tech sectors influenced by international standards. In contrast, rural regions such as Chiang Mai might opt for simpler, more colloquial expressions, where people prioritize relational harmony over exact details. For example, a farmer in the north might say something is "เฉพาะ" in a relaxed way during market talks, while a Bangkok executive uses it to outline project specifics, showing how urban settings demand more precision due to fast-paced lifestyles.

Example Sentences

Below, we've selected three relevant examples to illustrate "specific" in action. These draw from common Thai contexts, making them practical for real-life use.

Everyday Conversation

English: Can you be more specific about what you want for dinner? Thai: คุณสามารถบอกให้ชัดเจนกว่านี้ได้ไหมว่าต้องการอะไรสำหรับมื้อเย็น (Khun sǎa mǎat bòk hâi châd jeen gwàa née dâi măi wâ tǎng gàn à-rai sǎng ngern mêu yen) Brief Notes: This sentence is great for casual family dinners in Thailand, where meals are a social affair. Using "ชัดเจน" (châd jeen) alongside "เฉพาะ" implies politeness and helps navigate the Thai value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so add a smile to keep things light-hearted.

Business Context

English: Please provide specific details about the project timeline. Thai: กรุณาระบุรายละเอียดเฉพาะเกี่ยวกับกำหนดการของโครงการ (Gà-rú-nă ra-bù ráy lá-ayt chom kaanเกี่ยงกับ gùn dèd kân kǎw ngan) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase is common during presentations or negotiations, where Thais blend efficiency with relationship-building. It highlights the word's role in Thailand's evolving corporate culture, influenced by foreign investments—remember to pair it with a wai (traditional greeting) for respect.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: I need a specific type of accommodation near the beach. Thai: ฉันต้องการที่พักแบบเฉพาะใกล้ชายหาด (Chăn dtông gaan thîi pàk bàap chom kaan glâi châi hàat) Travel Tip: When booking in tourist spots like Phuket, using this can help you get exactly what you want, such as a quiet resort. Thais in the service industry appreciate directness but always respond warmly, so follow up with "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" (khàwp khun krap/ka) to show gratitude and align with local hospitality norms.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ละเอียด (La-ayt) - Use this when you want to emphasize thoroughness, like in detailed instructions; it's common in educational or crafting contexts in Thailand.
• เจาะจง (Jao jong) - Perfect for pinpointing something exactly, often in legal or medical discussions, reflecting Thailand's precise approach in formal sectors.

Common Collocations:

• เวลาเฉพาะ (Wela chom kaan) - Meaning "specific time," as in "Let's meet at a specific time," which is frequently used in Bangkok's busy schedules to coordinate events.
• รายละเอียดเฉพาะ (Ráy lá-ayt chom kaan) - Translates to "specific details," and you'll hear this in everyday Thai conversations, like when discussing travel plans in rural areas for a more personalized touch.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "เฉพาะ" tie into the cultural emphasis on "sanuk" (fun and balance), where being specific helps maintain harmony without overwhelming others. Historically, this precision has roots in Thai Buddhism, which encourages mindfulness in details, such as in temple rituals. Socially, it's evident in customs like Songkran, where specific traditions (like water splashing) foster community bonds. Interestingly, Thais might avoid being too specific in sensitive talks to preserve "face," making it a tool for both clarity and diplomacy. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "เฉพาะ" when you need details but temper it with smiles or polite language to avoid seeming abrupt—Thais value indirectness in personal matters. A common misuse is over-specifying in casual chats, which might come off as rude; instead, observe and mirror local speech patterns for smoother interactions.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "เฉพาะ" (chom kaan), think of it as "chomp on specifics"—like biting into a precise piece of Thai fruit, such as mango, which is a cultural staple. This visual link can help with pronunciation and recall during conversations. Dialect Variations: While "เฉพาะ" is standard across Thailand, in the southern regions near the beaches, you might hear a softer pronunciation with a drawn-out vowel, like "chom kaaan," influenced by local accents. In the Isan (northeastern) dialect, people may use similar words but with a more relaxed tone, so adapt based on your location for authentic exchanges.