Main Translations

The word "specification" is a common English term used in technical, business, and everyday contexts to refer to detailed descriptions or requirements for something, like a product or a project.

Thai Primary Translation: ข้อกำหนด (khŏo gamnòet) Phonetic: khŏo gam-nòet (pronounced with a rising tone on "khŏo" and a falling tone on "nòet")

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ข้อกำหนด" is a straightforward, practical term often associated with precision and clarity, especially in professional settings like manufacturing, construction, and IT. It doesn't carry strong emotional connotations but emphasizes order and detail, reflecting Thailand's collectivist society where following rules ensures harmony. For instance, Thai people might use it in daily life when discussing product features in a market or adhering to safety standards at work. Unlike in more casual English usage, Thais might infuse it with a sense of respect for authority, as seen in how employees reference company "ข้อกำหนด" to avoid conflicts. Secondary translations include "รายละเอียด" (raai lá-dèe-et, meaning details), which is used when focusing on descriptive aspects rather than strict requirements.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "specification" or its Thai equivalents are most commonly used in urban, business-oriented environments like Bangkok, where international trade and technology thrive. Here, it's essential for contracts, product development, and quality control. In contrast, rural areas such as Chiang Mai might use the term more informally, blending it with local dialects to discuss agricultural tools or community projects. Overall, the word highlights Thailand's blend of tradition and modernity, with urban dwellers prioritizing detailed specs for efficiency, while rural communities adapt it to practical, community-driven needs.

Example Sentences

Below are a few natural examples of how "specification" might be used, tailored to relevant Thai contexts. We've selected scenarios that best illustrate its practical applications, focusing on everyday and professional uses.

Everyday Conversation

English: Could you check the specifications of this smartphone before I buy it? Thai: คุณช่วยตรวจสอบข้อกำหนดของสมาร์ทโฟนนี้ก่อนที่ฉันจะซื้อได้ไหม? (Khun chûai dtèng sà-bàp khŏo gamnòet kǎng sà-mát fohn ní gòhn thîi chăn jà súey dâi mái?) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for a casual chat in a Bangkok electronics store, where Thais value polite language. Note the use of "คุณช่วย" (khun chûai) to show respect, which is a cultural norm to maintain good relations even in simple transactions.

Business Context

English: We need to review the project specifications to ensure everything meets the client's expectations. Thai: เราต้องทบทวนข้อกำหนดของโครงการเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าทุกอย่างตรงตามที่ลูกค้าต้องการ (Rao dtông tbàt wĕn khŏo gamnòet kǎng chár kăh-rerm pêuue gà nâe chîn wâa tûk yàang dtrong dtàam thîi lûuk khâa dtông gaan) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up during a product launch discussion, emphasizing Thailand's focus on client satisfaction and "sanuk" (fun) in work. It's common to pair it with visual aids like slides to build consensus.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: What are the room specifications at this hotel? Thai: ข้อกำหนดของห้องพักที่โรงแรมนี้เป็นอย่างไร? (Khŏo gamnòet kǎng hâng pâak thîi rohng-ràem ní bpen yàang rai?) Travel Tip: When staying in places like Phuket, asking about specs (e.g., Wi-Fi speed or balcony views) can help you get the best value. Thais appreciate direct questions but always add a smile or "krub/ka" for politeness—it's a simple way to show cultural awareness and avoid any awkwardness.

Related Expressions

Expanding your vocabulary with related terms can make your Thai conversations more nuanced and authentic.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ความต้องการ (kwām dtông gaan) - Use this when emphasizing needs or desires, like in customer service, where it's more flexible than "specification" and reflects Thailand's relationship-focused culture.
• ลักษณะเฉพาะ (lák sà-nàa ching tè) - This is great for describing unique features, such as in artisanal crafts, and highlights Thailand's pride in local traditions.

Common Collocations:

• ข้อกำหนดทางเทคนิค (khŏo gamnòet thâang tèknìk) - Often heard in engineering discussions, like when Thai mechanics talk about car parts in a Chiang Mai workshop, stressing precision in a hands-on way.
• ข้อกำหนดผลิตภัณฑ์ (khŏo gamnòet pâ-lid pà-nùt) - This pops up in markets or factories, such as debating product quality in Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market, where vendors use it to assure buyers of authenticity.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "specification" embodies the balance between "mai pen rai" (never mind) flexibility and the need for exactness in a rapidly modernizing society. Historically, it ties into influences from global trade, like during the Ayutthaya period when detailed trade agreements were key. Socially, it's linked to "kreng jai" (consideration for others), where adhering to specs in group settings prevents face loss. An interesting fact: In Thai festivals, even traditional events like Songkran might involve "specifications" for water fights, blending fun with organized rules.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ข้อกำหนด" in formal contexts to show respect and professionalism, but avoid over-emphasizing details in casual talks—it might come off as rigid. Always pair it with a warm tone or gesture, as Thais prioritize relationships over strict adherence. A common misuse is confusing it with general "details," so clarify if needed to prevent misunderstandings in negotiations.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "khŏo gamnòet," think of it as "key notes" – visualize a key (for unlocking details) and notes (like a checklist). This ties into Thai culture's love for lists in daily planning, making it easier to recall during conversations.

Dialect Variations: While "ข้อกำหนด" is standard across Thailand, in southern regions like Phuket, you might hear a softer pronunciation with more emphasis on the vowels, influenced by local accents. In the north, such as Chiang Mai, it's often said more quickly in informal chats, but the meaning stays consistent, so don't worry too much about variations as a beginner.

This entry is designed to be a practical resource for English speakers engaging with Thai language and culture. If you're preparing for a trip or business venture, practicing these phrases can enhance your experience. Explore more entries in our English-Thai dictionary for deeper insights!