Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "sulphate" refers to a chemical compound containing the SO₄ group, often used in science, agriculture, and medicine. This term is primarily technical, but it's widely encountered in everyday Thai contexts like farming or pharmaceuticals.

English: Sulphate (Note: This is the British English spelling; in American English, it's "sulfate.") Thai Primary Translation: ซัลเฟต (Salphate) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): San-fèt (pronounced with a short "a" sound in "san" and a rising tone on "fèt," similar to "sun-fet" in casual English approximation). Explanation: In Thai culture, "ซัลเฟต" is a straightforward scientific term without strong emotional connotations, as it's rooted in chemistry and education. Thai people typically use it in practical, functional ways—such as discussing fertilizers in rural areas or medications in urban settings. For instance, ammonium sulphate (แอมโมเนียมซัลเฟต) is a common fertilizer in Thailand's agriculture-driven economy, evoking associations with productivity and rural livelihoods rather than anything poetic or emotional. In daily life, you might hear it in school lessons, pharmacy consultations, or factory discussions, reflecting Thailand's blend of traditional farming and modern industry. Unlike more culturally loaded words, "ซัลเฟต" doesn't carry regional folklore but highlights Thailand's emphasis on practical science for national development.

(Secondary translations aren't applicable here, as "sulphate" is a specific chemical term without significant variants in Thai.)

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "sulphate" (or its Thai equivalent) is most commonly used in scientific, agricultural, and industrial contexts. For example, it's a key component in fertilizers like ammonium sulphate, which supports the country's rice and crop production—vital in rural areas like the Isan region. In urban centers like Bangkok, it's more likely to appear in business or medical discussions, such as in pharmaceuticals (e.g., magnesium sulphate for health treatments). Regional differences exist: In bustling Bangkok, people might use it in formal, tech-savvy conversations, while in rural Chiang Mai or the north, it's tied to farming practices, where locals might casually reference it during market talks. Overall, it's a word that bridges Thailand's urban-rural divide, emphasizing practicality over casual chit-chat.

Example Sentences

We've selected three relevant scenarios for "sulphate," focusing on its practical applications in education, business, and travel. These examples highlight how the word is used naturally in Thai contexts, making it easier for learners to apply in real life.

Business Context

English: We need to order more ammonium sulphate for the fertilizer production line to meet the export demands. Thai: เราต้องสั่งแอมโมเนียมซัลเฟตเพิ่มสำหรับสายการผลิตปุ๋ยเพื่อรองรับความต้องการส่งออก. (Rao tɔ̂ng sǎng æm-mo-nee-iam san-fèt pɛ̂ɛng sǎhm rảay gaan phût bpù-yì pɛ̂ɛng rông ráp kwaam dtâang gaan sòòng òk.) Usage Context: This sentence might come up in a Bangkok business meeting at a chemical manufacturing firm, where discussions often revolve around exports to neighboring countries. In Thailand's export-driven economy, using precise terms like "ซัลเฟต" shows professionalism and helps avoid misunderstandings in supply chain talks.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Can I get some magnesium sulphate for my upset stomach? It's commonly used for that, right? Thai: ฉันสามารถได้แมกนีเซียมซัลเฟตสำหรับท้องเสียของฉันไหม มันถูกใช้สำหรับอย่างนั้นใช่ไหม (Chăn sǎa-mâat dâi mæg-nee-see-iam san-fèt sǎhm tɔ̂ng sǐa kǎwng chăn mài, man tûk chái sǎhm yàang nán châi mài?) Travel Tip: When traveling in Thailand, especially in tourist spots like Phuket or Chiang Mai, pharmacies (ร้านขายยา) are easy to find and staff are helpful. Politely asking about "ซัลเฟต" in this way can help with minor health issues, but always confirm with a doctor first—Thais appreciate humility and caution in health matters to avoid cultural faux pas.

Literary or Media Reference

English: In this environmental documentary, they discuss how sulphate compounds are affecting Thailand's rivers. Thai: ในสารคดีสิ่งแวดล้อมนี้ พวกเขาพูดถึงว่าสารประกอบซัลเฟตส่งผลต่อแม่น้ำของไทยอย่างไร (Nai sǎan-kà-dii sǐng-wèt-lòm níi, phûeak kǎo phûut tǔng wâa sǎan bpà-rà-bòt san-fèt sòòng phal tɔ̀ mâe-nám kǎwng Thai yàang rai.) Source: This draws from Thai media like documentaries on TV channels such as Thai PBS, which often cover environmental issues. In Thailand, such references highlight growing awareness of pollution, tying into cultural values of sustainability and respect for nature.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• Sulfate – Essentially the same as "sulphate" but with American spelling; in Thailand, it's still translated as "ซัลเฟต" and used interchangeably in international contexts, like scientific reports or imports.
• กรดกำมะถัน (Gròt kam-ma-thun) – This means "sulphuric acid," a related chemical often discussed alongside sulphates in industrial settings; use it when talking about manufacturing or pollution, as it's common in Thai factories.

Common Collocations:

• Ammonium sulphate – Often heard as "แอมโมเนียมซัลเฟต" in Thai agriculture; for example, farmers in rural Isan might say, "แอมโมเนียมซัลเฟตช่วยให้พืชโตเร็ว" (It helps crops grow faster), emphasizing its role in boosting yields.
• Magnesium sulphate – Colloquially "แมกนีเซียมซัลเฟต," used in health contexts like " Epsom salt baths" for relaxation; in Thailand, people might mention it as "ใช้แมกนีเซียมซัลเฟตผ่อนคลาย" during spa treatments in places like Hua Hin.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, "sulphate" symbolizes the intersection of tradition and modernity in a country where agriculture is a cultural cornerstone. Historically, Thailand's use of sulphate-based fertilizers boomed during the Green Revolution in the mid-20th century, helping transform rural communities and supporting festivals like the Rice Festival in Suphan Buri. Socially, it's linked to self-reliance and innovation—Thais often view chemicals like this as tools for progress, but there's also growing concern about environmental impact, as seen in community efforts to promote organic farming. Interestingly, in Thai media and education, it's portrayed neutrally, without the negative stigma sometimes attached elsewhere, reflecting a pragmatic cultural attitude toward science. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ซัลเฟต" in formal or professional settings only, as it's not a word for casual small talk. Etiquette-wise, always pair it with polite language (e.g., add "ครับ/ค่ะ" for respect), and avoid overusing it in rural areas where simpler terms might be preferred. A common misuse is confusing it with unrelated chemicals—double-check to prevent misunderstandings, especially in health or business scenarios.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ซัลเฟต," think of it as "sun-fet" and associate it with Thailand's sunny farms—picture a bright field of rice fertilized with "sulphate" for growth. This visual link ties into the word's agricultural role, making it easier to recall during conversations. Dialect Variations: For a technical term like this, variations are minimal across Thailand, as it's based on standard Thai (from Bangkok). However, in southern dialects, you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "san-feh" instead of "san-fèt," due to regional accents—keep this in mind if you're in places like Krabi for more natural interactions.