Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary, "systemic" refers to something that affects an entire system, often in a pervasive or fundamental way—such as in medicine, society, or organizations. This word is commonly used in discussions about widespread issues, like systemic racism or systemic failures.

Thai Primary Translation: ระบบ (rabop) Phonetic: Ra-bop (pronounced with a short 'a' sound, like in "rat", and a soft 'b' at the end) Explanation: In Thai culture, "ระบบ" (rabop) is a versatile word that literally means "system" and carries connotations of structure, order, and interconnectedness. It's often used to describe anything from bureaucratic processes to societal norms, evoking a sense of inevitability or deep-rooted influence. For instance, Thais might discuss "ระบบสังคม" (rabop sangkhom, or social system) when talking about inequality, reflecting a cultural emphasis on hierarchy and collectivism influenced by Buddhist principles and historical governance. Emotionally, it can feel neutral or even frustrating in daily life—Thais might use it with a sigh when complaining about "ระบบราชการ" (rabop ratchakan, the bureaucratic system), which is notorious for its red tape. This word isn't typically loaded with strong emotions but highlights efficiency (or lack thereof) in a society that values harmony and gradual change over abrupt disruptions.

No secondary translations are necessary here, as "ระบบ" effectively covers the core meaning in most contexts. However, in specialized fields like medicine, it might be paired with terms like "ทั่วร่างกาย" (thua rang kai, meaning throughout the body) for systemic diseases.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "systemic" (translated as ระบบ) is frequently used in conversations about social, economic, or organizational structures, especially in urban areas like Bangkok where rapid modernization highlights inefficiencies. For example, it's common in discussions about "ระบบการศึกษา" (rabop gaan seuksa, the education system) or environmental issues. In rural regions, such as Chiang Mai, people might express the concept more informally, focusing on community-level systems like "ระบบชุมชน" (rabop chumchon), emphasizing local traditions over abstract theory. Urban dwellers in Bangkok often use it critically in professional settings, while rural areas might adapt it to traditional practices, like agricultural systems, making the word feel more grounded and less theoretical.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "systemic" in use, selected based on its relevance in everyday Thai life. I've focused on scenarios that highlight social and professional contexts, as these are where the word shines in Thailand.

Everyday Conversation

English: The systemic inequality in our society makes it hard for everyone to succeed. Thai: ระบบความไม่เท่าเทียมในสังคมของเราทำให้ทุกคนประสบความสำเร็จได้ยาก (Rabop khwam mai thoa thiam nai sangkhom khong rao tham hai thuk khon prasop khwam samret dai yak). Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat over coffee in Bangkok, where Thais often discuss social issues with a mix of resignation and optimism. It's a great way to show empathy, as Thai culture encourages indirect criticism to maintain "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so pair it with a smile or a follow-up question like "คุณคิดอย่างไร?" (Khun khit yang rai?, What do you think?).

Business Context

English: We need to address the systemic problems in our supply chain to improve efficiency. Thai: เราต้องแก้ไขปัญหาในระบบซัพพลายเชนเพื่อเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพ (Rao dtong gae xi panha nai rabop sapplai chen pheua phed prachit phap). Usage Context: Imagine a business meeting in a Bangkok office, where efficiency is key. Thais might use this phrase during strategic discussions, but they'd soften it with polite language, like starting with "ขอโทษนะครับ" (Kho thort na khrap, Excuse me), to align with cultural norms of respect and avoid confrontation.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• แพร่กระจาย (phrae krachai) - Use this when something spreads widely, like a systemic disease; it's more dynamic and often evokes urgency, as in health crises common in Thailand's tropical climate.
• โครงสร้าง (khroksang) - This is ideal for structural or foundational issues, such as in architecture or society; Thais might say it when critiquing "โครงสร้างสังคม" (khroksang sangkhom) during community events, highlighting interconnected elements without the same systemic depth.

Common Collocations:

• ระบบสังคม (rabop sangkhom) - Often used in Thailand to discuss social systems, like in protests or TV debates; for example, "ปัญหาในระบบสังคม" (panha nai rabop sangkhom, problems in the social system) might arise during conversations about inequality in Bangkok's diverse neighborhoods.
• ระบบการเมือง (rabop gaan meung) - This collocation refers to political systems and is frequently heard in rural areas like Isan, where people debate "การเปลี่ยนแปลงในระบบการเมือง" (gaan plian plaeng nai rabop gaan meung, changes in the political system) with a focus on local impacts.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, "systemic" (ระบบ) ties into the country's deep-rooted emphasis on hierarchy and balance, influenced by Buddhism and historical monarchies. For instance, systemic issues are often seen as part of a larger "karma" or cyclical process, rather than isolated problems—Thais might reference this in discussions about "ระบบปากท้อง" (rabop pak thong, economic systems) during festivals like Songkran, where community reflects on societal progress. Historically, the word echoes Thailand's bureaucratic evolution under kings like Rama V, who modernized systems, fostering a cultural mix of pride and frustration. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ระบบ" sparingly at first, as overusing it in casual talks can sound overly formal. Always pair it with polite particles like "ครับ/ค่ะ" (khrap/kha) to show respect, especially in business or with elders. Avoid misuses that imply direct blame, as this could disrupt "sanuk" (fun and harmony) in social settings—opt for questions to invite discussion instead.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ระบบ" (rabop), think of it as "rab-op," like a rabbit hopping through a structured maze—this visualizes the word's systemic nature. Link it culturally to Thailand's famous Skytrain system in Bangkok, which represents efficient, interconnected networks, making it easier to recall during travels. Dialect Variations: While "ระบบ" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation might soften in the North, like in Chiang Mai, where it sounds more like "la-bop" with a lighter tone. In the South, it's often used interchangeably with local terms for systems in fishing or agriculture, so adapt based on context to sound more natural.