Main Translations
In the English-Thai dictionary, "tannic" is an adjective referring to something related to tannin, a natural compound found in plants that gives a bitter, astringent quality—often in tea, wine, or leather production. This word is more technical than everyday, but it's useful for discussions in culinary, scientific, or industrial settings.
Thai Primary Translation: แทนนิก (Taen-nik)
Phonetic: Taen-nik (pronounced with a short "ae" sound like in "cat", followed by a soft "n" and "ik" like "nick").
Explanation: In Thai culture, "แทนนิก" is a borrowed term from English, primarily used in technical or educational contexts rather than casual conversation. It carries connotations of bitterness or astringency, which can evoke a sense of health benefits or harshness. For instance, Thai people often associate tannin with traditional herbal teas like "cha muu" (a type of fermented tea), where it contributes to the flavor and purported digestive properties. Emotionally, it might subtly imply something "strong" or "unrefined," as in the way over-brewed tea can feel overwhelming. In daily life, Thais might use it when talking about food quality or in health discussions, such as in northern Thailand's tea farms, where it's linked to local pride in organic products. Unlike more poetic Thai words, "แทนนิก" lacks deep cultural folklore but is practical in modern, urban settings like Bangkok's coffee shops or export industries.
No secondary translations are necessary here, as "แทนนิก" is the standard, direct equivalent in Thai for this specialized term.
Usage Overview
In Thailand, "tannic" (or its Thai equivalent) is most commonly encountered in specialized scenarios like the food and beverage industry, chemistry classes, or traditional medicine. For example, it's relevant in the northern regions like Chiang Mai, where tea cultivation is prominent, versus Bangkok's urban scene, where it's discussed in trendy cafes or business meetings about imports. Urban areas tend to use it more formally in English-Thai bilingual contexts, while rural areas might reference it indirectly through terms for bitter herbs, emphasizing practical applications over precise terminology. Overall, it's not a word for casual chit-chat but one that highlights Thailand's growing interest in natural products and exports.
Example Sentences
I've selected three relevant scenarios for "tannic" based on its technical nature: one from business, one from practical travel, and one from everyday conversation adapted to a cultural context. These examples show how the word integrates into real Thai interactions, making it easier for learners to apply.
Business Context
English: The tannic quality of this tea makes it ideal for export to international markets.
Thai: คุณภาพแทนนิกของชานี้ทำให้เหมาะสำหรับส่งออกไปตลาดต่างประเทศ (Khun-phaap taen-nik khong cha ni tham hai hao sam rap song ork pai talat tang prathet).
Usage Context: This sentence might come up in a Bangkok business meeting with tea exporters, where discussing product attributes is key. In Thailand's competitive tea industry, emphasizing tannic elements can highlight health benefits, so use it to sound professional and informed—pair it with a smile to maintain the warm Thai communication style.
Practical Travel Phrase
English: This wine has a strong tannic flavor; is it from a local Thai vineyard?
Thai: ไวน์นี้มีรสชาติแทนนิกที่เข้มข้น เป็นไวน์จากไร่องุ่นท้องถิ่นของไทยหรือเปล่า? (Wai ni mee rot chat taen-nik thi khem khon, pen wai jaak rai ongun thong thin khong Thai rue bplao?).
Travel Tip: When visiting wine regions like Khao Yai, use this phrase at a tasting event to engage with locals and show interest in Thai agriculture. Thais appreciate curiosity about their products, but remember to avoid criticizing the bitterness—frame it positively to align with the culture's emphasis on harmony and politeness.
Everyday Conversation
English: I don't like this tea because it's too tannic for my taste.
Thai: ฉันไม่ชอบชานี้เพราะมันแทนนิกเกินไปสำหรับรสชาตของฉัน (Chan mai chorb cha ni proh man taen-nik geern pai sam rap rot chat khong chan).
Brief Notes: In a casual setting, like chatting over street food in Chiang Mai, this sentence helps express preferences without offending. Thais often use food discussions to build rapport, so follow up with a positive comment, such as suggesting a milder alternative, to keep the conversation light and culturally sensitive.
Related Expressions
Synonyms/Related Terms:
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ฝาด (Fad) - This Thai word means "astringent" and is often used interchangeably with tannic in everyday contexts, like describing the mouth-puckering feel of unripe fruits or strong tea. It's more colloquial and evokes a sensory experience, making it great for casual talks in markets.
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ขม (Khom) - Meaning "bitter," this term relates to tannic when discussing flavors in herbs or medicine. Thais use it in health contexts, like traditional remedies, where bitterness is seen as beneficial for detoxification.
Common Collocations:
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Tannic acid (กรดแทนนิก - Grat taen-nik) - Often used in Thai scientific discussions, such as in leather tanning or skincare products; for example, "The tannic acid in this cream helps tighten the skin" (กรดแทนนิกในครีมนี้ช่วยให้ผิวกระชับ).
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Tannic flavor (รสชาติแทนนิก - Rot chat taen-nik) - Common in culinary settings, like wine tastings; an example might be, "This local wine has a balanced tannic flavor" (ไวน์ท้องถิ่นนี้มีรสชาติแทนนิกที่สมดุล), reflecting Thailand's emerging wine culture.
Cultural Notes
Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, words like "tannic" tie into the country's deep-rooted appreciation for natural ingredients, stemming from traditions in herbal medicine and agriculture. Historically, tannin-rich plants have been used in Thai folklore for remedies—think of teas brewed in rural villages for their "cooling" effects on the body. Socially, it symbolizes resilience; just as bitter flavors are embraced for health, Thais value perseverance in daily life. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's linked to modern trends like organic cafes, while in the north, it's part of community pride in sustainable farming. An interesting fact: During festivals, tannic elements in local brews might be highlighted in tastings, blending tradition with contemporary appeal.
Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "แทนนิก" sparingly in conversations to avoid sounding overly technical—Thais might prefer simpler terms like "ฝาด" for better rapport. Etiquette-wise, if discussing food, always balance criticism with praise to maintain "kreng jai" (consideration for others). A common misuse is overgeneralizing it to all bitter tastes, so clarify when needed to prevent confusion.
Practical Tips
Memory Aid: To remember "tannic" as "แทนนิก", think of it like the puckering sensation from sipping strong Thai tea (cha yen) on a hot day—visualize the word as "tan" for "tea" and "nik" for "nick" (as in a quick, sharp taste). This cultural connection makes it stick, especially if you're a tea lover traveling in Thailand.
Dialect Variations: As a relatively modern, borrowed term, "แทนนิก" doesn't vary much across regions, but in northern dialects like those in Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "taen-nik" with a rising tone, compared to the flatter delivery in Bangkok. If you're in rural areas, locals may explain it through related words rather than using it directly, so listen for context clues.
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