thirtieth

ที่สามสิบ - Thai translation

Main Translations

The word "thirtieth" is a straightforward ordinal number in English, often used in contexts like dates, anniversaries, or rankings. In Thai, it translates directly and is commonly integrated into daily life without much fanfare, though it can carry subtle cultural weight in celebratory or historical settings.

English: Thirtieth

Thai Primary Translation: ที่สามสิบ (thîi sǎam sĭp) Phonetic: Pronounced as "thee saam sip," with a rising tone on "thee" and a mid tone on "saam sip." Explanation: In Thai culture, "ที่สามสิบ" is used much like its English counterpart to denote the 30th position, such as in dates (e.g., the 30th of the month) or milestones like a 30th wedding anniversary. Emotionally, it's neutral but can evoke a sense of achievement or reflection, especially in contexts like birthdays or festivals. Thai people often use it in everyday life for practical purposes, such as scheduling events or discussing historical dates, like the 30th anniversary of a king's reign. Unlike some numbers in Thai superstition (e.g., 9 for progress), 30 doesn't have strong auspicious connotations, but it's frequently tied to community celebrations, making it feel warm and communal rather than formal.

No secondary translations are typically needed for this word, as "ที่สามสิบ" is the standard form across most contexts. However, in very informal speech, Thais might shorten it or combine it with other words for emphasis.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "thirtieth" (or its Thai equivalent) is most commonly used in practical scenarios like dating systems, anniversaries, and rankings. For instance, it's essential when discussing calendars, as the Thai solar calendar aligns with the Gregorian one for dates. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use it in a more formal, business-oriented way—such as in meetings or official documents—while rural regions, like those in Chiang Mai, might reference it casually in agricultural cycles or local festivals. Overall, the word is versatile and doesn't vary much regionally, but its delivery can shift from precise in cities to more relaxed in countryside conversations, reflecting Thailand's blend of modernity and tradition.

Example Sentences

To illustrate how "thirtieth" is used, we've selected three relevant scenarios based on its common applications in Thai life. These examples highlight natural phrasing, making it easier for learners to adapt them in real situations.

Everyday Conversation

English: "Today is my thirtieth birthday, and I'm celebrating with friends." Thai: "วันนี้เป็นวันเกิดที่สามสิบของฉัน และฉันกำลังฉลองกับเพื่อนๆ" (Wan née bpen wan gèrt thîi sǎam sĭp kǎng chăn láe chăn gàm-lang chà-láwng gàp pûuuan) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like at a party or over coffee in Bangkok. In Thai culture, birthdays are joyful occasions, often involving shared meals, so using "ที่สามสิบ" here adds a personal touch and shows respect for milestones—remember to smile and use polite particles like "ค่ะ" if you're a woman speaking.

Business Context

English: "The project deadline is on the thirtieth of this month." Thai: "กำหนดส่งโครงการคือวันที่สามสิบของเดือนนี้" (Gam-nòt sòng kà-rá-kàt keu wan thîi sǎam sĭp kǎng duean née) Usage Context: In a Bangkok business meeting, this phrase might come up when discussing timelines with colleagues. Thais value punctuality in professional settings, so phrasing it clearly like this helps avoid confusion—pair it with a nod or a wai (traditional greeting) to maintain harmony.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: "What room is on the thirtieth floor of the hotel?" Thai: "ห้องไหนอยู่ที่ชั้นที่สามสิบของโรงแรม?" (Hâwng nǎi yùu thîi chán thîi sǎam sĭp kǎng rohng-rém?) Travel Tip: When staying in a high-rise hotel in places like Pattaya, using this sentence can help with check-ins. Thais are generally helpful, so add a polite "ครับ/ค่ะ" at the end, and be aware that some older buildings might not have a 13th floor due to superstitions—30th is fine, but it's good to confirm!

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:
  • ที่หนึ่ง (thîi nèung) - Use this for "first" when comparing sequences, like in rankings or lists; it's a foundational ordinal that often pairs with "ที่สามสิบ" in countdowns or timelines in Thai media.
  • ที่ห้าสิบ (thîi hâa sĭp) - Meaning "fiftieth," this is handy for discussing higher milestones, such as anniversaries, and reflects how Thais extend ordinal patterns in formal events like company jubilees.
Common Collocations:
  • วันเกิดที่สามสิบ (wan gèrt thîi sǎam sĭp) - Literally "thirtieth birthday," this is a popular phrase in everyday Thai life, often heard during family gatherings or social media posts, emphasizing personal growth and celebration.
  • วันที่สามสิบของเดือน (wan thîi sǎam sĭp kǎng duean) - Meaning "the thirtieth of the month," it's commonly used in scheduling, like planning a merit-making event at a temple, which highlights Thailand's blend of modern and spiritual routines.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, numbers like "thirtieth" don't carry the same mystical weight as, say, the number 9 (which symbolizes progress), but they play a role in cultural events. Historically, ordinal numbers appear in Thai traditions, such as marking the 30th day of Buddhist Lent or anniversaries of royal coronations, fostering a sense of continuity and respect for history. Socially, Thais might use it to express gratitude or reflection, like during a 30th wedding anniversary, which could involve almsgiving or family feasts—reinforcing community bonds over individualism. Practical Advice: For foreigners, always pair "ที่สามสิบ" with context to avoid misunderstandings, and use polite language in conversations. Etiquette-wise, in rural areas, people might appreciate a more relaxed tone, while in urban spots like Bangkok, precision is key. A common misuse is confusing it with cardinal numbers (e.g., saying "สามสิบ" without "ที่"), so practice with locals to get it right and build rapport.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ที่สามสิบ," think of it as "thee" (like "the" in English) plus "saam sip" (three tens, since 30 is 3 x 10). Visualize a stack of three 10-baht notes—it's a fun, visual tie-in to Thai currency and daily life, making pronunciation stick easier. Dialect Variations: Thai is relatively standardized due to media and education, but in southern regions like Phuket, you might hear a softer pronunciation of "sǎam sĭp" with a slight drawl, while in the north (e.g., Chiang Mai), it's often crisp and clear. These differences are minor and won't hinder understanding, but listening to local podcasts can help you adapt seamlessly.