Main Translations

English: Those

Thai Primary Translation: พวกนั้น (Phûek nán)

Phonetic: phûek nán (pronounced with a rising tone on "phûek" and a mid tone on "nán")

Explanation: In Thai, "พวกนั้น" is the go-to translation for "those," referring to people, objects, or ideas that are not close to the speaker, often implying some distance—physically or metaphorically. It's a plural demonstrative pronoun, similar to English, but Thai speakers might infuse it with subtle emotional nuances. For instance, it can sound neutral in casual talk, but in heated discussions, it might carry a hint of dismissal or separation, reflecting Thailand's high-context communication style where tone and context matter more than words. In daily life, Thais use "พวกนั้น" frequently in markets, conversations, or when pointing out groups, like referring to "those tourists" at a beach. This word evokes a sense of "over there" or "not here," which aligns with Thai cultural emphasis on harmony and indirectness—avoiding direct confrontation by distancing the subject.

Secondary Translations: If the context is more general or singular, you might use "นั้น" (nán), which means "that" but can adapt for plural in informal speech. For example, in storytelling, "นั้น" could imply "those" without specifying.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "those" (or "พวกนั้น") is commonly used in everyday pointing, comparisons, or exclusions. It's versatile across contexts, from casual chats to formal settings, but you'll notice regional variations. In bustling Bangkok, people use it quickly and directly in urban conversations, like in traffic or shopping. In contrast, in rural areas like Chiang Mai, it might be paired with gestures or slower speech to emphasize community ties, making references feel more relational rather than detached. Urban dwellers often integrate it into fast-paced dialogues, while rural speakers might soften it with smiles or additional phrases to maintain the Thai value of "kreng jai" (consideration for others).

Example Sentences

Everyday Conversation

English: Those books on the shelf are really interesting.

Thai: พวกนั้นหนังสือบนชั้นนั้นน่าสนใจมาก (Phûek nán nǎngsĕe bon chán nán nâa sĕn jàak mâak)

Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for a casual chat, like when you're browsing a bookstore in Bangkok. Thais might add a smile or hand gesture to make it friendlier, highlighting how "พวกนั้น" helps specify distant objects without sounding rude.

Business Context

English: We need to review those reports from last quarter.

Thai: เราต้องตรวจสอบพวกนั้นรายงานจากไตรมาสที่แล้ว (Rao dtông trùt sòp phûek nán ráay bòrk jàak dtrai mâas tîi láew)

Usage Context: Imagine a meeting in a Bangkok office; using "พวกนั้น" here keeps things professional and clear, emphasizing past items. In Thai business culture, follow up with polite phrases like "krub" or "ka" to show respect.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Those street food stalls look delicious—let's try them.

Thai: พวกนั้นแผงขายอาหารข้างถนนดูอร่อยเลย ไปลองกันเถอะ (Phûek nán phɛ̂ng kǎai aa-hǎan kâang tà-nǒn duu a-ròi loei bpai long gan thǎo)

Travel Tip: When exploring night markets in places like Chiang Mai, pointing and saying this can spark fun interactions. Remember, Thai street food culture is all about adventure, so use "พวกนั้น" with enthusiasm, but always check for allergies or preferences to respect local customs.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• โน้น (Nôn) - Use this when referring to something even farther away, like across a river; it's great for rural settings where distance is more pronounced, adding a layer of emphasis in storytelling.
• พวกนี้ (Phûek níi) - Similar to "these," it's the opposite of "those" and is handy for nearby items, helping Thais maintain context in group discussions.

Common Collocations:

• พวกนั้นคน (Phûek nán khon) - Meaning "those people," often used in social chats, like gossiping about "those people at the festival," which is common in community events across Thailand.
• พวกนั้นอย่าง (Phûek nán yàang) - Translates to "those kinds," as in referring to "those kinds of fruits," which you might hear in markets when bargaining, reflecting Thailand's vibrant food culture.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, words like "พวกนั้น" aren't just functional; they tie into the cultural fabric of "mai pen rai" (no worries) and indirect communication. Historically, Thai language evolved from influences like Sanskrit and Pali, where demonstratives helped in hierarchical or storytelling contexts. Socially, using "พวกนั้น" can subtly exclude or categorize, which might evoke feelings of separation in a society that values unity—think of how it's used in festivals to point out "those performers" without interrupting the group's harmony. An interesting fact: In Thai media, such as soap operas, "พวกนั้น" often appears in dramatic scenes to build tension around rival groups.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "พวกนั้น" sparingly at first to avoid sounding accusatory; pair it with smiles or questions to keep conversations light. Etiquette tip: In formal settings, like temples or meetings, opt for more polite phrasing to align with Thai respect for hierarchy. Common misuses include overusing it in arguments, which could be seen as rude—always aim for context over directness.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "พวกนั้น," think of it as "folk nan"—like "those folks over there." Visualize a Thai market scene with distant stalls; the word's rising tone on "phûek" mimics a pointing gesture, making it easier to recall during travels.

Dialect Variations: In northern Thailand, like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation of "nán" as "naan," blending into local dialects for a more melodic flow. In the south, it remains similar but could be quicker, reflecting regional speech patterns—so adapt based on where you are for a more authentic vibe.

This guide equips you with the tools to use "those" confidently in Thai. For more language tips, explore our other entries or practice with locals—happy learning!