Main Translations

For the English word uneconomic, which describes something that is not profitable, efficient, or cost-effective (e.g., an activity that wastes resources), here's the primary Thai translation:

Thai Primary Translation: ไม่คุ้มค่า (Mai Khum Khaa) Phonetic: Mai khum khaa (pronounced with a falling tone on "mai" and a rising tone on "khaa," similar to saying "my" for "mai" and "car" for "khaa").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ไม่คุ้มค่า" (mai khum khaa) is commonly used to express that something doesn't justify the effort, cost, or resources involved, often carrying a sense of frustration or pragmatism. It's deeply tied to Thailand's emphasis on frugality and resourcefulness, influenced by the country's agricultural roots and historical economic challenges. For instance, Thais might use this phrase in daily life when discussing a bad deal, like buying an overpriced item, evoking emotions of disappointment or caution. In urban areas like Bangkok, it's often linked to business decisions, while in rural regions such as Isan, it might relate more to farming practices where efficiency is key for survival. Secondary translations include "ไม่คุ้มทุน" (mai khum tun, meaning "not worth the investment") for financial contexts, or "ไม่เป็นไปตามหลักเศรษฐศาสตร์" (mai pen pai tam lak setthakit, a more formal term for "not economically viable"), but "ไม่คุ้มค่า" is the most versatile and everyday option.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "uneconomic" (or its Thai equivalents) is frequently used in contexts where cost-benefit analysis is crucial, such as business negotiations, personal finance, or even casual discussions about daily expenses. For example, it's common in Bangkok's fast-paced corporate world to evaluate projects as "uneconomic" to avoid losses, reflecting the city's globalized economy. In contrast, in rural areas like Chiang Mai or the northern provinces, the concept might be expressed more holistically, tying into sustainable farming or community decisions, where long-term viability over short-term gains is prioritized. This word highlights Thailand's cultural balance between modernity and traditional values, making it a practical term for travelers negotiating prices or learners navigating real-life scenarios.

Example Sentences

Here are a few relevant examples showcasing "uneconomic" in various contexts. I've selected scenarios that best fit its practical applications, focusing on everyday life and business, as these are the most common in Thai usage.

Everyday Conversation

English: "Buying this old car is uneconomic because the repairs will cost more than it's worth." Thai: "การซื้อรถเก่าๆ คันนี้ไม่คุ้มค่าอย่างมาก เพราะค่าซ่อมจะแพงกว่ามูลค่าของมัน." (Kan suai rot gao gao kan ni mai khum khaa yang mak, proh kha sao ja phaeng kwa mu la khong man.) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for casual chats, like when friends discuss purchases at a weekend market in Bangkok. It conveys a relatable sense of practicality, and Thais often add emphasis with words like "อย่างมาก" (yang mak, meaning "very much") to express strong feelings, making conversations more engaging and culturally authentic.

Business Context

English: "Continuing this project is uneconomic given the rising costs and low returns." Thai: "การดำเนินโครงการนี้ต่อไปไม่คุ้มค่าเลย เนื่องจากต้นทุนเพิ่มขึ้นและผลตอบแทนต่ำ." (Kan dam-noen kong jak ni tor pai mai khum khaa loei, neung jaak dton tun pheueng kheun lae phlot tob taan tamm.) Usage Context: You'd hear this in a Bangkok business meeting, perhaps during a startup pitch or economic discussion. In Thai culture, being direct about finances shows respect for others' time, but it's polite to soften it with "เลย" (loei, meaning "at all") to avoid sounding too harsh—common etiquette in professional settings.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ไม่คุ้มทุน (Mai Khum Tun) - Use this when focusing on investments, like in real estate or stocks; it's similar to "unprofitable" and often comes up in Thai financial talks, emphasizing long-term losses in a culture that values steady growth.
• ไม่คุ้มเสียน (Mai Khum Sian) - This is great for everyday scenarios involving wasted effort, such as travel or chores; it's like saying "not worth the hassle" and reflects Thailand's laid-back approach to avoiding unnecessary stress.

Common Collocations:

• ไม่คุ้มค่ากับ (Mai Khum Khaa Kub) - Meaning "not worth it for," as in "not worth it for the price." In Thailand, you might hear this in street markets, like "สินค้านี้ไม่คุ้มค่ากับราคา" (This product isn't worth the price), highlighting bargaining culture in places like Chatuchak Market.
• โครงการไม่คุ้มค่า (Kong Jak Mai Khum Khaa) - Translates to "uneconomic project." This is common in media discussions about government initiatives, such as infrastructure in rural areas, where Thais debate economic feasibility with a mix of optimism and realism.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: From a Thai viewpoint, words like "uneconomic" underscore the nation's "sanuk" (fun and balance) philosophy, where decisions are often weighed against their overall value to avoid "mai sanuk" (not fun) outcomes. Historically, this stems from Thailand's agrarian past, where inefficient farming led to hardships, fostering a cultural emphasis on practicality. In social customs, it's taboo to openly criticize something as "uneconomic" in group settings without offering alternatives, as it could be seen as negative or face-losing ("sia jai"). Interestingly, in modern Thai media, like TV dramas, this concept appears in storylines about family businesses, symbolizing resilience amid economic fluctuations. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "ไม่คุ้มค่า" sparingly in conversations to show cultural awareness—Thais appreciate when you're direct but polite. Avoid it in sensitive situations, like criticizing local traditions, as it might come off as judgmental. Instead, pair it with positive suggestions, such as "This might not be worth it, but let's find a better option," to maintain harmony.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไม่คุ้มค่า" (mai khum khaa), think of it as "my comb car"—imagine a broken comb (mai, like "my") in a cheap car (khaa, like "car") that's not worth fixing. This visual link ties into Thai street life, where you see makeshift repairs everywhere, making it easier to recall in real situations. Dialect Variations: While "ไม่คุ้มค่า" is standard across Thailand, in the southern regions, you might hear a softer pronunciation like "mai khum kha" with a more drawn-out vowel, influenced by local accents. In the Isan dialect (northeastern Thailand), it could be shortened to something like "bork mai khum," blending with Lao influences, so adapt based on your location for a more natural feel.