Main Translations

In English, "unfaithful" typically describes someone who is not loyal or trustworthy, often in relationships, friendships, or commitments. It carries a strong emotional weight, implying betrayal or dishonesty.

Thai Primary Translation: ไม่ซื่อสัตย์ (mai suesat) Phonetic: mâi sǔe sǎt (pronounced with a falling tone on "mâi" and rising tones on "sǔe" and "sǎt")

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์" is a straightforward term for unfaithfulness, emphasizing a lack of loyalty or integrity. It evokes deep emotional connotations, such as heartbreak or disappointment, and is often linked to personal relationships—think of a spouse or friend who betrays trust. Thai people use this word in everyday life during serious conversations, like discussing infidelity in marriages or unreliability in business deals. Unlike in some Western contexts, where "unfaithful" might be more casual, Thais associate it with moral failings, influenced by Buddhist values of honesty and karma. For instance, it might come up in family talks or counseling sessions, where maintaining "sanuk" (fun and harmony) is disrupted by such behavior. A secondary translation, "นอกใจ" (nok jai, meaning "to stray from the heart"), is more specific to romantic infidelity and is commonly used in emotional or dramatic settings, like Thai soap operas or songs.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "unfaithful" and its translations are most commonly used in personal and relational contexts, such as describing cheating in relationships or unreliability in professional settings. Urban areas like Bangkok tend to use these terms more formally, perhaps in legal or therapeutic discussions, reflecting the fast-paced, modern lifestyle. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai might express the concept more indirectly through proverbs or community storytelling, emphasizing communal harmony over confrontation. For example, in Bangkok's bustling offices, people might accuse a colleague of being "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์" in a meeting, while in northern villages, the idea could be hinted at through phrases about "losing face" to avoid direct conflict.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of how "unfaithful" is used in Thai, selected based on common scenarios. We've focused on everyday conversation, literary references, and travel contexts to show its versatility.

Everyday Conversation

English: I feel hurt because my partner has been unfaithful. Thai: ฉันรู้สึกเจ็บปวดเพราะคู่ของฉันไม่ซื่อสัตย์. (Chăn rûe sèuk jèp pao prór kôu khǎwng chăn mâi sǔe sǎt.) Brief Notes: This sentence is perfect for intimate talks, like venting to a friend over coffee in a Bangkok café. In Thai culture, expressing emotions directly like this is common among close circles, but it might lead to a focus on resolution rather than blame—Thais often prioritize "saving face" to maintain relationships.

Literary or Media Reference

English: The novel explores the pain of an unfaithful marriage. Thai: เรื่องราวในนิยายสำรวจความเจ็บปวดจากชีวิตคู่ที่ไม่ซื่อสัตย์. (Rûeng rāo nai niyāy sǒm rûet khwām jèp pao jàk chīwit kôo thîi mâi sǔe sǎt.) Source: Inspired by Thai literature like the works of author Saneh Sangsuk, where themes of betrayal are common in stories about rural life. In Thai media, such as popular lakorns (soap operas), this word often appears in dramatic monologues, highlighting how unfaithfulness can shatter family bonds and lead to karmic consequences.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: I'm worried my tour guide might be unfaithful to the itinerary. Thai: ฉันกังวลว่ามัคคุเทศก์ของฉันอาจไม่ซื่อสัตย์กับแผนการท่องเที่ยว. (Chăn gangwan wâ muk kud tet khǎwng chăn àt mâi sǔe sǎt gàp plaen gaan thâwng thîe.) Travel Tip: Use this phrase if you're on a trip in places like Phuket or Chiang Mai and suspect changes to your plans. Thais value politeness, so soften it with a smile or add "khǎw thôot" (excuse me) to avoid offending anyone—tourism is a big part of Thai economy, and being direct might make locals uncomfortable.

Related Expressions

Understanding related terms can help you navigate Thai conversations more naturally. Here's a look at synonyms and common pairings.

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• นอกใจ (nok jai) - This is ideal for romantic contexts, like cheating in a relationship, and often appears in emotional songs or movies. It's less formal than "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์" and carries a sense of heartbreak.
• ทรยศ (trayot) - Use this for more severe betrayals, such as in historical or political stories, as it implies treason or deep deception, which resonates with Thailand's rich history of loyalty in royal tales.

Common Collocations:

• คู่รักที่ไม่ซื่อสัตย์ (kôo rák thîi mâi sǔe sǎt) - Meaning "unfaithful partner," this is frequently heard in relationship advice columns or TV shows in Bangkok, where discussions about modern dating are common.
• เพื่อนที่ไม่ซื่อสัตย์ (phûean thîi mâi sǔe sǎt) - Translates to "unfaithful friend," and it's used in everyday chit-chat, especially in rural areas like Isan, where friendship loyalty is tied to community values.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, unfaithfulness is viewed through the lens of Buddhist principles, where actions like betrayal can affect one's karma and social standing. Historically, loyalty was paramount in Thai society, as seen in ancient stories of kings and warriors, and this persists in modern customs like the emphasis on family honor. For instance, in weddings or festivals, faithfulness is celebrated as a key to "jai dee" (good heart), but it's also a sensitive topic—Thais might avoid direct accusations to preserve "kreng jai" (consideration for others). Interestingly, in popular culture, unfaithfulness often features in folk tales or contemporary media as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the idea that dishonesty leads to misfortune.

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use words like "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์" sparingly and in trusted settings, as it can escalate emotions. In social situations, opt for indirect language to show respect—Thais appreciate harmony over confrontation. Avoid misusing it in casual banter, as it might be seen as rude; instead, learn from locals by observing how it's handled in everyday interactions.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์," think of it as "not true heart"—the word "suesat" sounds like "true set," and "mai" means "not." Visualize a broken promise in a Thai temple setting, linking it to the cultural emphasis on integrity, which can make the word stick during your travels.

Dialect Variations: While "ไม่ซื่อสัตย์" is standard across Thailand, pronunciation might soften in the North (e.g., in Chiang Mai, it could sound more like "mâi sǔe sàt" with a flatter tone). In the South, like in Phuket, people might mix in local influences, but the word remains largely consistent, making it easy for learners to use nationwide.

This entry provides a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for mastering "unfaithful" in Thai. Whether you're a traveler practicing phrases or a language student exploring cultural depth, feel free to explore more Thai vocabulary on our site for an enriched learning journey!