Main Translations

English: Unreliable

Thai Primary Translation: ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ (Mai naa cheua too) Phonetic: Mai naa cheua too (pronounced with a rising tone on "mai" and a falling tone on "too", like saying "my" for "mai" and "too" as in "two").

Explanation: In Thai culture, "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" goes beyond just meaning "unreliable" – it carries emotional weight, often evoking feelings of disappointment or caution in relationships. Thais value "kreng jai" (consideration for others), so calling someone or something unreliable might imply a breach of trust, which can affect social face. For instance, in daily life, Thais might use this phrase when talking about a friend who frequently cancels plans or a product that breaks easily. It's not overly confrontational but serves as a gentle way to express doubt. In urban settings like Bangkok, it's common in professional contexts, while in rural areas, people might soften it with humor to maintain harmony.

Secondary Translations: Depending on context, you could use "ไม่มั่นคง" (Mai mun khang, meaning "unstable or inconsistent") for more abstract unreliability, like in emotions or situations, or "ไม่น่าไว้วางใจ" (Mai naa wai wang jai, literally "not trustworthy") for interpersonal unreliability. These add layers based on whether you're discussing objects, people, or events.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "unreliable" is frequently used in scenarios involving trust, from casual conversations about weather forecasts to serious business critiques. In bustling Bangkok, people might employ it formally in meetings to discuss faulty suppliers, reflecting the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Contrastingly, in places like Chiang Mai, expressions of unreliability often blend with rural warmth – folks might describe an old truck as "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" with a laugh, emphasizing community resilience over criticism. Overall, it's a versatile term that highlights Thailand's balance between modernity and traditional values, making it essential for anyone learning Thai.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples to illustrate how "unreliable" translates and functions in real Thai contexts. I've selected four scenarios that best capture its everyday and cultural relevance.

1. Everyday Conversation

English: That old motorbike is so unreliable; it always breaks down on the way to work. Thai: รถมอเตอร์ไซค์เก่านี่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือเลย มันพังตลอดทางไปทำงาน (Rot motor sai ok nee mai naa cheua too loei, man pang talot thang pai tam-ngan). Brief Notes: This sentence pops up in casual chats, like over street food in Bangkok. Thais might add "loei" for emphasis, making it feel more relatable and less harsh – it's a way to vent without offending, aligning with the cultural norm of avoiding direct confrontation.

2. Business Context

English: We can't use that supplier anymore because their deliveries are unreliable. Thai: เราคงไม่ใช้ซัพพลายเออร์รายนั้นอีกแล้ว เพราะการส่งของของเขามันไม่น่าเชื่อถือ (Rao khang mai chai sap plai yer rai nan eek laew, proh gan song khawng khaw man mai naa cheua too). Usage Context: Picture a meeting in a Bangkok office where punctuality is key. This phrase helps express frustration professionally, but Thais often pair it with a smile or polite follow-up to preserve "sanuk" (fun and ease), reminding you to keep things light even in tense situations.

3. Literary or Media Reference

English: In the novel, the protagonist's unreliable memory leads to unexpected twists. Thai: ในนิยาย ผู้แสดงนำมีความทรงจำที่ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ ส่งผลให้เกิดเรื่องราวที่คาดไม่ถึง (Nai ni yai, poo suang nam mee khwam song jam thi mai naa cheua too, song phal hai geert reuang thraw thi khat mai thueng). Source: This draws from Thai literature like works by Sidaoruang, where themes of unreliability often explore personal flaws. In Thai media, such as TV dramas, it's used to build suspense, reflecting how Thais appreciate stories that mirror life's imperfections.

4. Practical Travel Phrase

English: This map app is unreliable in remote areas; let's ask a local instead. Thai: แอปแผนที่ตัวนี้ไม่น่าเชื่อถือในพื้นที่ห่างไกล ไปถามคนท้องถิ่นดีกว่า (App plaen thi tua nee mai naa cheua too nai bpah thi hang glai, pai tham khon thong thin dee kwa). Travel Tip: When exploring places like rural Isan, rely on locals for directions – Thais are incredibly hospitable and might offer tea or advice, turning a potential frustration into a cultural exchange. Avoid sounding too critical to keep the interaction "jai dee" (kind-hearted).

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ไม่มั่นคง (Mai mun khang) – Use this when something feels unstable or fleeting, like job security in a changing economy; it's great for deeper, more emotional discussions in Thailand.
• ไม่น่าไว้วางใจ (Mai naa wai wang jai) – This is ideal for trust issues in relationships, often in casual talks where Thais emphasize loyalty, as in family or friendships.

Common Collocations:

• คนไม่น่าเชื่อถือ (Khon mai naa cheua too) – Meaning "an unreliable person," you'd hear this in Bangkok gossip about a flaky colleague, highlighting how Thais use it to navigate social circles.
• ข้อมูลไม่น่าเชื่อถือ (Khwam sam mai naa cheua too) – Refers to "unreliable information," common in news discussions, especially on social media, where Thais are increasingly wary of fake news.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, unreliability isn't just a word – it's tied to "mai sabai" (not comfortable or at ease), reflecting a society that prioritizes "sanuk" and emotional balance. Historically, during times of political instability, terms like "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ" have been used in media to critique leaders without direct aggression, preserving the cultural value of "kreng jai." Interestingly, in rural festivals or Isan traditions, what's seen as unreliable might be reframed as "adaptive" or humorous, showing Thailand's flexible approach to life's uncertainties. Practical Advice: For foreigners, use this word sparingly in conversations to avoid unintentionally hurting someone's feelings – Thais might respond with a polite smile even if they're upset. In business or travel, pair it with positive suggestions, like "but let's try another way," to align with the "mai pen rai" (no worries) mindset. Common misuses include overusing it in formal settings, which could come off as rude; instead, observe how locals soften language for better rapport.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ไม่น่าเชื่อถือ," think of it as "not worth trusting" – visualize a wobbly Thai tuk-tuk that "mai naa cheua too" and always breaks down. This ties into the cultural love for vehicles in daily life, making it easier to recall during your next street adventure in Bangkok. Dialect Variations: In northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, almost like "mai naa chew too," with a more relaxed tone to fit the laid-back vibe. In the south, such as Phuket, it's similar but could be mixed with local slang for emphasis, so pay attention to context when traveling across Thailand.