Definition of"mai-pen-rai" in English
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mai-pen-rai
Definitions
phrase
Examples
"After I accidentally spilled my drink, my friend just smiled and said 'mai-pen-rai'."
After I accidentally spilled my drink, my friend just smiled and said 'it's okay, no problem'.
"Don't fret about the small delay; in Thailand, people often say 'mai-pen-rai' to indicate it's not a big deal."
Don't fret about the small delay; in Thailand, people often say 'it doesn't matter' to indicate it's not a big deal.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Thai (ภาษาไทย), literally meaning 'it is not anything' or 'it doesn't matter'. It is composed of ไม่ (mâj, 'no, not'), เป็น (pen, 'to be'), and ไร (rai, 'what, anything').
Cultural Notes
In Thai culture, 'mai-pen-rai' is more than a simple phrase; it embodies a core philosophical concept emphasizing flexibility, resilience, and the avoidance of conflict or strong emotional displays. It is used in a wide range of situations, from dismissing minor inconveniences to indicating forgiveness for a mistake or accepting an apology. Understanding its nuanced usage is crucial for appreciating Thai social interactions, as it often serves to maintain harmony and prevent 'loss of face' for all parties involved.