biết điều

Definition

Adjective:
- Reasonable, sensible, judicious: Describes a person who understands and respects social norms, knows how to behave appropriately, and acts with consideration for others and the situation. It implies wisdom, tact, and a sense of propriety.
- Knowing what's appropriate: Having the awareness to act correctly according to the circumstances, often implying compliance or not causing trouble for others.

Usage Examples

Adjective:
- Anh ấy là một người rất biết điều. (He is a very reasonable/sensible man.)
- Cô ấy biết điều nên không làm phiền người khác. (She is considerate/knows what's appropriate, so she doesn't bother others.)
- Làm ơn biết điều một chút! (Please be reasonable / have some sense!)

Advanced Usage

"tỏ ra biết điều": to show oneself to be reasonable/sensible.
- Sau lời khuyên, nó đã tỏ ra biết điều hơn. (After the advice, he showed himself to be more reasonable.)
Used as an imperative or challenge: "Biết điều thì..." (If you were sensible/reasonable, then...). This usage often carries a tone of warning or conditional expectation.
- Biết điều thì nên im lặng. (If you knew what was good for you / were sensible, you should keep quiet.)

Variants and Related Words

Điều (n): Matter, affair, principle. The core noun meaning "matter" or "proper way."
Khôn ngoan (adj): Wise, smart. Shares the sense of wisdom but is broader.
Có ý tứ (adj): Tactful, considerate. Closely related in meaning to being mindful of others.

Synonyms

Related Phrases / Idioms

Ăn ở biết điều: To live and act in a sensible, proper manner.
- Bà ấy ăn ở biết điều nên được mọi người quý mến. (She lives and acts properly, so she is loved by everyone.)
Biết điều biết nghĩ: To be both sensible and thoughtful. (A reinforcing phrase)
- Đứa trẻ đó tuy nhỏ nhưng đã biết điều biết nghĩ. (That child, though young, is already sensible and thoughtful.)