Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Careful, cautious, or prudent: Describes a person or action characterized by careful thought and preparation to avoid potential problems or mistakes. It emphasizes a mindset of taking precautions.

2. Part of a Proverb:

   • Primarily used in the fixed, classical proverb "Cẩn tắc vô ưu." This means that being careful or taking precautions prevents future worries or troubles.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (in the proverb):
  • Ông ấy luôn nhớ đến câu "cẩn tắc vô ưu" trước mỗi quyết định quan trọng. (He always remembers the saying "caution saves care" before every important decision.)
  • Phong cách làm việc của cô ấy rất cẩn tắc. (Her working style is very careful and precautionary.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cẩn tắc" is almost exclusively used in formal, literary, or proverbial contexts. In modern spoken Vietnamese, synonyms like cẩn thận (careful) are more common for daily use. "Cẩn tắc" carries a more classical, wise connotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Cẩn thận (adj): careful, cautious. This is the standard, everyday word for "careful."

  • Lái xe cần phải cẩn thận. (Drivers need to be careful.)

• Thận trọng (adj): cautious, prudent.

  • Nhà đầu tư tỏ ra thận trọng. (The investor acted cautiously.)

Synonyms

• Prudent: acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
• Cautious: careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
• Circumspect: wary and unwilling to take risks.

Related Idioms

• Cẩn tắc vô ưu (Proverb): "Caution saves care," "Better safe than sorry," or "He is wise that is ware." This is the primary and most important idiom containing the word.
  • Anh nên kiểm tra lại mọi thứ, cẩn tắc vô ưu mà. (You should double-check everything; better safe than sorry.)

adj

1. Careful
   • Cẩn tắc vô ưu
     Caution saves care; he is wise that is ware