Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Cautious, careful, prudent: Describes a person who is habitually careful, avoids risks, and acts with forethought and prudence. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • Overly cautious, timid: Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying excessive caution that may border on timidity or a lack of boldness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là một nhà đầu tư rất cẩn thủ, luôn nghiên cứu kỹ trước khi quyết định. (He is a very prudent investor, always researching thoroughly before making a decision.)
  • Tính cẩn thủ của cô ấy đôi khi khiến cô ấy bỏ lỡ những cơ hội tốt. (Her overly cautious nature sometimes makes her miss good opportunities.)
  • Lái xe trong điều kiện trời mưa cần phải hết sức cẩn thủ. (Driving in rainy conditions requires extreme caution.)

Advanced Usage

• "tính cẩn thủ": cautious/prudent nature/character.

  • Tính cẩn thủ là một đức tính quan trọng trong công việc kế toán. (A prudent nature is an important trait in accounting work.)

• "thái độ cẩn thủ": cautious/prudent attitude.

  • Chúng ta cần có một thái độ cẩn thủ khi đối mặt với những thay đổi mới. (We need to adopt a cautious attitude when facing new changes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cẩn thận (adj): careful, meticulous. This is a much more common and neutral synonym for being careful.
• Thận trọng (adj): cautious, circumspect. Very close in meaning, often used in formal contexts.
• Dè dặt (adj): reserved, cautious (often in speech or manner).

Synonyms

• Thận trọng: cautious, circumspect.
• Kỹ lưỡng: thorough, meticulous.
• Dè dặt: reserved, cautious.

Notes on Usage

• Frequency and Register: The word "cẩn thủ" is less common in everyday modern Vietnamese than its synonyms "cẩn thận" or "thận trọng". It may sound slightly formal or literary.
• Connotation: While primarily meaning "prudent," it can sometimes imply a degree of passivity or excessive hesitation compared to "thận trọng," which often suggests wise caution.