The Vietnamese word "giảo hoạt" can be translated to "cunning" or "sly" in English, but it carries a connotation of being clever or crafty in a friendly or resourceful way. It describes someone who is able to think quickly and use their intelligence to navigate situations, often in a way that is not straightforward but can be seen as charming or amusing.
In more advanced contexts, "giảo hoạt" can refer to someone who is resourceful in business or negotiations, able to find loopholes or advantageous positions without being overtly dishonest.
While "giảo hoạt" primarily means "cunning" or "sly," it can also imply someone who is clever in a positive sense, such as being quick-witted or adept at problem-solving.