Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Discreet; Secretive: Describes a person who is careful not to reveal private information or intentions, often speaking and acting with caution and reserve.
   • Secluded; Private: Describes a place that is hidden from view, quiet, and not easily noticed or accessed by others.
   • Subtle; Unobtrusive: Describes an action, expression, or manner that is quiet, restrained, and not intended to draw attention.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (describing a person):
  • Cô ấy là một người rất kín đáo, không bao giờ kể chuyện gia đình. (She is a very discreet person, never talking about family matters.)
• Adjective (describing a place):
  • Họ hẹn nhau ở một góc quán cà phê kín đáo. (They met in a secluded corner of the coffee shop.)
• Adjective (describing a manner):
  • Anh ấy gật đầu với một nụ cười kín đáo. (He nodded with a subtle smile.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe the quality of keeping something confidential or hidden from general knowledge.
  • Việc này cần được giữ kín đáo. (This matter needs to be kept secret.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bí mật (adj/ n): Secret; classified. Often refers to information or matters that are officially or intentionally concealed.
  • Tài liệu bí mật. (Secret documents.)
• Kín (adj): Closed; shut; tight; non-porous. Can imply being physically closed off or airtight.
  • Cửa đóng kín. (The door is shut tight.)
• Kín đáo vs. Kín: While often refers to a physical state (e.g., a closed door, a waterproof fabric), carries a stronger connotation of intentional discretion, privacy, or subtlety in behavior or location.

Synonyms

• Discreet: Careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions.
• Secretive: Inclined to conceal feelings, intentions, or information.
• Secluded: (Of a place) sheltered and private.
• Subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.

Related Idioms

• Kín như bưng: (Lit: Sealed tight like a covered basket) Means something is kept completely secret, with no information leaking out.
  • Vụ án đó được giữ kín như bưng. (That case was kept completely under wraps.)
• Kín miệng: (Lit: To have a closed mouth) Means to be tight-lipped or good at keeping secrets.
  • Cô thư ký rất kín miệng. (The secretary is very tight-lipped.)

1. Secretive, secret
   • Tính kín đáo
     To be secretive in character
   • Để cái gì vào một nơi kín đáo
     To place something in secret place