Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Clever, astute, tactful: Describes a person who is intelligent and skillful in handling situations, especially social ones, often implying wisdom and diplomacy.
   • Shrewd, cunning: Can sometimes carry a nuance of being clever in a self-interested or calculating way.

Usage Examples

• Adjective: (He is a very astute negotiator.) (She has a very tactful way of refusing so as not to offend anyone.) (That was a politically shrewd move.)

Advanced Usage

• "tỏ ra khôn khéo": to show oneself to be clever/tactful. Trong tình huống đó, anh ta đã tỏ ra khôn khéo khi im lặng. (In that situation, he showed himself to be clever by remaining silent.)

• "sự khôn khéo": (noun) cleverness, tact, shrewdness. Sự khôn khéo của ông ấy đã giúp giải quyết mâu thuẫn. (His tact helped resolve the conflict.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khôn ngoan (adj): Wise, prudent. Often overlaps with but can emphasize wisdom and good judgment more than social skill.
• Khéo léo (adj): Dexterous, skillful, adept. Primarily refers to physical skill or manual dexterity, but can be used metaphorically for social skill.
• Tinh khôn (adj): Intelligent, sharp (of mind).

Synonyms

• Tế nhị: Subtle, delicate, tactful.
• Nhạy bén: Sharp, astute, perceptive.
• Sắc sảo: Sharp-witted, keen, insightful.

Related Phrases

• Khôn khéo trong ứng xử: Clever/tactful in behavior and communication. Cô ấy nổi tiếng là khôn khéo trong ứng xử. (She is famous for being tactful in her interactions.)

• Mưu mẹo khôn khéo: A clever scheme/trick. Hắn ta dùng những mưu mẹo khôn khéo để đạt được mục đích. (He uses clever schemes to achieve his goals.)

adj

1. cute; clever
   • một kẻ khôn khéo
     a clever person