Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Airtight: The primary meaning describes a container, seal, or space that does not allow air or gas to pass in or out.
   • Tight-lipped / Secretive: Used figuratively to describe a person who is very good at keeping secrets and does not reveal information.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Literal):
  • Hộp nhựa này rất kín hơi. (This plastic container is very airtight.)
  • Cửa sổ phải đóng cho kín hơi. (The window must be closed tightly [to be airtight].)
• Adjective (Figurative):
  • Cô ấy là người kín hơi, không bao giờ tiết lộ bí mật. (She is a tight-lipped person who never reveals secrets.)
  • Anh ảnh giữ kín hơi về kế hoạch. (He kept the plan completely secret.)

Advanced Usage

• The figurative use often implies trustworthiness in the context of confidentiality. It can describe an individual's character trait or a temporary state of being discreet about a specific matter.

Variants and Related Words

• Kín (adj): closed, shut, sealed, or private. "Kín hơi" intensifies "kín" with a focus on impermeability to air or information.
• Kín mít (adj): very tight, completely sealed or concealed. Often used interchangeably with "kín hơi" for emphasis.

Synonyms

• Airtight: (literal) impermeable to air.
• Secretive: (figurative) inclined to conceal feelings and intentions.
• Tight-lipped: (figurative) refusing to speak about something; discreet.

Related Idioms

• Giữ kín như bưng: To keep something secret as if it's sealed in a package. A stronger idiom emphasizing absolute secrecy.
  • Họ giữ kín thông tin như bưng. (They kept the information completely under wraps.)

adjective

1. air-tight