Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Superficial; shallow: Describes a thought, opinion, understanding, or knowledge that lacks depth, thoroughness, or profound insight. It is often used to critique an analysis or perspective that only engages with the surface aspects of a subject.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Kiến thức của anh ta về lịch sử rất nông cạn. (His knowledge of history is very superficial.)
  • Đó là một bài phân tích nông cạn, thiếu dẫn chứng. (That is a shallow analysis, lacking evidence.)
  • Cô ấy có cái nhìn nông cạn về vấn đề phức tạp này. (She has a superficial view of this complex issue.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in abstract contexts to describe the quality of intellectual or emotional engagement (e.g., knowledge, thinking, perspective, feelings). It is not used to describe physical shallowness, like a shallow pool of water.

Variants and Related Words

• Nông nổi (adj): Often describes impulsive, rash, or frivolous behavior or character, sometimes overlapping with "nông cạn" in implying a lack of depth in judgment.
  • Anh ấy còn trẻ và hơi nông nổi. (He is young and a bit impulsive.)

Synonyms

• Superficial: Concerned only with the obvious or apparent.
• Shallow: Lacking depth of thought, intellect, or feeling.
• Skin-deep: Not deep or genuine; superficial.

Antonyms

• Sâu sắc: Profound, deep, insightful.
• Thấu đáo: Thorough, comprehensive.

1. superficial; shallow
   • kiến thức nông cạn
     superficial knowledge