Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Agile; Nimble: Describes a person or animal that moves quickly, lightly, and with ease. It implies a combination of speed and grace in physical movement.
   • Alert; Quick-witted: Describes a person whose mind is sharp, perceptive, and quick to react or understand. It refers to mental speed and liveliness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical):
  • Con sóc rất nhanh nhẹn khi nhảy từ cành này sang cành khác. (The squirrel is very agile when jumping from branch to branch.)
  • Người vận động viên thể dục dụng cụ đó thật sự nhanh nhẹn. (That gymnast is truly nimble.)
• Adjective (Mental):
  • Cô ấy có tư duy nhanh nhẹn và giải quyết vấn đề rất tốt. (She has a quick-witted mind and solves problems very well.)
  • Để trở một thợ máy giỏi, bạn cần đôi tay khéo léo và tinh thần nhanh nhẹn. (To become a good mechanic, you need skillful hands and an alert mind.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe the overall character or demeanor of a person who is both physically active and mentally sharp.
  • Dù đã lớn tuổi, bà cụ vẫn nhanh nhẹn và minh mẫn. (Despite her age, the old lady is still spry and clear-minded.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhanh nhảu (adj): Often has a slightly negative connotation of being too quick to speak or answer, sometimes without enough thought (e.g., hasty, glib).
  • Đừng nhanh nhảu trả lời trước khi nghe hết câu hỏi. (Don't be glib with your answer before hearing the whole question.)
• Nhanh nhạy (adj): Emphasizes sharpness, acuteness, and keenness, particularly in perception or senses (e.g., sharp, keen, astute).
  • Phóng viên cần có khứu giác nhanh nhạy để tìm tin tức. (A reporter needs a keen nose for finding news.)

Synonyms

• Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.
• Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action.
• Alert: Quick to notice and respond; mentally perceptive.
• Spry: (Especially of an older person) active and lively.
• Lively: Full of life and energy.

Related Idioms

• Nhanh nhẹn, hoạt bát: A common pairing meaning lively, energetic, and vivacious.
  • Các em bé trong lớp mẫu giáo đều rất nhanh nhẹn, hoạt bát. (The children in the kindergarten class are all very lively and energetic.)

adj

1. agile; nimble