nói khéo

Người bán hàng nói khéo để khách hàng cảm thấy hài lòng.

Definition

1. Phrase:
   • To speak tactfully; to phrase something diplomatically: The phrase "nói khéo" refers to the act of speaking in a careful, considerate, and skillful way to avoid offending someone, to make them feel pleased, or to achieve a desired outcome. It emphasizes using well-chosen, gentle, or flattering words.

Usage Examples

• Phrase:
  • Cô ấy nói khéo để từ chối lời mời mà không làm mất lòng ai. (She spoke tactfully to decline the invitation without offending anyone.)
  • Muốn nhờ vả người khác, anh phải biết nói khéo một chút. (If you want to ask someone for a favor, you need to know how to phrase it diplomatically.)
  • Thay vì chỉ trích trực tiếp, hãy thử nói khéo để góp ý. (Instead of criticizing directly, try to give feedback tactfully.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in contexts requiring social finesse, such as giving criticism, making requests, refusing offers, or delivering unpleasant news. It implies a strategic and artful use of language to maintain harmony.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói giảm nói tránh (v): to use euphemisms; to speak in a mitigating way to soften the impact of one's words.

  • Trong tin buồn, người ta thường dùng cách nói giảm nói tránh. (In sad news, people often use euphemisms.)

• Khéo léo (adj): skillful, deft, adept (can refer to physical or social skills).

  • Cô ấy ứng xử rất khéo léo trong tình huống đó. (She handled that situation very adeptly.)

Synonyms

• To phrase diplomatically: To express something in a way that considers the feelings of others.
• To put it tactfully: To say something carefully to avoid giving offense.
• To speak with finesse: To communicate in a skillful and delicate manner.

Related Idioms

• Đường mật chết ruồi: Literally "sweet syrup kills flies," meaning that flattering or overly sweet words can be insincere but effective. This relates to the concept behind "nói khéo," though "nói khéo" is not necessarily insincere.
  • Lời nói khéo đôi khi giống như đường mật chết ruồi. (Tactful words are sometimes like sweet syrup that kills flies.)