Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unnoticeably shallow, very shallow: Describes something (typically water or a body of water) that is shallow to a surprising or unexpectedly slight degree. The shallowness is so minimal it might go unnoticed at first glance or is considered trivial.
   • Figuratively, superficial: Can describe knowledge, thoughts, relationships, or arguments that are lacking in depth, substance, or seriousness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Con suối này nông choèn, trẻ con có thể lội qua dễ dàng. (This stream is unnoticeably shallow; children can wade across it easily.)
  • Kiến thức của anh ta về chủ đề này thật nông choèn. (His knowledge of this topic is very shallow.)
  • Đừng lo lắng về vết xước nông choèn đó. (Don't worry about that superficial scratch.)

Advanced Usage

• Used for emphasis on insignificance: Often carries a connotation of derision or dismissal, emphasizing that something is not just shallow, but insignificantly so.
  • Cuộc tranh luận của họ thật nông choèn, chẳng đi đến đâu. (Their debate is so shallow and trivial, it's getting nowhere.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nông cạn (adj): Shallow, superficial (more common and formal than ). Often used for abstract concepts like knowledge or thinking.
  • Lập luận nông cạn (a shallow argument).
• Cạn (adj): Shallow (of water), low (on resources), drained. Can be literal or figurative.
  • Giếng cạn (a dry/shallow well).
• Nông (adj): Shallow (the basic adjective for depth).
  • Hồ nông (a shallow lake).

Synonyms

• Cạn: Shallow, low.
• Nông cạn: Shallow, superficial.
• Hời hợt: Superficial, cursory, perfunctory (often regarding attitudes or work).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (Có hiểu biết) nông choèn: To have (a) shallow/meager (understanding).
  • Anh ta chỉ có hiểu biết nông choèn về lịch sử. (He only has a shallow understanding of history.)
• Mối quan hệ nông choèn: A superficial/shallow relationship.
  • Họ duy trì một mối quan hệ nông choèn, không có sự kết nối thực sự. (They maintain a superficial relationship with no real connection.)

1. Unnoticeably shallow