Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Cunning, Sly: Possessing or showing a clever and often deceitful skill in achieving one's aims, typically by using indirect or underhanded methods. It implies a sharp, worldly-wise intelligence that is used for self-interest, sometimes at the expense of others.
   • Shrewd, Clever: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment and practical understanding, especially in one's own affairs. This meaning can be neutral or slightly negative, highlighting astuteness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ đó rất ranh khôn, luôn biết cách lấy được đồ chơi từ bạn. (That child is very cunning, always knowing how to get toys from friends.)
  • Anh ta có vẻ ngoài thật thà nhưng thực ra rất ranh khôn trong chuyện làm ăn. (He has an honest appearance but is actually very shrewd in business matters.)
  • Con mèo ranh khôn ấy luôn tìm được cách để ra ngoài. (That sly cat always finds a way to get outside.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often describes children or animals, suggesting a precocious or instinctive cleverness that is manipulative.
• It can be used disapprovingly to criticize someone for being too clever in a deceitful or selfish way, but it can also express a degree of reluctant admiration for their street smarts.

Variants and Related Words

• Khôn ranh (adj): This is a common variant with the same meaning as "ranh khôn," often used interchangeably.
  • Nó là một kẻ khôn ranh và không đáng tin. (He is a sly and untrustworthy person.)
• Khôn ngoan (adj): Wise, prudent. This term is more positive, implying good judgment and wisdom without the negative connotation of deceit.
• Ranhma (adj): Sly, cunning. A more colloquial and often stronger term, implying craftiness and trickery.

Synonyms

• Cunning: Skilled in achieving one's ends by deceit.
• Sly: Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.
• Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
• Clever: Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; can imply trickery.
• Crafty: Skilled at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ranh khôn vặt / Khôn vặt: Refers to petty, small-minded cleverness used for trivial gains. It is a dismissive term for someone who is cunning about unimportant things.
  • Đừng tỏ ra khôn vặt, hãy nghĩ đến lợi ích lâu dài. (Don't show petty cleverness; think about long-term benefits.)
• Khôn lỏi: Similar to "ranh khôn," emphasizing a slippery, evasive, and self-serving cleverness.
  • Thằng bé khôn lỏi lắm, không bao giờ chịu thiệt. (That boy is very slick; he never accepts a loss.)

1. Cunning, sly