Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sinewy, brawny: Describes a person's body or limbs that are lean, muscular, and strong, with prominent tendons or muscles, often implying toughness and physical fitness rather than just large size. It suggests a solid, durable, and resilient physical condition.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông cụ tuy già nhưng tay chân vẫn còn rất săn gân. (The old man is aged, but his limbs are still very sinewy/brawny.)
  • Những cánh tay săn gân của người lao động. (The sinewy/brawny arms of the laborers.)
  • Bắp chân đầu gối vẫn săn gân. (The calves and knees remain solid and strong.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke an image of enduring strength, resilience, and lean muscularity. It is a positive descriptor for physical condition, especially in contexts of manual labor, age-defying fitness, or traditional vitality.
• It can be used metaphorically in some contexts to describe something that is robust or tough in a non-physical sense, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Săn chắc (adj): Firm, toned. This is a more common and general term for a firm, toned body (e.g., - firm abs). "Săn gân" is more specific, emphasizing visible tendons and lean muscle.
• Rắn rỏi (adj): Sturdy, robust (can refer to physique or character).
• Lực lưỡng (adj): Burly, brawny (often implies a larger, more heavily built physique than "săn gân").

Synonyms

• Chắc nịch: Solid, stocky.
• Rắn chắc: Hard and firm, solid.
• Cường tráng: Robust, powerfully built.

Notes on Meaning

• "Săn gân" vs. "Săn chắc": While both relate to a firm physique, "săn gân" specifically highlights the leanness and visibility of tendons/muscles. "Săn chắc" is broader, describing general firmness and tone.
• The word is typically used for body parts (arms, legs, hands) rather than the whole body. It describes a state or quality.

1. Sinewy, brawny