Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Accomplished, well-experienced: Describes a person who is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and proficient in a particular field or activity, often through extensive practice and exposure.
   • Savvy, shrewd: Often implies not just experience but also practical, street-smart knowledge, including an understanding of tricks or shortcuts within a trade or system. This usage can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of cunning.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là một thương nhân sành sỏi. (He is an accomplished/savvy merchant.)
  • Cô ấy rất sành sỏi trong việc đàm phán. (She is very experienced and shrewd in negotiation.)
  • Đừng có ra vẻ sành sỏi ở đây. (Don't act like you're the expert here.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often describes practical, worldly wisdom rather than formal academic knowledge. It is frequently used in contexts of business, trade, or social situations where practical know-how is valued.
• It can be used with a neutral-positive tone to praise competence, but it may also imply a negative judgment of someone being overly cunning or manipulative, depending on context.

Variants and Related Words

• Sành (adj): Experienced, knowledgeable (often about a specific subject like food, art, etc.). Less intense than "sành sỏi".
  • Anh ấy sành về rượu vang. (He is knowledgeable about wine.)
• Lão luyện (adj): Veteran, highly seasoned and experienced, often through long years of practice. More formal and generally positive.

Synonyms

• Experienced: Having knowledge or skill from long involvement.
• Seasoned: Rendered competent through trial and experience.
• Savvy: Shrewd and knowledgeable; having practical understanding.
• Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute, sometimes cunning.

Related Idioms

• Ra vẻ sành sỏi: To put on an act of being experienced or savvy; to pretend to be an expert.
  • Hắn chỉ đang ra vẻ sành sỏi thôi. (He's just putting on an act of being savvy.)

adj

1. accomplished, efficient, well-experienced