Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Speaking fluently and intelligibly: Describes someone, especially a young child, who can speak clearly, pronouncing words correctly and distinctly.
   • Proficient or fluent in a language: Describes someone who speaks a particular language correctly and skillfully.
   • Skilled or expert in a task: (Less common, somewhat archaic) Describes being adept or proficient in a specific job or activity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Em bé mới hai tuổi nhưng đã nói rất sõi. (The child is only two years old but already speaks very clearly/fluently.)
  • Ông ấy là người Việt nhưng nói sõi tiếng Trung. (He is Vietnamese but speaks Chinese fluently.)
  • Nó tập mãi mới sõi việc. (He practiced for a long time before becoming proficient at the task.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nói chưa sõi": To not yet speak clearly/fluently. Often used for young children or language learners.

  • Cháu nó mới tập nói nên còn chưa sõi. (My child is just learning to talk, so he doesn't speak clearly yet.)

• "Sõi đời": (Idiomatic, informal) To be street-smart, worldly-wise, or experienced in the ways of the world.

  • Anh ta đi nhiều, sống nhiều nên rất sõi đời. (He has traveled and lived a lot, so he is very worldly-wise.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sành sõi (adj): Fluent and proficient, often with a nuance of deep familiarity or expertise. Can apply to languages or skills.

  • Cô ấy nói tiếng Nhật sành sõi như người bản xứ. (She speaks Japanese with native-like fluency.)

• Rành rõ (adj): Clear, distinct, intelligible. Can describe speech or other things.

  • Phát âm của cô giáo rất rành rõ. (The teacher's pronunciation is very clear.)

Synonyms

• Thông thạo (adj): Proficient, fluent, skilled.
• Lưu loát (adj): Fluent, smooth (primarily for speech or writing).
• Rành mạch (adj): Clear, distinct, articulate.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Ăn nói sõi sàng: To speak fluently and eloquently.

  • Nhà diễn thuyết ấy ăn nói sõi sàng. (That orator speaks fluently and eloquently.)

• Sõi tay: (Archaic/Literary) To be skilled with one's hands; to be a deft craftsman.

  • Người thợ mộc sõi tay. (The carpenter is highly skilled.)

adj

1. intelligibly speaking fluent