Definition

Adjective: 1. Subtle, delicate: Refers to something that is fine, nuanced, or not obvious; requiring careful perception or handling. 2. Tactful, discreet: Describes a person or manner of behavior that is considerate, sensitive, and skillful in dealing with others to avoid causing offense or embarrassment. 3. Sensitive, tricky: Pertains to a situation, topic, or matter that is complicated, private, or easily causes awkwardness, requiring careful and cautious handling.

Usage Examples

• As an adjective (describing a person/behavior):
  • Cô ấy là một người rất tế nhị trong giao tiếp. (She is a very tactful person in communication.)
  • Anh ấy đã có cách từ chối rất tế nhị. (He had a very diplomatic way of refusing.)
• As an adjective (describing a thing/situation):
  • Đây là một vấn đề tế nhị, cần được thảo luận kín đáo. (This is a sensitive issue that needs to be discussed privately.)
  • Bức tranh có những đường nét và sắc thái rất tế nhị. (The painting has very subtle lines and hues.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ứng xử một cách tế nhị": to behave tactfully, to handle a situation with discretion.
  • Người lãnh đạo cần biết ứng xử một cách tế nhị trong các tình huống khó khăn. (A leader needs to know how to handle difficult situations with tact.)
• "Cảm nhận tế nhị": subtle perception, delicate feeling.
  • Nhà thơ cần có cảm nhận tế nhị về thế giới xung quanh. (A poet needs to have a subtle perception of the world around them.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tinh tế (adj): Refined, elegant, sophisticated. Often overlaps with but can emphasize aesthetic or intellectual refinement. ( - A vase with a refined design.)
• Khéo léo (adj): Skillful, dexterous, adroit. Focuses more on physical or social skill rather than sensitivity. ( - She is skillful in resolving conflicts.)
• Kín đáo (adj): Discreet, private, secretive. Emphasizes privacy and keeping things hidden. ( - Please keep this secret discreetly.)

Synonyms

• Tactful: Có tài xử sự, khôn khéo (in social situations).
• Delicate: Tinh vi, dễ vỡ, dễ hỏng (for situations or objects).
• Subtle: Tinh tế, khó nhận thấy (for details, differences, or meanings).
• Diplomatic: Ngoại giao, khéo léo (in negotiations or avoiding conflict).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Tỏ ra tế nhị: to show tact, to act in a tactful manner.
  • Khi nhận xét, anh ta luôn tỏ ra tế nhị để không làm ai buồn. (When giving feedback, he always shows tact so as not to upset anyone.)

Related Idioms

• "Biết điều, biết ý": This idiom means "to be understanding, to know what's appropriate." It is closely related to being as it implies social awareness and consideration.
  • Nó là đứa trẻ biết điều, không bao giờ làm phiền khi bố mẹ đang bận. (He is an understanding child who never bothers his parents when they are busy.)

adj

1. subtle, stricky