Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Good-looking only on the surface; superficially attractive: Describes something or someone that appears beautiful, fine, or good from the outside, but lacks corresponding quality, substance, or integrity on the inside. It implies a pleasing exterior that is deceptive or not matched by internal worth.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Căn nhà ấy trông thì tốt bộ, nhưng kết cấu bên trong rất yếu. (That house looks good on the outside, but its internal structure is very weak.)
  • Đừng tin những lời đường mật tốt bộ của hắn. (Don't trust his superficially sweet words.)
  • Chiếc áo này chỉ tốt bộ thôi, mặc vài lần là hỏng ngay. (This shirt is only good in appearance; it will be ruined after just a few wears.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a moral or evaluative context to criticize something that prioritizes form over function, or appearance over character.
  • Chính sách đó chỉ là tốt bộ, không giải quyết được vấn đề thực tế. (That policy is merely for show; it doesn't solve the practical problem.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hào nhoáng (adj): flashy, glossy, showy. Emphasizes a dazzling but shallow appearance.
• Bề ngoài (n/phr): the exterior, the surface. Often used in phrases like "chỉ đẹp bề ngoài" (only beautiful on the outside).

Synonyms

• Superficially good: pleasing only at first glance or on the surface.
• Deceptively attractive: having an appeal that misleads about true nature.
• For show: done or made only to create a favorable impression.

Related Idioms

• Tốt mã rẻ cùi: (literally: good husk, cheap core) A very close idiom meaning something has a fine exterior but is worthless inside; a shiny exterior hiding poor quality.
  • Mua đồ ở chợ đó dễ mua phải hàng tốt mã rẻ cùi. (Buying goods at that market, you easily end up with things that are all show and no substance.)