Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Worldly-wise; street-smart: Having a deep, practical understanding of how the world works, often gained through extensive life experience. It implies being shrewd, savvy, and not easily deceived by people or situations.
   • Experienced in the ways of the world: Possessing knowledge about life's complexities, social dynamics, and often its harsher realities.

Usage Examples

• Adjective: (He is very worldly-wise; it's hard to deceive him.) (She seemed street-smart from a very young age.) (Don't lecture me; I am far more experienced in the ways of the world than you are.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a slightly nuanced connotation. While it denotes experience, it can sometimes imply a degree of cynicism, jadedness, or a willingness to engage with the practical, and sometimes morally ambiguous, aspects of life to get by or succeed. (After ten years in business, he became truly worldly-wise and shrewd.)

Variants and Related Words

• Từng trải (adj): Experienced, having been through many life events. This is a close synonym but may focus more on the breadth of experience rather than the acquired shrewdness.
• Sành sỏi (adj): Expert, knowledgeable, and adept in a specific field (e.g., – knowledgeable about wine). It can overlap with thạo đời when referring to social savvy.

Synonyms

• Worldly-wise: Having experience and knowledge of the world.
• Street-smart: Having the skills and awareness necessary to deal with urban life's challenges.
• Savvy: Shrewd and knowledgeable; having practical understanding.
• Experienced: Having knowledge or skill from prolonged involvement.

Related Idioms

• Thông thạo: To be proficient or fluent in something (e.g., a language, a skill). While thạo đời is about life, thông thạo is about a specific domain.
• Lão luyện: Veteran, highly seasoned and skilled, often through long practice. It can apply to life experience (thạo đời) or professional expertise.