Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Secret, hidden: Refers to something kept completely private, concealed from others, and not expressed outwardly.
   • Innermost, intimate: Describes feelings, thoughts, or emotions that are deeply personal and guarded.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy giữ một tình cảm thầm kín dành cho anh. (She holds a secret affection for him.)
  • Những mong ước thầm kín của anh ấy không ai biết. (No one knows his innermost desires.)
  • Đó là một căn phòng thầm kín trong tòa nhà cũ. (That is a hidden room in the old building.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe aspects of personality or character that are not publicly visible.
  • Sau vẻ ngoài lạnh lùng, anh ta có một trái tim thầm kín và ấm áp. (Behind his cold exterior, he has a secret and warm heart.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thầm lặng (adj): silent, quiet (often describing an action done without announcement or fanfare).

  • Anh ấy làm từ thiện một cách thầm lặng. (He does charity work quietly.)

• Kín đáo (adj): discreet, tactful (emphasizing careful behavior to avoid attention).

  • Cô ấy ăn mặc rất kín đáo. (She dresses very discreetly.)

Synonyms

• Secret: kept hidden from knowledge or view.
• Confidential: intended to be kept private.
• Innermost: most intimate and personal.
• Hidden: concealed.

Related Idioms

• Giữ kín như bưng: to keep something tightly secret (lit., to keep something secret as if sealed).
  • Cô ấy giữ bí mật thầm kín đó như bưng. (She kept that secret tightly under wraps.)