Definition

1. Noun:
   • A trick, a ruse, or a scheme: A cunning, deceptive, or underhanded method used to achieve a goal, often at the expense of others. It implies manipulation and a lack of scruples.
   • A method, a means, or a technique: A more neutral term for a method or procedure used to accomplish something, especially in contexts like production or operations.

Usage Examples

• Noun (negative connotation):
  • Hắn ta dùng mọi thủ đoạn để leo lên chức vụ đó. (He used every trick to climb to that position.)
  • Đó là một thủ đoạn lừa đảo tinh vi. (That is a sophisticated fraudulent scheme.)
• Noun (neutral connotation):
  • Họ cải tiến thủ đoạn sản xuất để nâng cao chất lượng. (They improved their production methods to enhance quality.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a strong negative moral judgment. When used to describe a person ("con người thủ đoạn"), it means someone who is scheming, cunning, or intrigues.
  • Anh ta rất thủ đoạn trong kinh doanh. (He is very scheming in business.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mưu mẹo (n): A trick, a stratagem. Often used similarly to the negative sense of "thủ đoạn."
• Phương pháp (n): Method, procedure. A neutral and more common term for a systematic way of doing something.
• Thủ thuật (n): Technique, tactic. Can be neutral or slightly cunning, but generally less severe than "thủ đoạn."

Synonyms

• Trick: A cunning act meant to deceive or outwit.
• Scheme: A large-scale, systematic plan, often secret and deceitful.
• Ruse: A clever deception.
• Method: A systematic procedure or technique.

Related Idioms

• Dùng thủ đoạn: To employ tricks/underhanded methods.
  • Kẻ đó luôn dùng thủ đoạn để hại người. (That person always uses underhanded methods to harm others.)