Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Elegant: Possessing refined grace, tasteful simplicity, and sophisticated beauty in appearance, manner, or style. It implies a polished and cultured quality.
   • Refined and Polite: Describes a person who is not only tasteful in appearance but also courteous, well-mannered, and distinguished in behavior.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy ăn mặc rất thanh lịch. (She dresses very elegantly.)
  • Phong cách sống của ông ấy vô cùng thanh lịch. (His lifestyle is extremely refined.)
  • Ngôn ngữ thanh lịch thường lịch sự và dễ nghe. (Elegant language is often polite and pleasant to hear.)

Advanced Usage

• "vẻ thanh lịch": an air/a look of elegance.

  • Căn phòng toát lên vẻ thanh lịch cổ điển. (The room exudes a look of classic elegance.)

• Used to describe objects, architecture, or design that exhibits tasteful and graceful qualities.

  • Kiến trúc tòa nhà mang một nét thanh lịch hiếm có. (The building's architecture possesses a rare elegance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thanh nhã (adj): Graceful, refined. Often used similarly but may emphasize gentle delicacy.

  • Cử chỉ thanh nhã. (Graceful gestures.)

• Lịch thiệp (adj): Polite, courteous, well-mannered. Often paired with "thanh lịch."

  • Một quý ông lịch thiệp. (A polite gentleman.)

Synonyms

• Elegant: Tastefully fine and luxurious in appearance.
• Refined: Cultured and well-mannered.
• Polished: Sophisticated and elegant.
• Distinguished: Dignified and commanding respect.

Related Idioms

• "Thanh lịch như người Hà Nội": As elegant as a Hanoian. A common cultural reference praising the perceived inherent elegance and politeness of Hanoi's people.
  • Cô ấy nói năng nhẹ nhàng, thanh lịch như người Hà Nội. (She speaks softly and elegantly, like a person from Hanoi.)

adj

1. elegant