Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Clever and shrewd: Describes a person, especially a child or a domestic animal, who is both intelligent (quick to understand and learn) and shows practical wisdom or street smarts.
   • Bright and sensible: Combines innate mental sharpness with a prudent, discerning nature.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ đó rất tinh khôn, biết phân biệt đúng sai. (That child is very clever and shrewd, knowing how to distinguish right from wrong.)
  • Con chó nhà tôi tinh khôn lắm, nó hiểu hết mệnh lệnh. (My dog is very bright; it understands every command.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a positive, admirable quality of astuteness that is more holistic than pure academic intelligence. It suggests an ability to navigate situations wisely.

Variants and Related Words

• Khôn ngoan (adj): Wise, prudent (often used for adults, emphasizing experience-based judgment).
  • Ông ấy là một nhà lãnh đạo khôn ngoan. (He is a wise leader.)
• Thông minh (adj): Intelligent, smart (focuses more on cognitive ability and quickness of mind).
  • Cô ấy là một học sinh thông minh. (She is an intelligent student.)

Synonyms

• Clever: Quick to understand, learn, and devise ideas.
• Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
• Bright: Intelligent and quick-witted.

Related Idioms

• Mắt tinh khôn: Having keen, perceptive eyes.
  • Người thợ săn có đôi mắt tinh khôn. (The hunter has keen, perceptive eyes.)