tiện kĩ
Definition
- Noun (Archaic):
- My humble skill / my modest art: A polite and self-deprecating term used to refer to one's own abilities, talents, or craftsmanship. It expresses humility when speaking about one's work or skills.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thưa rằng: "Tiện kĩ sá chi!" (She replied: "My humble skill is not worth much!")
- Đó chỉ là chút tiện kĩ của tôi. (That is merely my modest art.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in classical Vietnamese poetry and literature, such as in by Nguyễn Du. It is a fixed, formal expression of modesty.
Variants and Related Words
- Khiêm từ (n): humble words, the category of modest speech to which belongs.
- Tài mọn (n): a small/meager talent (a modern synonym expressing similar humility).
Synonyms
- My modest ability
- My humble craft
- My unworthy skill
Related Idioms
- Tiện kĩ sá chi: A classical rhetorical phrase meaning "My humble skill is not worth anything" or "It is too great an honor for my modest art." It is a standard, polite refusal or expression of humility when receiving praise.