xảo thuật
Definition
- Noun:
- A trick; a clever or deceptive maneuver: A skillful action or method designed to deceive, achieve a surprising effect, or solve a problem in a cunning way. It emphasizes ingenuity and cleverness, often with an element of deception or illusion.
- A stratagem; a clever scheme: A plan or trick, especially in a competitive context like politics, business, or games, used to gain an advantage over others.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ảo thuật gia đó sử dụng nhiều xảo thuật tinh vi. (That magician uses many sophisticated tricks.)
- Đó không phải là tài năng thật sự, chỉ là một xảo thuật. (That's not real talent, it's just a trick.)
- Hắn ta dùng đủ mọi xảo thuật để giành lấy hợp đồng. (He used every possible stratagem to win the contract.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "xảo thuật" often carries a slightly negative or cynical connotation, implying cunning, deceit, or a lack of genuine substance, unlike more neutral terms like "kỹ thuật" (technique).
- It can be used metaphorically to describe clever but potentially dishonest methods in non-physical domains like rhetoric, negotiation, or management.
Variants and Related Words
- Ảo thuật (n): Magic; illusion. Refers specifically to the performing art of magic tricks for entertainment.
- Buổi biểu diễn ảo thuật rất hấp dẫn. (The magic show was very captivating.)
- Thủ thuật (n): A technique; a procedure; a maneuver. Generally more neutral, focusing on a method or skillful procedure, which can be used in crafts, medicine, or technology.
- Bác sĩ áp dụng một thủ thuật mới. (The doctor applied a new technique.)
- Mánh khóe (n): A sly trick; a dodgy scheme. More colloquial and strongly negative, implying underhandedness or cheating.
Synonyms
- Trick: A cunning act or scheme intended to deceive.
- Stratagem: A plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent.
- Ruse: An action intended to deceive someone; a trick.
- Ploy: A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.
Related Idioms
- Xảo ngôn xảo ngữ: Clever but deceitful words; sophistry.
- Đừng nghe những lời xảo ngôn xảo ngữ của hắn. (Don't listen to his clever but deceitful words.)
- Xảo quyệt: Cunning and deceitful.
- Đối thủ của anh ta rất xảo quyệt. (His opponent is very cunning and deceitful.)