Definition

Noun: 1. Evil spirit, demon, goblin: A supernatural, malevolent being from folklore or superstition, often imagined with a strange, grotesque, and frightening appearance, whose purpose is to harm humans. 2. Imp, sprite: A small, often mischievous supernatural creature. (This meaning can sometimes overlap with the first but may imply less outright evil and more trickery).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Câu chuyện cổ tích kể về một yêu tinh sống trong rừng sâu. (The fairy tale tells of an evil spirit living in the deep forest.)
  • Theo truyền thuyết, yêu tinh có thể biến hình thành người. (According to legend, a demon can shapeshift into a human.)
  • Đứa trẻ nghịch ngợm ấy như một yêu tinh vậy. (That mischievous child is like a little imp.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively to describe a person: Often used to describe someone, especially a woman, who is exceptionally beautiful in a captivating, almost supernatural, and sometimes dangerous way.
  • Cô ấy đẹp như một yêu tinh. (She is as beautiful as a spellbinding enchantress.)
• Used figuratively to describe extreme malice: Used to emphasize someone's cruel or wicked nature.
  • Hắn ta độc ác như yêu tinh. (He is as cruel as a demon.)

Variants and Related Words

• Yêu quái (n): Monster, fiend. (A broader term for monstrous evil beings, often stronger or larger than ).
• Ma quỷ (n): Ghosts and demons. (A general term for evil supernatural entities).
• Tinh (n): Spirit, essence. (A component meaning "spirit" or "essence," found in words like (fox spirit), ).
• Yêu (n): Demon, seductress. (Can refer to a demon or a femme fatale).

Synonyms

• Quỷ (n): Devil, ghost. (A very common word for devil or ghost).
• Ác ma (n): Evil demon, fiend.
• Linh hồn độc ác (n): Evil spirit.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Mặt yêu tinh: A "goblin face" or "impish face"; used to describe a mischievous, sly, or ugly expression.
  • Nó làm mặt yêu tinh để trêu em. (He made a goblin face to tease his younger sibling.)
• Tính khí yêu tinh: An "impish temperament"; describing someone who is playful, tricky, or unpredictable.
  • Con mèo đó có tính khí yêu tinh. (That cat has an impish temperament.)

noun

1. evil, demon