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thông minh — meaning in English: smart

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Guess the translation for smart
màu xanh
địa điểm
thông minh
nguyên nhân
nhớ
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'thông minh' in both academic settings and casual conversations to describe someone's intelligence or cleverness. For example, a teacher might praise a student by saying, 'Em rất thông minh,' which translates to 'You are very smart,' during a report or assessment. Additionally, friends might use the term jokingly when discussing a clever solution to a problem.
Synonyms & nuances
'Thông minh' is often used interchangeably with 'khôn ngoan' (wise), but there's a subtle difference. While 'thông minh' leans more towards intellectual intelligence and quick thinking, 'khôn ngoan' suggests a deeper wisdom gained through experience and discernment. Therefore, you might use 'thông minh' in academic contexts, while 'khôn ngoan' fits better in discussions about life decisions.
Culture
'Thông minh' reflects a valued trait in Vietnamese culture, where education and intelligence are greatly respected. The word itself can be broken down: 'thông' implies being well-informed or knowledgeable, while 'minh' signifies brightness or clarity. This combination not only captures the essence of being smart but also the idea of enlightenment through knowledge.
FAQ
Q.What does the Vietnamese word 'thông minh' mean?
'Thông minh' means 'smart' in English, referring to someone with high intelligence or cleverness in various contexts, including academic and social situations.
Q.How do you use 'thông minh' in a sentence?
You can use 'thông minh' in sentences like 'Cô ấy rất thông minh,' which means 'She is very smart.' It can be used to compliment someone’s intelligence directly.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'thông minh'?
A common mistake is using 'thông minh' to describe someone who is street-smart or wise in life, which would be better suited to the word 'khôn ngoan'. It's important to reserve 'thông minh' for contexts that emphasize academic or intellectual brilliance.
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Vietnamese Vocabulary