biết điều
[ʔɓiət̚˧˦ ʔɗiəw˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to maintain propriety; to understand one’s obligations
Verb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Ông ấy nói rằng: thế thì bà mày chưa rõ: giống vật cũng có tình tính, biết điều đền ơn giả nghĩa.“See, you don’t understand,” he told his wife. “Even animals have hearts — they know how to return favors and show gratitude.”
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “biết điều” mean?
(verb) to maintain propriety; to understand one’s obligations
Is “biết điều” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.