hiền
[hiən˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) talented, virtuous
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
người hiền kẻ sĩwise and learned people; virtuosi and literati
Nghe tiếng ngài yêu người hiền, trọng kẻ sĩ, nên tôi cũng đến yết kiến.I've heard of your reputable love and respect for the wise and learned. So I've also come for an audience.
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 ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) good-natured
Examples
mẹ/vợ/dâu hiềna good-natured mother/wife/daughter-in-law
người hiền kẻ ácgood and evil people
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) gentle; meek; mild
Examples
hiền như nai (tơ)as gentle as a fawn
hiền như ma xơas gentle as a nun
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “hiền” mean?
(adjective) talented, virtuous
Is “hiền” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.