khôn
[xon˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) wise; smart
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) clever; street-smart
Register: formal
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) sapient
Register: formal
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adverb) impossibly
Register: formal
Examples
nỗi buồn/giận khôn nguôieverlasting sadness/anger
Late 19th century, Nguyễn Khuyến, “Bạn Đến Chơi Nhà (My Friend's Come Visiting My Home)”
Ao sâu nước cả, khôn chài cá;
Vườn rộng rào thưa, khó đuổi gà.
The pond is so deep and large, it's impossible to catch fish;
The garden is so broad, the hedges so sparse, it's hard to chase chicken.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “khôn” mean?
(adjective) wise; smart
Is “khôn” formal or informal?
khôn is generally formal.