linh tinh
[lïŋ˧˧ tïŋ˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) miscellaneous; without overarching theme or guiding principle
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
mua đồ linh tinhto buy some random stuff
Công việc của tôi rất linh tinh.My work was very much whatever came up.
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) haphazard; disorderly; without plan
Examples
đi linh tinh khắp nơito go wherever one's feet take one
Trước đó, thủy-quân nghe tin quân giặc còn xa, không hề phòng-bị chi hết, thuyền bè mỗi chiếc mỗi nơi, linh-tinh khắp bãi sông.Before that, the navy had heard that the enemy was still far away, which is why they took no precautions at all; their boats were scattered haphazardly all over on the riverbank.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) without thought or regard for consequences
Examples
Cả tháng nấu ăn 1 lần, coi chừng sinh bệnh vì ăn linh tinhCooking once a month, be careful of diseases caused by eating whatever you come across
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “linh tinh” mean?
(adjective) miscellaneous; without overarching theme or guiding principle
Is “linh tinh” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.