Tiếng Việt · Word Attested

ông cụ non

[ʔəwŋ͡m˧˧ ku˧˨ʔ nɔn˧˧]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

(noun) some who is an old head on young shoulders

NounRegister: informal

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

Nhưng suy nghĩ “ông cụ non” vẫn tốt hơn nhiều so với một HS thụ động, thiếu tính độc lập trong tư duy, chỉ biết nói theo người khác.The students who are truly wise beyond their years however seem more positive than those, with a passive and dependent mindset, that could only imitate others.

Anh là người hòa đồng, vui vẻ, chân thành và có trách nhiệm nhưng cũng tương đối khó tính, vì lý do này mà anh hay bị gọi là ông cụ non.I am a sociable, joyful, honest and responsible person but I'm not quite easy-going, for which I'm often seen as an old head on young shoulders.

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 ↗

Equivalents & related

Near equivalent old head on young shoulders Someone with a mature and responsible attitude despite their young age English

Topics: Mountains & stone

Common questions

What does “ông cụ non” mean?

(noun) some who is an old head on young shoulders

Is “ông cụ non” formal or informal?

ông cụ non is generally informal.

What is the closest equivalent?

“old head on young shoulders” (English) — near equivalent.