Tiếng Việt · Word Attested

thám tử

[tʰaːm˧˦ tɨ˧˩]

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(noun) detective

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

Examples

“Well, I have a trade of my own. I suppose I am the only one in the world. I’m a consulting detective, if you can understand what that is.

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

(noun) spy; scout

Examples

Chợt bắt được tên thám-tử của quân Minh, tra ra thì biết rằng quân Vương Thông đóng ở Ninh-kiều, […]Accidentally, they discovered a scout from the Ming; having interrogated [him], they found out that Wang Tong's troops were stationed in Ninh-kiều, […]

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “thám tử” mean?

(noun) detective

Is “thám tử” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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