thiên tư
[tʰiən˧˧ tɨ˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) talent, natural gift
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Vậy nên ai là người có thiên-tư hơi khá một tí, muốn chiếm được chút địa-vị tôn-quí trong xã-hội, thì chỉ có nghề đi học.Therefore, anyone who has even a bit of talent and wishes to attain a respectable position in society has only one way: studying.
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
(verb) to show bias, to practice favouritism
Examples
Trong gia đình thì phải trên thuận, dưới hoà, không thiên tư, thiên ái.Within the family, elders must be free of discord and children must be in good agreement, without favoritism or preferences.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “thiên tư” mean?
(noun) talent, natural gift
Is “thiên tư” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.