The Vietnamese word "ranh ma" is an adjective that translates to "artful" or "sly" in English. It describes someone who is clever in a cunning or deceitful way, often using their intelligence to achieve their goals, sometimes in a manipulative manner.
Simple Usage:
Contextual Usage:
In more complex sentences, "ranh ma" can be used in conjunction with other adjectives to create a richer description of someone's personality or actions. For example: - "Họ là những người ranh ma và khôn ngoan trong kinh doanh." - (They are sly and smart in business.)
While "ranh ma" primarily refers to being sly or artful, in some contexts, it can also imply being resourceful or crafty in a positive sense, although this is less common. It’s important to consider the context in which it’s used.
Here are some synonyms for "ranh ma": - "xảo quyệt" (cunning) - "khôn lỏi" (sly) - "mưu mẹo" (scheming)
In summary, "ranh ma" is a versatile word that can describe someone who is clever in a tricky way. It is useful in conversations about strategy, competition, or any situation where someone is being particularly clever but perhaps not entirely honest.