ma lanh

Vietnamese

Alternative forms

ma-lanh

Etymology

From French malin.

Pronunciation

(Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [maː˧˧ lajŋ̟˧˧]
(Huế) IPA^(key): [maː˧˧ lɛɲ˧˧]
(Saigon) IPA^(key): [maː˧˧ lan˧˧]

Adjective

(colloquial) cunning, or (for tricksters) sly
(colloquial) bright; intelligent

Usage notes

(cunning): Typically used (endearingly) for children, or (with regard or concern) for tricksters or thieves.

Synonyms

(cunning): láu cá, láu lỉnh
(intelligent): lanh lợi