thanh lịch
[tʰajŋ̟˧˧ lïk̟̚˧˨ʔ]
The English word "elegant" is translated into Vietnamese as thanh lịch. If unsure, use thanh lịch. Wiktionary also lists tao nhã.
Meaning: exhibiting elegance (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| thanh lịch | [tʰajŋ̟˧˧ lïk̟̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [tʰɛɲ˧˧ lɨt̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| tao nhã | [taːw˧˧ ɲaː˦ˀ˥] (Hà Nội, narrow) [taːw˧˧ ɲaː˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
In Vietnamese, the choice of word for "elegant" depends on what you are describing. Use thanh lịch to describe a person's manners, their style or a sophisticated appearance. For abstract concepts such as a lifestyle, a piece of music or a refined atmosphere, use tao nhã.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase thanh lịch, the component thanh means clear, pure or high-toned, while lịch contributes to the sense of being elegant or sophisticated. In the phrase tao nhã, the component nhã means refined or elegant.
Which one should you use?
thanh lịch is typically used for describing people, specifically their manners and style, whereas tao nhã is more often applied to abstract things like music or an atmosphere.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese culture, the concept of being thanh lịch is strongly associated with the people of Hanoi, who are traditionally seen as the gold standard for sophisticated manners.
- While thanh lịch is a Sino-Vietnamese word, the tao in tao nhã is believed to come from an ancient Proto-Vietic word meaning 'I' or 'me'.
Examples in context
- Anh ta có gu thời trang tinh tế nhất trong cả phòng.He has the most elegant fashion sense in the entire room.
- Cô dâu trong bộ váy cưới trang nhã tỏa sáng ở buổi tiệc.The bride in her elegant wedding gown was shining at the party.
- Quán cà phê này mang đến không gian sang trọng với trang trí nội thất tinh xảo.This café provides an elegant space with exquisite interior decoration.
- Cô ấy trông rất thanh lịch.She looks very elegant.
- Phong cách của anh ấy rất thanh lịch.His style is very elegant.
- Chiếc váy này thật thanh lịch.This dress is truly elegant.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing an outfit for a party.
- TuấnMai, bộ đồ này có thanh lịch không?Mai, is this outfit elegant?
- MaiCó, Tuấn mặc bộ này rất thanh lịch.Yes, Tuấn looks very elegant in this.
- TuấnCảm ơn em, anh sẽ mặc bộ này.Thank you, I will wear this one.
- MaiAnh sẽ là người nổi bật nhất đấy.You will be the most standout person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elegant” translations and entries thanh lịch, tao nhã, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lịch, nhã, tao, tao nhã, thanh, thanh lịch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
