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

ma lanh

1. (colloquial) cunning, or (for tricksters) sly
2. (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