canny

/ˈkæni/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈæni] /ˈkæni/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈæni] /ˈka-nē How to pronounce canny (audio)/ (ame, mw)

canny — adjective

  • cannypositive
  • canniercomparative
  • canniestsuperlative

1. showing sharp practical judgment and quick thinking, especially when money, deal

1.形容詞C1
釋義

showing sharp practical judgment and quick thinking, especially when money, deals, or politics are involved.

例句

Omar made a canny offer and bought the cafe for less.

a canny offer in a business deal

Lan was canny enough to read the loan terms twice.

be canny enough to + verb

同義詞
  • shrewd

    the closest broad synonym, often with a slightly tougher tone

  • savvy

    more modern and often tied to practical knowledge or experience

  • astute

    more formal and less tied to money or bargaining situations

反義詞
  • naive

    lacking the worldly judgment that canny implies

  • gullible

    too ready to trust and therefore easy to deceive

文法句型

a canny + investor/move/offer

be + canny + enough + to-infinitive

a canny + answer/decision

用法筆記

Often describes people, choices, or replies in situations where someone protects an advantage by thinking ahead. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about shrewd judgment, not simply something being pleasant or nice.

常見錯誤

❌My uncle is canny because he never tips anyone.
✅My uncle is stingy because he never tips anyone.
💡'canny' suggests shrewd judgment, not simple unwillingness to spend money.

2. pleasant or appealing in a simple, friendly way.

2.形容詞C2
釋義

pleasant or appealing in a simple, friendly way.

例句

What a canny little cafe to find on a rainy street.

what a canny + noun

Sofia thought the gift was canny and thanked her aunt at once.

同義詞
  • nice

    broader everyday word with less regional flavor

  • pleasant

    more neutral and less warm or local in tone

  • lovely

    warmer and often more enthusiastic

反義詞
  • unpleasant

    lacking the easy, agreeable feeling of this sense

  • poor

    describes something not good or satisfying

文法句型

a canny + little + noun

be + canny

what a canny + noun

用法筆記

Mainly a regional British use, especially in warm comments about small places, gifts, or outings. Distinguish from sense 1: here canny means pleasant or nice, not shrewd or strategically clever.

常見錯誤

❌The report gives a canny explanation of inflation.
✅The report gives a clear explanation of inflation.
💡this regional sense is a friendly word for something pleasant or nice, not a formal compliment for analysis.

canny — adverb