Definition

1. Verb (Intransitive): * To be moved (emotionally); to have one's heart stirred; to feel compassion/pity. This describes an internal emotional response, typically one of compassion, pity, or sympathy, triggered by witnessing something poignant, pitiful, or devastating. It implies a stirring of the heart from a state of calm or indifference.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Thấy cảnh người già phải đi ăn xin, cô ấy không khỏi động tâm. (Seeing the scene of the elderly having to beg, she couldn't help but be moved/feel compassion.)
  • Câu chuyện đau lòng ấy khiến nhiều người động tâm. (That heartbreaking story caused many people to have their hearts stirred.)
  • Anh ấy động tâm trước hoàn cảnh khó khăn của đứa trẻ mồ côi. (He was moved by the difficult circumstances of the orphaned child.)

Advanced Usage

• This word carries a classical, literary nuance and is more common in formal writing, literature, or reflective speech than in casual conversation. It often describes a profound, morally-inclined emotional reaction.
• It can be used in a Buddhist or philosophical context to describe a moment where worldly suffering stirs compassion or disturbs one's meditative calm.

Variants and Related Words

• Động lòng (Verb): A very close synonym, also meaning "to be moved/softened emotionally." The two are often interchangeable, though can sound slightly more literary.
• Thương cảm (Verb): To feel pity/compassion. This is a more direct and common way to express "to feel sorry for."
• Xúc động (Verb/Adjective): To be emotionally moved/touched; emotionally moved. This is a broader, more modern term for any strong emotional stirring (could be joy, sadness, nostalgia).
• Mủi lòng (Verb): To be softened/touched (to the point of tears); to have one's heart melted. Emphasizes an emotional softening that leads to a charitable action or tears.

Synonyms

• Cảm thương: To feel pity/compassion.
• Thương xót: To pity, to have mercy on.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Động tâm canh cánh: To be persistently troubled/concerned (about something). This phrase extends the meaning to a state of lingering worry or preoccupation.
  • Vụ việc ấy khiến ông ấy động tâm canh cánh suốt nhiều ngày. (That matter kept him persistently troubled for many days.)

1. Have one's heart stirred
   • Thấy cảnh tàn phá mà động tâm
     To have one's heart stirred by the sight of devastation