Chắp cánh liền cành
Definition
- Idiom (Thành ngữ):
- To be joined at the wing and share a branch: A classical Vietnamese idiom originating from Chinese literature, symbolizing an inseparable, eternal, and deeply loving bond, most commonly between husband and wife. It represents the ideal of two beings united as one in life and death.
- To be eternally united / Inseparable love: The core meaning conveys a permanent, unbreakable union of two souls, often with a romantic or marital connotation.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Câu chuyện tình của họ đẹp như chắp cánh liền cành. (Their love story is as beautiful as being "joined at the wing and share a branch".)
- Họ nguyện ước được chắp cánh liền cành, bên nhau trọn đời. (They vowed to be eternally united, together for life.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is primarily used in literary, poetic, or formal contexts to describe profound, fated love. It is not used in everyday casual conversation.
- It often alludes to the tragic legend of Han Ping and his wife, whose love persisted beyond death, with trees growing from their graves with intertwined roots and branches.
Variants and Related Words
- Tỷ dực liên chi (idiom): The Sino-Vietnamese (Hán-Việt) form of the idiom with identical meaning and origin.
- Uyên ương (n): Mandarin ducks; a common symbol for a happy, inseparable couple.
- Câu ước (n): A vow or pledge, often used in the context of marital promises.
Synonyms
- Inseparable: Unable to be separated.
- Eternal union: A bond that lasts forever.
- Deeply attached: Profoundly connected emotionally.
Related Idioms and Cultural References
- Trên trời làm chim liền cánh, dưới đất làm cây liền cành: (In heaven, we will be birds sharing a wing; on earth, trees sharing a branch.) A direct poetic vow derived from the idiom's legend.
- Sống cùng nhà, chết cùng mồ: (Live in the same house, die in the same grave.) Expresses a similar desire for eternal togetherness in life and death.
Note on Origin
The idiom originates from ancient Chinese legends and poetry. The most famous story involves Han Ping and his wife, who were cruelly separated by a king. After their suicides, trees grew from their graves, intertwining above ground, and mandarin ducks often perched there, symbolizing their undying union. Another reference comes from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, which describes a mythical bird with one eye and one wing, requiring two birds to join together to fly, further cementing the idea of essential partnership.