Definition

Noun: - Intention, true intention, innermost feeling: Refers to one's original, genuine, or inherent intention, sentiment, or motive. It often implies a sincere or fundamental feeling that may differ from outward appearances or actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bản tâm của tôi là muốn giúp đỡ mọi người. (My true intention is to want to help everyone.)
  • Anh ấy có bản tâm tốt, chỉ là đôi khi hành động hơi vụng về. (He has a good heart / good intentions; it's just that sometimes his actions are a bit clumsy.)
  • Đừng nghi ngờ bản tâm của cô ấy. (Don't doubt her sincere intentions.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bản tâm không muốn..." / "Với bản tâm không muốn...": With the (true) intention of not wanting to...; meaning no...
  • Tôi nói vậy với bản tâm không muốn làm bạn buồn. (I said that with no intention of making you sad / I didn't mean to make you sad.)
• "Trái với bản tâm": Contrary to one's true intentions or feelings.
  • Anh phải làm điều đó, dù trái với bản tâm. (He had to do it, even though it went against his true feelings.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tâm ý (noun): Intention, thought, idea (often used in a similar context but can be slightly more general).
• Thiện tâm (noun): Goodwill, benevolent intention (specifically positive).
• Ác tâm (noun): Malicious intent, ill will (specifically negative).
• Chủ tâm (noun): Deliberate intention, purpose (emphasizes deliberation).

Synonyms

• Ý định: Intention, plan (more neutral and common; "bản tâm" carries a deeper, more personal nuance).
• Tấm lòng: Heart, sentiment (emphasizes feeling and sincerity).
• Nguyên ý: Original intention.

Notes on Meaning

• "Bản tâm" vs. General "Intention": While both can be translated as "intention," "bản tâm" specifically refers to the intention from the depths of one's heart or mind. It is less about a planned action and more about the fundamental sentiment behind it. The provided reference "bản tâm không muốn làm hại ai" perfectly illustrates this, translating to "to have no intention to harm anyone" or, more idiomatically, "to mean no harm to anyone," capturing the inherent goodwill.

noun

1. Intention
   • bản tâm không muốn làm hại ai
     to have no intention to harm anyone, to mean no harm to anyone