chữ tình
Definition
Noun:
- The character/word for 'tình': The literal meaning refers to the Chinese-derived character or the Vietnamese word itself that signifies "feelings," "emotion," or "love."
- The concept of sentiment/romance: More commonly, it refers to the abstract concept, principle, or realm of romantic feelings, affection, and emotional bonds between people.
Noun (figurative usage):
- Matters of the heart: Used to discuss affairs, considerations, or actions driven by emotion and love, often in contrast to reason or duty ("chữ nghĩa" or "chữ lý").
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong văn học, "chữ tình" là một chủ đề trung tâm. (In literature, "sentiment" is a central theme.)
- Anh ấy viết chữ "tình" rất đẹp. (He writes the character for "love" very beautifully.)
- Cô ấy luôn đề cao chữ tình hơn mọi thứ. (She always values matters of the heart above all else.)
Advanced Usage
"nặng chữ tình": to be deeply sentimental or romantic.
- Nhân vật ấy là một người nặng chữ tình. (That character is a deeply sentimental person.)
"mắc nợ chữ tình": to be indebted in matters of love; to owe a debt of affection.
- Anh ta cảm thấy mình đã mắc nợ chữ tình với cô ấy. (He felt he owed her a debt of love.)
Variants and Related Words
Tình (n): love, feeling, sentiment. The core word from which the phrase is built.
- Tình yêu của họ thật đẹp. (Their love is beautiful.)
Chữ nghĩa (n): letters, learning; the realm of knowledge and reason (often contrasted with "chữ tình").
- Anh ấy là người ham mê chữ nghĩa. (He is a person passionate about learning.)
Synonyms
- Sentiment: refined feeling, especially tender emotion.
- Romance: the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.
- Affection: a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
Related Idioms and Phrases
"Một chữ tình cũng là chữ tình": Even a small act of love/affection still counts as love; emphasizing the value of any sentimental gesture.
- Dù chỉ một bông hoa, một chữ tình cũng là chữ tình. (Even if it's just one flower, a small token of affection is still meaningful.)
"Giàu chữ tình": to be rich in sentiment; describing a very affectionate, empathetic person.
- Bà ấy là một người giàu chữ tình. (She is a person rich in compassion.)