cố tâm
Definition
- Verb:
- To be determined, to be resolved: To have a firm decision or strong intention to do something, often implying persistence or effort to achieve a goal despite difficulties.
- To deliberately intend, to purposefully set one's mind: To act with conscious intent or premeditation towards a specific aim.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ấy cố tâm học tiếng Anh để đi du học. (He is determined to learn English to study abroad.)
- Cô ấy cố tâm không nói chuyện với anh ta nữa. (She is resolved not to talk to him anymore.)
- Hắn cố tâm phá hoại kế hoạch của chúng tôi. (He deliberately intended to sabotage our plan.)
Advanced Usage
- "cố tâm làm việc gì": to be determined/resolved to do something.
- Dù khó khăn, tôi vẫn cố tâm hoàn thành dự án. (Despite the difficulties, I am still determined to complete the project.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cố ý (verb): To do something intentionally, on purpose. This word focuses more on the deliberate nature of an action rather than the underlying resolve.
- Anh ta cố ý đến muộn. (He arrived late on purpose.)
- Quyết tâm (verb/noun): To be determined, determination. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "cố tâm," but can sound slightly more formal or strong.
- Tôi quyết tâm sẽ thành công. (I am determined to succeed.)
Synonyms
- Nhất quyết: Firmly resolved, adamant.
- Kiên quyết: Resolute, steadfast.
Related Idioms
- "Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim": (Literally: Persistence turns an iron rod into a needle.) This proverb reflects the spirit of "cố tâm," meaning perseverance leads to success.
- Hãy cố tâm luyện tập, có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim mà. (Keep being determined to practice, perseverance will pay off.)