Definition

1. 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.)