Definition

Noun: 1. A drop of blood: The literal meaning refers to a single, small quantity of blood. 2. Blood relation, flesh and blood: A figurative and deeply cultural term representing the bond and shared lineage between family members, especially parents and children or siblings. It emphasizes the sacred, unbreakable nature of familial ties.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning:
  • Trên sàn nhà có một giọt máu. (There is a drop of blood on the floor.)
• Figurative meaning (blood relation):
  • Dù thế nào, nó vẫn là giọt máu của tôi. (No matter what, he/she is still my flesh and blood.)
  • Giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã. (Proverb: A drop of [our shared] blood is more valuable than a pond of plain water.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is central to Vietnamese family-centric culture and ethics. It carries a strong emotional and moral weight, implying inherent responsibility, loyalty, and love within the family.
• It is often used in contexts discussing familial duty, inheritance, reconciliation, or the pain of estrangement.

Variants and Related Words

• Máu mủ (n): Another term for blood relations, often used interchangeably with "giọt máu" in its figurative sense. It can sound slightly more informal or emotional.
  • Nó là người cùng máu mủ với tôi. (He/She is my blood relative.)
• Ruột thịt (n): Literally "intestines and flesh"; a synonym emphasizing the visceral, inseparable connection of close family.
  • Tình cảm ruột thịt. (The feelings of kinship.)

Synonyms

• Người thân (n): Relative, family member. (A more general, less emotionally charged term.)
• Huyết thống (n): Bloodline, lineage. (A more formal or biological term.)

Related Idioms and Proverbs

• Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã: (A drop of [our shared] blood is more valuable than a pond of plain water.) This is the most famous proverb using this word. It teaches that familial bonds (no matter how strained) are ultimately more important and valuable than relationships with outsiders (no matter how friendly or plentiful).

noun

1. drop of blood