Definition

1. Noun:
   • Deep-seated hatred, bitter enmity: "hằn thù" refers to a profound, long-lasting, and often resentful hatred or hostility between individuals or groups.
   • Grudge, vendetta: It can also signify a persistent feeling of ill will or a desire for revenge stemming from past wrongs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mối hằn thù giữa hai gia đình đó đã kéo dài hàng thế kỷ. (The bitter enmity between those two families has lasted for centuries.)
  • Anh ấy nhìn tôi với ánh mắt đầy hằn thù. (He looked at me with eyes full of hatred.)
  • Họ quyết tâm trả thù vì mối hằn thù cũ. (They are determined to take revenge because of an old grudge.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chứa chất hằn thù": to be filled with/bear a grudge.
  • Trái tim anh ta chứa chất hằn thù. (His heart is filled with hatred.)
• "Mối hằn thù sâu nặng": a deep-seated/deep-rooted enmity.
  • Không gì có thể hóa giải được mối hằn thù sâu nặng đó. (Nothing can resolve that deep-seated enmity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thù hằn (noun): This is a variant with the same meaning and usage as "hằn thù". It is equally common.
  • Anh ta không giấu nổi vẻ thù hằn. (He could not hide his resentful look.)
• Hằn học (adjective): Bitter, resentful, acrimonious (often describing attitude or speech).
  • Giọng nói hằn học (a bitter/resentful tone of voice)
• Thù địch (noun/adjective): Hostility; hostile. This is a stronger, more formal, and often political/military term.
  • Hai nước ở trong tình trạng thù địch. (The two countries are in a state of hostility.)

Synonyms

• Căm thù (verb/noun): to hate intensely; intense hatred. Focuses more on the burning emotion.
• Ác cảm (noun): Antipathy, strong dislike. Less intense than "hằn thù".
• Thịnh nộ (noun): Wrath, fury. Focuses on intense anger rather than long-lasting hatred.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "Hằn thù truyền kiếp": a feud/emnity passed down through generations; a generational vendetta.
  • Câu chuyện kể về mối hằn thù truyền kiếp giữa hai dòng họ. (The story tells of a generational feud between two clans.)
• "Máu hằn thù": (lit. blood of hatred) signifies a deep, almost inherent hostility.
  • Chiến tranh đã khiến máu hằn thù chảy trong huyết quản họ. (The war made the blood of hatred flow in their veins.)

1. như thù hằn