hiềm oán

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb: To bear a grudge; to harbor deep-seated resentment or hatred towards someone because of a past wrong or injury.

Usage

This verb describes a strong, persistent feeling of resentment, often held secretly or privately over a long period. It implies a deep-seated ill will that is not easily forgotten or forgiven. It is a formal and literary term.

Examples
  • (After that dispute, he bore a grudge against his neighbor for many years.)
  • (She does not bear a grudge against anyone, even though she was once treated unfairly.)
  • (The grudge between the two families has lasted for centuries.) .
Advanced Usage / Different Meanings
  • As a Noun: While primarily a verb, "hiềm oán" can also be used as a noun meaning "a grudge" or "deep-seated enmity," especially in classical or formal contexts. It is often preceded by words like "mối" (a thread/clue of) or "nỗi" (a feeling of).
    • Hai bên gạt bỏ hiềm oán để cùng nhau hợp tác. (Both sides put aside old grudges to cooperate.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Hiềm khích (n): Rift, discord; a state of mutual resentment or ill feeling.
  • Hiềm thù (n): Enmity, feud; a state of deep-seated hatred, often stronger than "hiềm oán."
  • Oán hận (v/n): To resent/hatred; a strong feeling of anger and bitterness.
  • Thù hằn (v/n): To harbor hatred/hatred; implies a more active and vengeful hostility.
Synonyms
  • Thù ghét: To hate (often with a personal vendetta).
  • Căm ghét: To detest, to loathe.
  • Bất bình: To be discontented or indignant (less personal, more about unfairness).
Related Idioms / Phrases
  • Hóa giải hiềm oán: To resolve a grudge; to reconcile after a period of resentment.
    • Buổi gặp mặt đã giúp họ hóa giải hiềm oán. (The meeting helped them resolve their grudge.)
  • Chứa chấp hiềm oán: To harbor/nurse a grudge.
    • Đừng chứa chấp hiềm oán trong lòng, chỉ làm ta khổ. (Don't harbor a grudge in your heart; it only makes you suffer.)
verb
  1. to bear a grudge