Definition

Noun: - A secret of the heart; a private, innermost feeling or thought that is kept hidden or is difficult to express. This word refers to a deep, personal sentiment, often one of sorrow, longing, or a burden that one carries internally.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Biết cùng ai tỏ khúc nhôi? (To whom can I confide this secret of my heart?)
  • Anh ấy luôn giữ khúc nhôi trong lòng. (He always keeps his innermost feelings to himself.)

Advanced Usage

• This is a literary and somewhat archaic word, primarily found in classical Vietnamese poetry () and formal, expressive writing. It is rarely used in everyday modern conversation.
• It often conveys a sense of melancholy or unspoken emotion that the speaker or subject is unable or unwilling to share openly.

Variants and Related Words

• Nỗi lòng (n): A more common and modern synonym meaning "innermost feelings," "heartfelt sentiments," or "what's on one's mind."
• Tâm sự (n/v): Can mean "heart-to-heart talk" (noun) or "to confide" (verb), relating to the act of sharing one's .
• Nỗi niềm (n): Similar to , meaning "feelings," "sentiments," often with a connotation of deep, personal emotion.

Synonyms

• Secret of the heart: The closest direct translation of the core meaning.
• Innermost feeling/thought: A private sentiment.
• Burden on one's heart/mind: Something weighing heavily on one's conscience or emotions.

Related Idioms

• Giữ khúc nhôi trong lòng: To keep one's innermost feelings bottled up inside.
  • Cô ấy chọn giữ khúc nhôi trong lòng thay vì tâm sự với ai. (She chose to keep her secret to herself instead of confiding in anyone.)