khắc xương ghi dạ
Definition
Idiom: - To engrave in one's bones and inscribe in one's heart: A profound and classical idiom expressing an oath or a promise to remember something forever, with utmost gratitude, loyalty, or intensity. It conveys the idea of carving a memory or feeling so deeply into one's very being that it becomes inseparable from oneself, implying eternal remembrance and unbreakable commitment.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Lời thề ấy, tôi xin khắc xương ghi dạ. (That vow, I swear to engrave in my bones and inscribe in my heart.)
- Ơn nghĩa của thầy, học trò khắc xương ghi dạ. (The teacher's kindness, the student engraves in bones and inscribes in heart.)
- Tình yêu dành cho quê hương đã được khắc xương ghi dạ. (The love for the homeland has been engraved in bones and inscribed in the heart.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is highly literary and formal, often used in poetic, solemn, or deeply emotional contexts such as expressing gratitude, swearing oaths, or declaring undying love or loyalty. It is not used in casual, everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
Ghi lòng tạc dạ (idiom): To inscribe in the heart and carve in the heart. A very close synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- Công ơn cha mẹ, con nguyện ghi lòng tạc dạ. (My parents' grace, I vow to inscribe and carve in my heart.)
Minh tâm khắc cốt (idiom, Classical Chinese origin): To engrave on the bones and inscribe on the heart. The direct classical root of "khắc xương ghi dạ."
- Lời dạy minh tâm khắc cốt. (The teaching is engraved on the bones and inscribed on the heart.)
Synonyms
- To remember forever: To never forget.
- To be etched in one's memory: To be remembered permanently and vividly.
- To be indebted forever: To feel a permanent debt of gratitude.
Related Idioms
- Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây: When eating the fruit, remember the planter. (Remember the source of benefits.)
- Uống nước nhớ nguồn: When drinking water, remember the source. (Be grateful for one's origins.)