kim thạch
Definition
- Noun:
- Gold and stone: A classical Sino-Vietnamese compound referring literally to the metals gold and jade/stone, symbolizing precious, durable, and beautiful things.
- Steadfast friendship: The primary figurative meaning denotes a friendship or bond that is as solid, precious, and enduring as gold and stone.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Literal):
- Bộ sưu tập có nhiều đồ kim thạch quý giá. (The collection has many precious gold and jade objects.)
- Noun (Figurative):
- Tình bạn của họ được ví như kim thạch. (Their friendship is likened to gold and stone [steadfast and precious].)
- Tình bằng hữu kim thạch hiếm có lắm thay. (A friendship as steadfast as gold and stone is truly rare.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in literary, formal, or proverbial contexts to praise an exceptionally strong and lasting relationship. It is not used in everyday casual speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Tình kim thạch (n): A kim thạch friendship; a bond of steadfast friendship.
- Họ giữ mãi tình kim thạch. (They maintain a steadfast friendship forever.)
Synonyms
- Steadfast friendship: Unwavering and loyal friendship.
- Enduring bond: A relationship that lasts through time and difficulty.
- Solid friendship: A strong and reliable friendship.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Vững như kim thạch: As solid as gold and stone; used to describe something extremely firm and unbreakable.
- Lòng tin của họ vào nhau vững như kim thạch. (Their trust in each other is as solid as gold and stone.)