Definition

Noun: * True friend, loyal friend: A person who is a genuine, faithful, and reliable friend, especially one who remains steadfast through difficulties.

Usage

• "Kim bằng" is a literary and somewhat formal term in Vietnamese, often found in classical literature, poetry, or used to express deep respect and affection for a friend of exceptional loyalty. It is less common in everyday casual conversation.
• It functions as a noun and is typically used to refer to the friend directly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy không chỉ là bạn, mà là một kim bằng tri kỷ. (He is not just a friend, but a true and understanding confidant.)
  • Trong cuộc đời, tìm được một kim bằng là điều quý giá. (In life, finding a loyal friend is a precious thing.)
  • Họ đã là kim bằng của nhau từ thuở nhỏ. (They have been true friends since childhood.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in fixed, classical phrases that emphasize the rarity and value of such friendship.
  • Kim bằng nghĩa hữu: True friends bound by righteousness and loyalty. This phrase highlights the moral and faithful aspect of the friendship.

    • Tình kim bằng nghĩa hữu ấy thật đáng trân trọng. (That bond of true and righteous friendship is truly worthy of cherishing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bạn (n): Friend. This is the common, neutral word for friend.
• Bạn thân (n): Close friend.
• Tri kỷ (n): Soulmate, confidant; someone who understands you deeply.
• Bạn chí cốt (n): Bosom friend, sworn friend; emphasizes a deep, inseparable bond.

Synonyms

• Bạn chân chính: True friend.
• Bạn trung thành: Loyal friend.
• Bạn hữu chung thủy: Faithful friend.

Related Idioms

• Tình bạn vàng: Golden friendship. (A common modern idiom for a very valuable friendship.)
• Bạn nối khố: A very intimate friend (literally "friend who shares pants"). (An idiom for an extremely close, inseparable friend.)

noun

1. truth friend