minh tâm
Definition
- Verb (archaic):
- To engrave in one's heart: To remember something, especially a profound kindness or lesson, with utmost clarity and permanence, as if carved into one's heart or mind.
- To be eternally grateful: To hold a deep, everlasting sense of gratitude for a significant favor or benefit received.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Lời dạy của thầy, tôi xin khắc cốt minh tâm. (My teacher's lesson, I vow to engrave in my bones and heart.)
- Ơn nghĩa ấy, chúng tôi minh tâm ghi nhớ. (For that kindness, we engrave it in our hearts and remember.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "minh tâm" is almost exclusively used in the fixed, four-character idiom "khắc cốt minh tâm" (to engrave in bones and inscribe in heart). This idiom emphasizes an unforgettable memory or debt of gratitude, signifying a pledge to never forget.
Variants and Related Words
- Khắc cốt minh tâm (idiomatic verb phrase): To be etched in one's memory forever; to swear never to forget (a lesson, favor, or promise).
Synonyms
- To etch in one's memory: To remember something permanently.
- To be eternally grateful: To feel lasting thankfulness.
- To engrave in one's heart: To remember something with deep emotional permanence.
Related Idioms
- Khắc cốt minh tâm: To engrave in bones and inscribe in the heart; to remember forever.
- Ân tình cứu mạng, tôi nguyện khắc cốt minh tâm. (For the life-saving grace, I vow to engrave it in my bones and heart.)