Definition

1. Noun:
   • Close affection / intimate bond: Refers to the deep, warm, and intimate feeling shared between family members or very close friends. It emphasizes a bond built on familiarity, trust, and shared history.
   • Kinship / familial love: Specifically denotes the natural affection and loyalty inherent in family relationships.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tình thân trong gia đình là điều quý giá nhất. (Close affection within the family is the most precious thing.)
  • Họ không phải anh em ruột nhưng tình thân giữa họ rất sâu sắc. (They are not biological brothers, but the intimate bond between them is very profound.)
  • Những kỷ niệm ấy đã gắn kết tình thân của chúng tôi. (Those memories have strengthened our close bond.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in literary or reflective contexts to evoke a sense of deep, enduring, and heartfelt connection. It carries a more emotional weight than the simpler word "tình bạn" (friendship).

Variants and Related Words

• Thân tình (adj/phrase): intimate, cordial; describes a warm and close manner.
  • Anh ấy chào hỏi một cách rất thân tình. (He greeted us in a very cordial manner.)
• Tình thân ái (n): affectionate feelings; a slightly more formal or poetic variant emphasizing kindness and affection within the bond.

Synonyms

• Close bond: A strong emotional connection.
• Intimacy: Close familiarity or friendship.
• Familial love: The love characteristic of a family.
• Kinship: Blood relationship or a feeling of being connected.

Related Idioms

• Máu chảy ruột mềm: (lit. When blood flows, the heart softens) - Blood is thicker than water; highlighting the power of familial tình thân.
  • Dù có bất đồng, nhưng máu chảy ruột mềm, họ vẫn giúp đỡ nhau. (Despite disagreements, but blood is thicker than water, they still help each other.)