thù hằn

Definition

1. Noun:

   • Deep-seated hatred or enmity: A persistent and bitter feeling of animosity or ill will, often arising from past wrongs or injuries, and characterized by a strong desire for revenge or to see harm come to the other party.

2. Verb:

   • To harbor a deep grudge: To hold onto feelings of intense resentment and hostility over a long period.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Hai gia đình có mối thù hằn từ nhiều đời. (The two families have a deep-seated enmity spanning many generations.)
  • Anh ta nhìn tôi với ánh mắt đầy thù hằn. (He looked at me with eyes full of hatred.)

• Verb:

  • Họ thù hằn nhau sau vụ tranh chấp đất đai. (They harbor a deep grudge against each other after the land dispute.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "thù hằn" often implies a long-lasting, simmering resentment that is more profound and enduring than temporary anger (). It is commonly used in contexts of feuds, vendettas, or profound personal betrayals.

Variants and Related Words

• Thù địch (n): hostility, enmity (often used in more formal or political contexts).

  • Mối quan hệ thù địch giữa hai quốc gia. (The hostile relationship between the two nations.)

• Hận thù (n): hatred, rancor (a compound word with similar meaning, often used in literary contexts).

  • Mối hận thù không thể nguôi ngoai. (An implacable hatred.)

Synonyms

• Grudge: A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment.
• Rancor: Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing.
• Animosity: Strong hostility.
• Vendetta: A prolonged bitter quarrel with a campaign of revenge.

Related Idioms

• Thù hằn chất chứa: To have accumulated/pent-up hatred.

  • Bao năm thù hằn chất chứa, nay bùng nổ. (Years of pent-up hatred have now exploded.)

• Mối thù truyền kiếp: A feud passed down through generations; a generational vendetta.

  • Câu chuyện kể về mối thù truyền kiếp giữa hai dòng họ. (The story tells of a generational feud between two clans.)