tâm phúc tương tri
Definition
Idiom: - To know each other's hearts and minds; to have a deep mutual understanding: This idiom describes a profound and intimate friendship or relationship where two people completely understand each other's innermost thoughts, feelings, and intentions without needing to speak. It implies a bond of absolute trust and loyalty.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Hai người bạn ấy thực sự là tâm phúc tương tri. (Those two friends truly know each other's hearts and minds.)
- Chỉ có người tâm phúc tương tri mới hiểu được quyết định khó khăn của tôi. (Only a deeply understanding confidant can comprehend my difficult decision.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is often used in literary, formal, or reflective contexts to describe ideal, loyal friendships, such as those between lifelong friends, sworn siblings, or a ruler and their most trusted advisor. It is not used for casual acquaintances.
Variants and Related Words
- Tri kỷ (n): a soulmate, a kindred spirit; someone who profoundly understands you.
- Tìm được một tri kỷ trong đời là điều quý giá. (Finding a soulmate in life is a precious thing.)
- Tâm giao (n): communion of hearts, deep spiritual connection.
- Họ có một mối tâm giao từ thuở nhỏ. (They have had a deep spiritual connection since childhood.)
Synonyms
- Bosom friends: very close, intimate friends.
- Confidants: people with whom one shares secrets and private matters.
- Kindred spirits: people who share similar attitudes, interests, and feelings.
Related Idioms
- Hiểu như lòng bàn tay: to understand like the palm of one's hand; to know someone or something extremely well.
- Bà ấy hiểu tính con trai mình như lòng bàn tay. (She understands her son's nature like the palm of her hand.)
- Đồng thanh tương ứng, đồng khí tương cầu: literally "similar sounds resonate, similar energies attract"; meaning like attracts like or birds of a feather flock together.
- Họ trở thành bạn thân, đúng là đồng thanh tương ứng. (They became close friends; truly, like attracts like.)