tình nghĩa
Definition
- Noun:
- Affection and obligation: The deep, enduring bond combining heartfelt affection (tình) and a sense of moral duty, loyalty, or gratitude (nghĩa) between people. It implies a committed, reciprocal relationship.
- Sentimental attachment: A profound emotional connection and devotion, often within long-term relationships like family, spouses, or close friends.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Hai người sống với nhau trọn đời đầy tình nghĩa. (The two lived a full life together full of affection and loyalty.)
- Anh ấy là người rất coi trọng tình nghĩa. (He is a person who highly values sentimental bonds and duty.)
- Tình nghĩa thầy trò thật sâu nặng. (The bond of affection and respect between teacher and student is truly deep.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept is central to Vietnamese social ethics, suggesting that true feeling () should be accompanied by responsibility and faithfulness (). It is stronger than fleeting emotion.
- "Nhà tình nghĩa": A "gratitude house"; a house built by the community or state for a family that has contributed to the nation (e.g., war veterans' families), embodying the (gratitude/obligation) aspect.
Variants and Related Words
- Ân tình (n): Kindness and sentiment; favors and affection given, creating a bond of gratitude.
- Tình cảm (n): Feeling, emotion. (This is a broader, more general term for feelings, lacking the strong moral component of ).
- Nghĩa tình (n): A reversed form of , often used interchangeably, sometimes emphasizing the duty () aspect first.
Synonyms
- Devotion: Profound dedication and love.
- Bond: A connection that unites people.
- Fidelity: Faithfulness to obligations, often in relationships.
Related Idioms
- "Trọng tình trọng nghĩa": To value both sentiment and duty; describing a righteous, loyal person.
- Ông ấy sống rất trọng tình trọng nghĩa. (He lives a life that highly values affection and moral duty.)
- "Vô tình vô nghĩa": To be heartless and ungrateful; to lack both affection and a sense of obligation.
- Đừng trở thành kẻ vô tình vô nghĩa. (Don't become a heartless and ungrateful person.)