tương thân

Hai người bạn tương thân cùng nhau trồng cây trong vườn.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Mutually affectionate / mutually caring: Describes a state where people feel and show care, kindness, and a close, friendly bond toward one another. It emphasizes reciprocal goodwill within a community or group.
   • Mutually close / intimate: Refers to a relationship characterized by mutual familiarity, closeness, and a sense of belonging.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tinh thần tương thân là truyền thống quý báu của dân tộc. (The spirit of mutual care is a precious tradition of the nation.)
  • Họ sống với nhau rất tương thân. (They live together in a very mutually affectionate way.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is most commonly and powerfully used in the four-word idiom "tương thân tương ái", which means "mutual affection and mutual love" or "solidarity." This idiom encapsulates the ideal of people loving, caring for, and supporting one another.
  • Mọi người trong làng luôn giữ tinh thần tương thân tương ái. (Everyone in the village always maintains the spirit of mutual love and solidarity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thân thiết (adj): close, intimate. Describes a close personal relationship.

  • Họ là những người bạn thân thiết. (They are close friends.)

• Đoàn kết (v/n): to unite; solidarity. Focuses on unity for a common purpose.

  • Sự đoàn kết tạo nên sức mạnh. (Solidarity creates strength.)

Synonyms

• Mutual care: reciprocal concern for each other's well-being.
• Mutual affection: reciprocal fondness and tenderness.
• Solidarity (especially in "tương thân tương ái"): unity based on common interests and support.

Related Idioms

• Tương thân tương ái: mutual love and solidarity. This is the standard and complete expression of the concept.
  • Cộng đồng người Việt ở nước ngoài thường hỗ trợ nhau theo tinh thần tương thân tương ái. (Overseas Vietnamese communities often support each other in the spirit of mutual love and solidarity.)