tấm son
Definition
- Noun:
- A loyal heart / a faithful heart: A poetic and classical term referring to a person's unwavering loyalty, steadfast devotion, or pure, sincere heart. It is a metaphor comparing the heart to a piece of red vermilion ("son"), symbolizing constancy and fidelity.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Tấm son gột rửa bao giờ cho phai. (A faithful heart, once washed clean, when will it ever fade?)
- Dù xa cách, nàng vẫn giữ trọn tấm son. (Despite the separation, she kept her loyal heart intact.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in classical Vietnamese poetry and literary works. It is a fixed, metaphorical expression and is not used in modern everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Lòng son (n): a synonymous literary phrase meaning "a loyal heart" or "faithful intentions."
- Thề giữ vẹn lòng son. (Swore to keep a faithful heart.)
Synonyms
- Devotion: profound dedication.
- Fidelity: faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief.
- Constancy: the quality of being unchanging and steadfast.
Related Idioms
- Tấm lòng son sắt: an iron-strong loyal heart; emphasizes unbreakable fidelity.
- Anh ấy có một tấm lòng son sắt với quê hương. (He has an iron-strong loyal heart for his homeland.)