tỏ tình
Definition
- Verb:
- To confess one's love / to declare one's love: The primary meaning of "tỏ tình" is to openly express romantic feelings or affection to another person.
- To propose (romantically): It can also refer to the act of asking someone to be in a romantic relationship, similar to a confession of love.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ấy đã tỏ tình với cô ấy dưới ánh trăng. (He confessed his love to her under the moonlight.)
- Cô ấy rất lo lắng khi định tỏ tình với bạn thân. (She was very nervous when she intended to declare her love to her best friend.)
- Họ trở thành một cặp sau khi anh ấy tỏ tình. (They became a couple after he confessed his feelings.)
Advanced Usage
- The act of "tỏ tình" is a significant cultural moment, often involving preparation, specific timing, or a romantic setting. It marks the transition from friendship or acquaintance to a recognized romantic pursuit.
- It is typically a direct verbal expression, but can sometimes be done through a letter, gift, or symbolic action understood as a declaration of love.
Variants and Related Words
- Lời tỏ tình (n): a love confession, the words or content of the declaration.
- Lời tỏ tình của anh ấy rất chân thành. (His love confession was very sincere.)
Synonyms
- Confess one's love: to admit or declare romantic feelings.
- Declare one's love: to state one's love openly.
- Propose (in a romantic context): to ask someone to be one's romantic partner.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Tỏ bày tình cảm: to express one's feelings (can be broader than romantic love, including familial or friendly feelings).
- Anh ấy không giỏi trong việc tỏ bày tình cảm. (He is not good at expressing his feelings.)