vô thủy chung
Definition
- Adjective:
- Without beginning or end; eternal; everlasting: Describes something that has always existed and will always exist, having no point of origin and no point of conclusion. It is a philosophical and literary term often used to describe concepts like time, the universe, or profound truths.
- Inconstant; fickle; lacking constancy: In a more common and critical usage, it describes a person's character as inconsistent, unreliable, or unfaithful, especially in relationships or commitments. This meaning derives from the idea of being without a stable "beginning" (thủy) and "end" (chung), i.e., not seeing things through.
Usage Examples
Adjective (eternal):
- Chân lý ấy là vô thủy chung. (That truth is eternal.)
- Vũ trụ được xem như là vô thủy chung. (The universe is considered to be without beginning or end.)
Adjective (inconstant):
- Anh ta là một kẻ vô thủy chung, chẳng giữ lời hứa bao giờ. (He is an inconstant person who never keeps his promises.)
- Đừng tin vào lời của người vô thủy chung. (Do not trust the words of a fickle person.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is compound, formed from "vô" (without), "thủy" (beginning), and "chung" (end). Its meaning is highly dependent on context. In formal, philosophical, or religious texts, it carries the positive, profound meaning of "eternal." In everyday spoken language and literature, it is most frequently used with the negative, critical meaning of "inconstant."
Variants and Related Words
- Bất chung (rare): Not having an end.
- Bất thủy (rare): Not having a beginning.
Synonyms
- Eternal: Lasting forever.
- Everlasting: Lasting forever.
- Inconstant: Frequently changing; not loyal.
- Fickle: Changing frequently, especially in loyalties or affections.
- Unfaithful: Not loyal.
Related Idioms
- Vô thủy vô chung: A reinforced form with the same dual meanings (eternal / inconstant).
- Tính tình nó vô thủy vô chung, lúc thế này lúc thế khác. (His temperament is so inconstant, one way one moment, another way the next.)