Definition

1. Noun:

   • Deep feeling of gratitude and affection: A profound sentiment combining thankfulness for a kindness received and a lasting emotional bond. It implies a reciprocal, enduring relationship built on mutual care and obligation.
   • A debt of gratitude and sentiment: The sense of owing someone not just for a favor, but for the emotional goodwill and loyalty attached to it.

2. Adjective:

   • Full of deep affection and gratitude: Describes an action, conversation, or relationship that is heartfelt, loyal, and imbued with a sense of thankful attachment.
   • Sentimental and indebted: Characterized by a warm, devoted feeling that acknowledges past kindness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Anh ấy luôn mang trong lòng ân tình với người đã cứu mạng mình. (He always carries a deep feeling of gratitude and affection for the person who saved his life.)
  • Ân tình ấy không bao giờ có thể quên. (That debt of gratitude and sentiment can never be forgotten.)

• Adjective:

  • Họ có một cuộc trò chuyện ân tình suốt đêm. (They had a heartfelt, affectionate talk all night.)
  • Lời khuyên của bà rất ân tình. (Her advice was full of deep affection and goodwill.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept of "ân tình" is central to Vietnamese relational ethics. It is stronger than simple "gratitude" () as it intertwines obligation () with deep, lasting emotional attachment (). It often describes the foundational bond in long-term relationships between friends, family, or benefactors.

Variants and Related Words

• Ân nghĩa (n): Favor and righteousness; similar to but can place slightly more emphasis on the moral duty () aspect of the relationship.
• Tình nghĩa (n): Affection and duty; emphasizes the bond of love and moral obligation, often used for deep marital or familial bonds.

Synonyms

• Gratitude and affection: A blend of thankfulness and fondness.
• Heartfelt loyalty: Devotion that stems from emotional gratitude.
• Indebted affection: Loving feelings tied to a sense of obligation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nặng ân tình: To be heavy with gratitude and affection; to feel a profound, burdensome debt of sentimental gratitude.
  • Lòng tôi nặng ân tình với gia đình họ. (My heart is heavy with gratitude and affection for their family.)
• Ân tình ân nghĩa: A phrase combining both and to express the full depth of gratitude, affection, and moral debt.
  • Sự giúp đỡ của anh đối với tôi là ân tình ân nghĩa. (Your help to me is a profound favor of both affection and duty.)

noun

1. Deep feeling of gratitude

adj

1. Full of gratitude, full of deep affection
   • câu chuyện ân tình
     a talk full of deep affection, a heart-to-heart talk
   • Bây giờ ta đến thăm ta