Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be affectionate, to show tender love: "ân ái" refers to the act of expressing deep, gentle, and intimate love, often between romantic partners or spouses, encompassing both emotional and physical intimacy.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Họ rất ân ái với nhau. (They are very affectionate with each other.)
  • Đôi vợ chồng già vẫn luôn ân ái. (The old couple is still always loving and affectionate.)

Advanced Usage

• "ân ái" as a noun phrase: While primarily a verb, the phrase "sự ân ái" can be used as a noun to mean "affection" or "intimate love."
  • Sự ân ái của họ thật đáng ngưỡng mộ. (Their affection is truly admirable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ái ân (verb/noun): A synonym with identical meaning, often used interchangeably with "ân ái." It also means tender, intimate love.
  • Cuộc sống ái ân của họ rất hạnh phúc. (Their loving life is very happy.)

Synonyms

• Yêu thương (verb): To love, to cherish. (This is a more general term for love.)
• Quấn quýt (verb): To be entwined, to stick together lovingly. (Emphasizes physical closeness and attachment.)

Notes on Usage

• Tone and Context: "Ân ái" is a literary and somewhat formal term. It is commonly used in written language, poetry, and songs to describe conjugal or deep romantic love. In everyday spoken Vietnamese, simpler terms like "yêu thương" (to love) or "thương" (to love/care for) are more frequent.
• Nuance: It specifically implies a mutual, gentle, and intimate bond, often with a connotation of physical closeness within a committed relationship. It is not typically used for casual relationships or parental love.

1. như ái ân