đồng loại
Definition
Noun:
- A member of the same species: Refers to an individual animal, plant, or organism that belongs to the same biological species as another.
- A fellow being of the same kind: Used more broadly and philosophically to denote another entity sharing the same fundamental nature or category, often implying a bond or commonality.
Adjective (Attributive):
- Of the same kind/species: Describes things or beings that are of an identical type or species.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Con hổ đó đang bảo vệ lãnh thổ khỏi những *đồng loại của nó.* (That tiger is protecting its territory from its own kind.)
- Lòng thương *đồng loại là một đức tính tốt.* (Compassion for one's fellow beings is a good virtue.)
Adjective:
- Chúng tôi nghiên cứu hành vi của các nhóm động vật *đồng loại.* (We study the behavior of conspecific animal groups.)
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in ethical or sociological discussions to emphasize shared identity and moral responsibility among humans or other beings.
- Câu chuyện đề cao tình cảm giữa những đồng loại. (The story highlights the affection between fellow creatures.)
Variants and Related Words
- Đồng loại tính (n): The state or quality of being of the same species; conspecificity.
- Đồng chủng loại (n): A more specific term emphasizing the same breed or race within a species.
Synonyms
- Conspecific: (Biology) Belonging to the same species.
- Fellow creature: A being of the same kind, often used with emotional or moral weight.
- Congener: A member of the same genus or a thing of the same kind.
Related Idioms
- Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã: (Proverb) Literally "A drop of blood is more valuable than a pond of plain water." It underscores the stronger bond with kin or one's own kind compared to strangers. While not containing "đồng loại," it relates to the concept of prioritizing those most similar to you.