đồng tâm
Definition
Adjective:
- To be of one heart / to be united in heart: Describes a state where individuals or a group share the same feelings, intentions, or spirit. It emphasizes emotional and psychological unity.
- To be unanimous / to be of one mind: Refers to being in complete agreement or having identical thoughts and purposes regarding a specific matter.
Verb (to act with đồng tâm):
- To unite / to act in unison: To come together with shared purpose and determination to achieve a common goal.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Mọi người trong đội cần phải đồng tâm. (Everyone on the team needs to be united in heart.)
- Chúng tôi hoàn toàn đồng tâm với quyết định đó. (We are completely unanimous on that decision.)
Verb (implied action):
- Nhân dân cả nước đồng tâm chống dịch. (The people of the whole country unite to fight the pandemic.)
Advanced Usage
- "đồng tâm hiệp lực": This is a very common four-word idiom meaning "to unite in heart and combine strength" or "to unite in spirit and join forces." It denotes a deep, concerted effort.
- Chỉ có đồng tâm hiệp lực, chúng ta mới vượt qua khó khăn. (Only by uniting in heart and joining forces can we overcome difficulties.)
Variants and Related Words
Đồng lòng (adj): to be of one mind, to be unanimous. Often used interchangeably with đồng tâm, though đồng lòng can sometimes place slightly more emphasis on shared will or resolve.
- Toàn dân đồng lòng. (The entire people are of one mind.)
Đoàn kết (v/n): to unite, solidarity. Focuses more on the state or action of unity rather than the internal feeling of shared heart.
- Đoàn kết là sức mạnh. (Solidarity is strength.)
Synonyms
- Unanimous: fully in agreement.
- United: joined together politically, emotionally, or in action.
- Like-minded: having similar opinions or inclinations.
Related Idioms
Trên dưới đồng lòng: Literally "those above and below are of one mind," meaning leaders and the people are united.
- Công ty phát triển mạnh nhờ trên dưới đồng lòng. (The company develops strongly because the leadership and staff are united.)
Một lòng một dạ: To be of one heart and one mind; to be single-minded and devoted.
- Cô ấy một lòng một dạ chăm sóc gia đình. (She is wholeheartedly devoted to caring for her family.)