同心结
tóng xīn jié
Love knot · trad. 同心結
同心结 (tóngxīnjié) is a traditional Chinese knot that profoundly symbolizes eternal love, unity, and fidelity between two people. It represents an unbreakable bond and is often exchanged by lovers or used in weddings.
When to use it
Poetic and romantic. This term is primarily used in symbolic contexts like gifts, decorations, or wedding ceremonies, rather than in everyday conversation. It is a specific, meaningful type of 'Chinese knot'.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “tong-SHIN-jyeh.” The first syllable “tong” is a rising tone, “shin” is a high-level tone, and “jyeh” is a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 中国结zhōng guó jiéChinese knot (broader category, often includes love knots)
- 连心结lián xīn jiéconnected heart knot (similar meaning, sometimes used interchangeably)
- 情人结qíng rén jiélover's knot (more direct, but less common than 同心结 for the symbolic meaning)
Examples
这个同心结象征着永恒的爱情。
zhè ge tóng xīn jié xiàng zhēng zhe yǒng héng de ài qíng 。
This love knot symbolizes eternal love.
她亲手编织了一个同心结送给她的爱人。
tā qīn shǒu biān zhī le yí gè tóng xīn jié sòng gěi tā de ài rén 。
She personally wove a love knot to give to her beloved.
在中国的传统婚礼中，同心结是常见的装饰。
zài zhōng guó de chuán tǒng hūn lǐ zhōng ， tóng xīn jié shì cháng jiàn de zhuāng shì 。
In traditional Chinese weddings, love knots are common decorations.
Pro tip: 同心结 is a specific type of 中国结 (Chinese knot). While all 同心结 are 中国结, not all 中国结 are 同心结. 中国结 is a broader category for decorative knots, many of which carry different symbolic meanings.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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