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일편단심 一片丹心
Unwavering loyalty, devotion, and a pure, steadfast heart that remains unchanged until the very end.
일편단심 (一片丹心) means "Unwavering loyalty, devotion, and a pure, steadfast heart that remains unchanged until the very end.". This idiom is deeply rooted in Korean history, most famously immortalized in the 'Dansimga' (Song of
1 Meaning
일편단심 (一片丹心) means “Unwavering loyalty, devotion, and a pure, steadfast heart that remains unchanged until the very end.”.
Il-pyeon-dan-sim (一片丹心) literally means 'a single piece of a red heart,' representing a sincere and unchanging devotion. It is most commonly used to describe an unconditional love for one person or a steadfast loyalty toward a leader or cause.
The Western Equivalent
No exact match — here's why
No direct English equivalent. The phrase means "a single crimson heart" — pure, unwavering devotion or loyalty. The closest is "undying loyalty" or "a heart true and unchanging," but English has no set proverb for this steadfast, one-directional fidelity.
2 Examples
A period of prolonged job searching where external pressure and low self-esteem make it difficult to continue.
Persisting in one's creative dreams by practicing every single day at a set time without giving up.
A business environment that only pursues popular fads and rapidly changing market trends.
A company strictly adhering to its founding principles of 'eco-friendliness and honesty' for over 30 years, even when it meant short-term losses.
A couple facing a long-distance relationship or a significant period of physical separation.
Writing letters daily and maintaining absolute trust in one another despite their busy lives and the distance.
Which situation fits this idiom?
Pick the everyday scene where “일편단심” fits best.
3 Origin
4 Key Lessons
The value of maintaining a consistent heart and center of gravity in an ever-changing world.
The importance of responsibility and keeping promises even in the face of hardship and adversity.
True love and trust are built through continuous commitment and devotion rather than temporary passion.
5 English Expression
English Vocabulary
breeze
미풍, 산들바람
"A cool breeze blew through the open window."
tide
조수, 파도
"The tide comes in twice a day at this beach."
fade
희미해지다, 바래다
"Memories of the trip began to fade over time."
slip away
사라지다, 멀어지다
"Don't let this golden opportunity slip away."
6 Learn with Music
Related Idioms
일편단심
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