同舟共济
同舟共济 (tóng zhōu gòng jì) literally means “cross river in same boat” and expresses “face challenges together”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Face challenges together
Pronunciation: tóng zhōu gòng jì
Literal meaning: Cross river in same boat
Origin & Usage
This idiom shares deep connections with China's river-centric civilization, where crossing (济) together (共) in the same boat (同舟) was often a matter of life and death. Ancient texts tell of strangers becoming allies when facing treacherous waters, especially along the mighty Yangtze. During the Three Kingdoms period, multiple accounts describe opposing armies cooperating to navigate dangerous rapids. The imagery powerfully conveys mutual dependence and collective survival. Modern applications extend to corporate partnerships, international cooperation on global challenges, and community resilience during crises. The idiom emphasizes that differences become secondary when facing shared challenges – whether environmental disasters, economic hardships, or social upheavals.
Examples
English: "The community united to help those affected by the disaster"
Chinese: 社区团结起来帮助受灾群众
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 同舟共济 mean in English?
同舟共济 (tóng zhōu gòng jì) literally translates to “Cross river in same boat” and is used to express “Face challenges together”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 同舟共济 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving face challenges together.
What is the pinyin for 同舟共济?
The pinyin pronunciation for 同舟共济 is “tóng zhōu gòng jì”.