风雨同舟
风雨同舟 (fēng yǔ tóng zhōu) literally means “share boat in wind and rain” and expresses “share hardships 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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Share hardships together
Pronunciation: fēng yǔ tóng zhōu
Literal meaning: Share boat in wind and rain
Origin & Usage
Closely related to '同舟共济' but with added emotional depth, this idiom evokes sharing a boat (同舟) amid wind (风) and rain (雨). It first appeared in Song Dynasty poetry describing political allies weathering court intrigues together. The imagery draws from the experiences of river travelers who formed deep bonds facing storms in small boats, where survival demanded absolute trust and cooperation. Modern usage emphasizes enduring friendships and partnerships tested by adversity, particularly in business relationships and personal bonds. The idiom suggests that challenging circumstances reveal the true strength of relationships, celebrating connections that become stronger rather than break under pressure.
Examples
English: "The partners stood by each other through business difficulties"
Chinese: 合伙人在企业困难时期互相支持
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 风雨同舟 mean in English?
风雨同舟 (fēng yǔ tóng zhōu) literally translates to “Share boat in wind and rain” and is used to express “Share hardships together”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 风雨同舟 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving share hardships together.
What is the pinyin for 风雨同舟?
The pinyin pronunciation for 风雨同舟 is “fēng yǔ tóng zhōu”.