守望相助
守望相助 (shǒu wàng xiāng zhù) literally means “watch and help each other” and expresses “help and support each other”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: shou wang xiang zhu, shou wang xiang zhu,守望相助 meaning, 守望相助 in english
Help and support each other
Pronunciation: shǒu wàng xiāng zhù
Literal meaning: Watch and help each other
Origin & Usage
Originating from ancient Chinese village organization principles, this phrase describes communities watching (守望) and helping (相助) each other. Historical records from the Zhou Dynasty detail how five families would form mutual aid groups, sharing lookout duties and agricultural assistance. The concept proved so effective it was incorporated into formal administrative systems during the Han Dynasty. Today, it represents the enduring value of community solidarity and mutual support, particularly in times of hardship.
Examples
English: "During the crisis, neighbors took turns checking on elderly residents"
Chinese: 在危机期间，邻居们轮流照看年长居民
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
自以为是
zì yǐ wéi shì
Self-righteous; opinionated
Learn more →
粗心大意
cū xīn dà yì
Careless; negligent
Learn more →
无可奈何
wú kě nài hé
Helpless; having no alternative
Learn more →
名副其实
míng fù qí shí
Living up to one's name or reputation
Learn more →
言而有信
yán ér yǒu xìn
To be true to one's word
Learn more →
天长地久
tiān cháng dì jiǔ
Everlasting; eternal
Learn more →
望穿秋水
wàng chuān qiū shuǐ
To eagerly await someone or something
Learn more →
急功近利
jí gōng jìn lì
Seek quick success and immediate benefit
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 守望相助 mean in English?
守望相助 (shǒu wàng xiāng zhù) literally translates to “Watch and help each other” and is used to express “Help and support each other”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 守望相助 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving help and support each other.
What is the pinyin for 守望相助?
The pinyin pronunciation for 守望相助 is “shǒu wàng xiāng zhù”.