唇齿相依
唇齿相依 (chún chǐ xiāng yī) literally means “lips and teeth depend” and expresses “mutual reliance”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: chun chi xiang yi, chun chi xiang yi,唇齿相依 meaning, 唇齿相依 in english
Mutual reliance
Pronunciation: chún chǐ xiāng yī Literal meaning: Lips and teeth depend
Origin & Usage
Two states that cannot survive each other's loss lean (相依) on one another as lips (唇) and teeth (齿) do. The image comes from the Zuo Zhuan, where Gong Zhiqi of Yu opposed letting Jin march through to attack Guo and quoted the proverb 辅车相依，唇亡齿寒 — cheekbone and jaw depend on each other, and when the lips are gone the teeth are cold. He was overruled; Jin destroyed Guo and took Yu on the way home. This exact four-character form is later, from a Wei official in the Records of the Three Kingdoms describing Wu and Shu as 唇齿相依. 唇亡齿寒 states the consequence, and this one states the relation.
Examples
English: "In a close friendship, their support for each other is essential for their well-being."
Chinese: 在亲密的友谊中，他们彼此的支持对彼此的幸福至关重要。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
唇亡齿寒
chún wáng chǐ hán
Fates linked together
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依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Reluctant to part; lingering attachment
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相敬如宾
xiāng jìng rú bīn
Treat each other with respect
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刮目相看
guā mù xiāng kàn
Reassess someone who has improved
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同舟共济
tóng zhōu gòng jì
Face challenges together
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牵羊担酒
qiān yáng dān jiǔ
Bring gifts to celebrate or give thanks
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言不由衷
yán bù yóu zhōng
Speak without meaning it
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言过其实
yán guò qí shí
Exaggerate; overstate
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 唇齿相依 mean in English?
唇齿相依 (chún chǐ xiāng yī) literally translates to “Lips and teeth depend” and is used to express “Mutual reliance”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 唇齿相依 used?
Situation: In a close friendship, their support for each other is essential for their well-being.
What is the pinyin for 唇齿相依?
The pinyin pronunciation for 唇齿相依 is “chún chǐ xiāng yī”.