肝胆相照
肝胆相照 (gān dǎn xiāng zhào) literally means “livers and galls illuminate each other” and expresses “share complete trust and loyalty”. 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: gan dan xiang zhao, gan dan xiang zhao,肝胆相照 meaning, 肝胆相照 in english
Share complete trust and loyalty
Pronunciation: gān dǎn xiāng zhào
Literal meaning: Livers and galls illuminate each other
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes livers (肝) and galls (胆) illuminating (照) each other (相). In Chinese culture, these organs represent courage and sincerity. The phrase depicts friends so close they share their innermost selves. Modern usage describes deep friendship characterized by complete trust and transparency, relationships where nothing is hidden and total loyalty exists.
Examples
English: "The two friends shared everything with complete trust."
Chinese: 两位朋友肝胆相照，完全信任彼此。
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 肝胆相照 mean in English?
肝胆相照 (gān dǎn xiāng zhào) literally translates to “Livers and galls illuminate each other” and is used to express “Share complete trust and loyalty”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 肝胆相照 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving share complete trust and loyalty.
What is the pinyin for 肝胆相照?
The pinyin pronunciation for 肝胆相照 is “gān dǎn xiāng zhào”.