同病相怜
同病相怜 (tóng bìng xiāng lián) literally means “same illness mutually sympathize” and expresses “sympathize with those sharing similar troubles”. 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: tong bing xiang lian, tong bing xiang lian,同病相怜 meaning, 同病相怜 in english
Sympathize with those sharing similar troubles
Pronunciation: tóng bìng xiāng lián
Literal meaning: Same illness mutually sympathize
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes those with the same (同) illness or affliction (病) mutually (相) sympathizing (怜). It captures the special understanding between people who share similar suffering. The phrase originated in Han Dynasty texts describing exiles who found comfort in shared misfortune. Modern usage describes solidarity born from common hardship, where shared experience creates deeper understanding and compassion than outsiders can offer.
Examples
English: "Having experienced similar losses, they truly understood each other."
Chinese: 经历过类似的失去，他们同病相怜。
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 同病相怜 mean in English?
同病相怜 (tóng bìng xiāng lián) literally translates to “Same illness mutually sympathize” and is used to express “Sympathize with those sharing similar troubles”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 同病相怜 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving sympathize with those sharing similar troubles.
What is the pinyin for 同病相怜?
The pinyin pronunciation for 同病相怜 is “tóng bìng xiāng lián”.