相濡以沫
相濡以沫 (xiāng rú yǐ mò) literally means “moisten each other with foam” and expresses “help each other in adversity”. 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: xiang ru yi mo, xiang ru yi mo,相濡以沫 meaning, 相濡以沫 in english
Help each other in adversity
Pronunciation: xiāng rú yǐ mò
Literal meaning: Moisten each other with foam
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes moistening each other (相濡) with foam (以沫). From Zhuangzi's parable of fish in a drying pond who keep each other alive by sharing their foam. Though Zhuangzi suggested freedom was better, the phrase came to represent devoted mutual support during hardship. Modern usage describes couples or friends helping each other survive difficult times through mutual care.
Examples
English: "The elderly couple supported each other through their difficult years."
Chinese: 这对老夫妻在困难岁月里相濡以沫。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 相濡以沫 mean in English?
相濡以沫 (xiāng rú yǐ mò) literally translates to “Moisten each other with foam” and is used to express “Help each other in adversity”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 相濡以沫 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving help each other in adversity.
What is the pinyin for 相濡以沫?
The pinyin pronunciation for 相濡以沫 is “xiāng rú yǐ mò”.