C1 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

休戚相关

Share a common lot

Literalmente: Joy (休) and sorrow (戚) are mutually (相) related (关).

Use this to describe serious, inseparable bonds where one's success or failure affects the other.

En 15 segundos

  • Intertwined fates where joy and sorrow are shared together.
  • Used for deep partnerships, family bonds, or international relations.
  • A high-level 'Chengyu' that implies loyalty and mutual interest.

Significado

This phrase describes a bond so deep that two people or groups share the same fate. When one person experiences joy or sorrow, the other feels it just as strongly because their lives are completely intertwined.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

A CEO addressing employees during a crisis

公司与员工的利益是休戚相关的。

The interests of the company and its employees are closely linked.

💼
2

Talking about global environmental issues

保护环境与我们每个人的生存休戚相关。

Protecting the environment is vital to the survival of every one of us.

👔
3

A heartfelt moment between long-term business partners

这么多年了,我们两家企业早已休戚相关。

After all these years, our two businesses have long shared a common lot.

💭
🌍

Contexto cultural

Originating from the 'Zuo Zhuan' during the Spring and Autumn period, this phrase reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of interconnectedness. It was historically used to describe the vital alliances between feudal states. Today, it remains a key term in Chinese diplomacy to express the concept of a 'community with a shared future.'

💡

The 'Joy and Sorrow' Secret

Remember that '休' means joy and '戚' means sorrow. This helps you remember it's not just about money or business, but about emotional connection too.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 息息相关

While '息息相关' means 'closely related' (like breathing), '休戚相关' is much heavier. It implies sharing a destiny, not just a connection.

En 15 segundos

  • Intertwined fates where joy and sorrow are shared together.
  • Used for deep partnerships, family bonds, or international relations.
  • A high-level 'Chengyu' that implies loyalty and mutual interest.

What It Means

Imagine you and a friend are tied together in a three-legged race. If they trip, you fall. If they sprint, you win. 休戚相关 is exactly that feeling. It describes a relationship where interests, happiness, and disasters are shared. It’s more than just being friends. It’s about having your destinies locked together.

How To Use It

You usually use this to describe big relationships. Think about a company and its employees. Or two countries that rely on each other for trade. You place the two subjects first, then follow with 休戚相关. It sounds sophisticated and deeply sincere. It tells the other person, "We are in this together, for better or worse."

When To Use It

Use it when the stakes are high. It’s perfect for a business partnership proposal. It works beautifully in a speech about community spirit. You can even use it in a serious heart-to-heart with a spouse. It shows you recognize that your well-being depends on theirs. It’s a powerful way to build trust and show loyalty.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this for trivial things. If you and a friend both like the same pizza topping, that's not 休戚相关. It’s too heavy for casual hobbies. Also, avoid using it for people you barely know. It might come off as a bit intense or even creepy. Save it for bonds that actually involve shared consequences.

Cultural Background

This expression comes from the *Zuo Zhuan*, an ancient Chinese historical text. It has been used for over two thousand years to describe political alliances. In ancient China, the survival of a state often depended on its neighbors. This phrase reminded leaders that their safety was linked to others. Today, it’s a staple of diplomatic and formal Chinese language.

Common Variations

You will often hear 休戚与共. It means almost the exact same thing. The 与共 part emphasizes "sharing" even more. Both are high-level expressions. If you use either one correctly, people will be very impressed with your Mandarin. It shows you understand the deep interconnectedness valued in Chinese culture.

Notas de uso

This is a high-register Chengyu. It is best suited for formal writing, speeches, or serious discussions about partnerships and loyalty. Avoid using it for trivial or casual connections.

💡

The 'Joy and Sorrow' Secret

Remember that '休' means joy and '戚' means sorrow. This helps you remember it's not just about money or business, but about emotional connection too.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 息息相关

While '息息相关' means 'closely related' (like breathing), '休戚相关' is much heavier. It implies sharing a destiny, not just a connection.

💬

The Power of Four

Using four-character idioms (Chengyu) like this in a business meeting instantly boosts your perceived authority and respect for Chinese culture.

Ejemplos

6
#1 A CEO addressing employees during a crisis
💼

公司与员工的利益是休戚相关的。

The interests of the company and its employees are closely linked.

Shows that the company's survival depends on the staff and vice versa.

#2 Talking about global environmental issues
👔

保护环境与我们每个人的生存休戚相关。

Protecting the environment is vital to the survival of every one of us.

Connects a global issue to personal well-being.

#3 A heartfelt moment between long-term business partners
💭

这么多年了,我们两家企业早已休戚相关。

After all these years, our two businesses have long shared a common lot.

Expresses a deep, historical bond of trust.

#4 Texting a teammate before a big championship game
🤝

别压力太大,咱们全队休戚相关,赢了一起狂,输了一起扛!

Don't stress too much; the whole team shares one fate. We celebrate together if we win, and endure together if we lose!

Uses the formal phrase in a supportive, motivating way.

#5 Explaining why a neighborhood watch is important
😊

社区的安全与每个家庭都休戚相关。

The safety of the community is closely tied to every family.

Emphasizes collective responsibility.

#6 A humorous take on a husband and wife's shared bank account
😄

我的钱包和你的心情真是休戚相关啊!

My wallet and your mood are truly bound together!

Lighthearted use implying that when the spouse is happy, the wallet suffers (or vice versa).

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a deep partnership.

这两国在经济上___,谁也离不开谁。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 休戚相关

The sentence describes two countries that are economically inseparable, making '休戚相关' (shared fate) the perfect fit.

Which phrase best describes a family's shared destiny?

家人的命运是___的,我们要互相支持。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 休戚相关

Family members share joys and sorrows, which is the core meaning of '休戚相关'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of Shared Fate

Casual

Using 'we are in the same boat'

我们在一条船上

Neutral

Directly saying interests are tied

利益绑定

Formal

Using '休戚相关' in speeches or documents

休戚相关

Very Formal

Literary or ancient diplomatic texts

休戚与共,患难同当

Where to use 休戚相关

休戚相关
🤝

International Diplomacy

Describing trade alliances

🏢

Corporate Culture

Employee-employer relations

💍

Marriage/Family

Deep emotional commitment

🌍

Environmentalism

Humanity and Nature

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

It means to share joys and sorrows and have a closely linked fate. For example, 我们两人的命运休戚相关 means our destinies are tied together.

Yes, but only if it's a very serious relationship. It sounds a bit like a marriage vow, so don't use it on a first date!

Usually, yes. But you can use it jokingly or to show extreme loyalty to a close friend, like 咱们可是休戚相关的兄弟.

They are nearly identical. 休戚与共 emphasizes 'sharing' (与共) a bit more, while 休戚相关 emphasizes the 'connection' (相关).

It is pronounced 'xiū qī xiāng guān'. Note that 'qī' is a high flat tone.

It's rare, but possible if you're talking about how humans and animals share the same ecosystem, like 人类与自然休戚相关.

Very common! You will see it in editorials about politics, economics, and social issues in China.

A common mistake is using it for things that are just 'related' but don't share a fate. For example, 'my shoes are related to my socks' is NOT 休戚相关.

No, it's generally positive or neutral. It emphasizes solidarity and the reality of a shared situation.

In this specific context, means 'auspicious' or 'joyful,' not 'to rest' as it usually does in 休息.

Yes! Telling an interviewer 我希望能与公司休戚相关 shows you are looking for a long-term commitment and want to grow with the company.

Frases relacionadas

息息相关

Closely linked (literally: related like every breath).

患难与共

To go through thick and thin together.

唇亡齿寒

If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold (interdependence).

同舟共济

To cross a river in the same boat (working together in difficulty).

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