息息相关
Closely related
Literalmente: Breath breath mutually related
Use it to describe two things that are so linked they share the same fate.
En 15 segundos
- Describes a vital, inseparable connection between two things.
- Literally means 'breathing together' in a synchronized way.
- Commonly used for health, environment, and professional relationships.
Significado
Imagine two things so tightly linked that they share the same breath. It describes a relationship where one thing directly and deeply affects the other, making them inseparable.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about health
身体健康与饮食习惯息息相关。
Physical health is closely related to eating habits.
In a business meeting
公司的发展与每个员工的努力息息相关。
The company's development is closely linked to every employee's effort.
Texting a friend about the weather
我的心情总是跟天气息息相关。
My mood is always closely tied to the weather.
Contexto cultural
Rooted in the concept of 'Qi' (life force/breath), this idiom suggests that two entities are part of the same living system. It rose to prominence in late Qing dynasty literature to describe the fate of a nation and its people. Today, it is the go-to phrase for discussing global issues like climate change or economic interdependence.
The 'A and B' Rule
Always use it to connect two things. It rarely stands alone. Think of it as a bridge between two concepts.
Don't be Trivial
Avoid using it for things that don't actually matter. If you say your choice of socks is `息息相关` to your breakfast, people will think you're being sarcastic.
En 15 segundos
- Describes a vital, inseparable connection between two things.
- Literally means 'breathing together' in a synchronized way.
- Commonly used for health, environment, and professional relationships.
What It Means
Think of two people breathing in total sync. That is the heart of 息息相关. It describes a connection that is vital and deep. If one thing changes, the other feels it instantly. It is much stronger than just saying things are "connected." It implies that the two things are intertwined at a fundamental level. You use it when talking about life-and-death links or essential dependencies.
How To Use It
You will usually see this phrase connecting two nouns or concepts. The most common structure is "A and B 息息相关." You can also say "A is 息息相关 with B." It sounds sophisticated but is very common in daily speech. It adds a layer of seriousness and importance to the relationship you are describing. It is like saying, "You cannot have one without the other."
When To Use It
Use it when discussing big, impactful topics. It is perfect for talking about health and lifestyle. It works great for the environment and human behavior. In a business meeting, use it to show how profit relates to customer satisfaction. You can even use it when texting a friend about how your mood depends on the weather. It shows you understand the deep mechanics of how the world works.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for trivial or temporary connections. If you just met someone at a party, you are not 息息相关. If you are talking about your shoes matching your bag, this phrase is too heavy. Using it for minor things makes you sound like you are over-dramatizing. Save it for things that actually matter to the big picture of life or work.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a classic four-character idiom, or 成语 (chéngyǔ). The word 息 (xī) means breath. In ancient Chinese thought, breath is the essence of life and energy. By repeating the word 息息, the phrase emphasizes a continuous, living connection. It reflects a holistic worldview where everything in nature and society is interconnected. It has been a staple of Chinese literature and formal rhetoric for centuries.
Common Variations
You might hear 息息相通 (xī xī xiāng tōng). This variation is very similar but focuses more on a spiritual or mental connection. While 息息相关 is about things affecting each other, 息息相通 is about things understanding or resonating with each other. Think of 相关 as a functional link and 相通 as a soulful link. Both are high-level ways to describe deep bonds.
Notas de uso
This is a versatile B2-level idiom. It fits perfectly in both professional reports and deep personal conversations, but avoid using it for low-stakes, trivial connections.
The 'A and B' Rule
Always use it to connect two things. It rarely stands alone. Think of it as a bridge between two concepts.
Don't be Trivial
Avoid using it for things that don't actually matter. If you say your choice of socks is `息息相关` to your breakfast, people will think you're being sarcastic.
The Breath Secret
The 'breath' (息) in this phrase refers to the ancient idea that all living things are connected through a shared life force. Using it makes you sound very culturally aware!
Ejemplos
6身体健康与饮食习惯息息相关。
Physical health is closely related to eating habits.
A classic use linking a result to a cause.
公司的发展与每个员工的努力息息相关。
The company's development is closely linked to every employee's effort.
Used here to motivate and show interdependence.
我的心情总是跟天气息息相关。
My mood is always closely tied to the weather.
A common informal way to use the phrase.
我早上的工作效率与这杯咖啡息息相关。
My morning productivity is inextricably linked to this cup of coffee.
Using a heavy idiom for a light topic creates humor.
保护环境与我们的未来息息相关。
Protecting the environment is closely related to our future.
Very formal and impactful.
一段感情的稳定与信任息息相关。
The stability of a relationship is closely tied to trust.
Deep and sincere tone.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about education.
孩子的成长与家庭教育___。
Education and upbringing are deeply linked, making '息息相关' the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence about the economy.
物价的变化与我们的生活___。
Price changes directly affect our lives, so they are '息息相关'.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 息息相关
Texting friends about your mood or coffee habits.
My mood is 息息相关 with my sleep.
Daily conversations about health or hobbies.
Success is 息息相关 with hard work.
News reports, business meetings, or academic papers.
The economy is 息息相关 with global trade.
Where to use 息息相关
Health & Habits
Exercise and longevity.
Professional Life
Teamwork and project success.
Environment
Pollution and public health.
Personal Emotions
Weather and happiness.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt literally means 'breath by breath.' It signifies a continuous, living connection that never stops, just like breathing.
Not at all! While it is a Chengyu, it is very common in daily life. You can use it with friends to sound more expressive.
It's usually used for abstract concepts or systems. For a romantic couple, you might use 心心相印 (hearts linked) instead, though 息息相关 isn't technically wrong.
紧密联系 (jǐnmì liánxì) means 'closely connected.' 息息相关 is more poetic and implies a much deeper, vital dependency.
It originated in the Qing Dynasty, often used by scholars to describe the relationship between the people and the state.
Yes, you can say 并不息息相关 to mean two things aren't as related as people think, but it's much more common in the positive.
You could just say 有关 (yǒuguān), but you lose all the flavor and emphasis of the original idiom.
Usually, yes. You need a word like 与, 和, or 跟 to connect the two things you are talking about.
Absolutely. It is perfect for saying that 'A' is the reason 'B' happens, like 努力与成功息息相关 (Effort and success are closely related).
A common mistake is forgetting one of the 息 characters. It must be 息息, not just 息相关.
Frases relacionadas
紧密相连
Tightly linked/connected
休戚与共
To share weal and woe (more formal)
密不可分
Inseparable
息息相通
Connected in spirit/mind
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