不约而同
Without prior consultation
字面意思: Not (不) agreed/invited (约) yet (而) same/together (同)
Use it when people act in perfect unison by pure, happy coincidence.
15秒了解
- Doing the same thing simultaneously without any prior planning.
- The Chinese version of 'great minds think alike' in action.
- Used as an adverb before verbs to show accidental synchronization.
意思
It's that magical moment when you and someone else do or say the exact same thing at the same time, without ever planning it. It's like being on the same wavelength by total accident.
关键例句
3 / 6Two friends ordering the same drink
我们不约而同地点了一杯珍珠奶茶。
We both ordered a pearl milk tea without even talking about it.
A crowd cheering at a goal
进球的那一刻，全场观众不约而同地站了起来。
The moment the goal was scored, the entire audience stood up as one.
Colleagues reaching for the same file
开会时，我们两个不约而同地拿起了那份报告。
During the meeting, we both reached for that report at the same time.
文化背景
The phrase originates from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji) and the 'Book of Han.' It reflects the traditional Chinese philosophical ideal of 'natural resonance,' where people in harmony naturally move in the same direction. It transitioned from a literary description of political unity to a beloved daily expression for social synchronicity.
The 'De' (地) Secret
In modern Chinese, you often add `地` (de) after the phrase when it's followed by a verb, like `不约而同地笑`. It makes your sentence flow much better!
Don't Force It
Never use this if you actually planned the meeting. If you said 'let's meet at 5,' use `准时` (on time) instead.
15秒了解
- Doing the same thing simultaneously without any prior planning.
- The Chinese version of 'great minds think alike' in action.
- Used as an adverb before verbs to show accidental synchronization.
What It Means
Imagine you and your best friend both reach for the last slice of pizza. You didn't talk about it. You didn't plan it. It just happened. That is 不约而同. It describes a coincidence of action or thought. It suggests a deep, unspoken connection between people. It is the 'great minds think alike' of the Chinese language.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase before a verb. It acts like an adverb in your sentence. Think of it as saying 'coincidentally' or 'simultaneously.' You can use it for small physical actions. You can also use it for big life decisions. It highlights the surprise of the moment. It makes the shared action feel more special.
When To Use It
Use it when you see a crowd react together. Use it when two people wear the same outfit. It is perfect for describing a team that works perfectly. Use it at a party when everyone starts dancing. Use it in a meeting when everyone agrees instantly. It adds a touch of 'fate' to your story. It sounds much more natural than just saying 'at the same time.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you actually planned the event. If you sent a calendar invite, this phrase is wrong. Avoid using it for negative, forced coincidences. It usually has a positive or neutral vibe. Don't use it for solo actions. You need at least two people for this to work. It is not for things that happen by physical law. Gravity making things fall isn't 不约而同.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from ancient Chinese history books. It originally described kings making the same wise choices. Over centuries, it became a common way to praise harmony. Chinese culture deeply values 'He' (harmony). Doing things together without speaking shows a high level of social bond. It implies that your hearts are connected. It is a very poetic way to view a simple coincidence.
Common Variations
A similar phrase is 心有灵犀. That one is more about 'telepathy' or romantic connection. 不约而同 is more about the external action. You might also hear 机缘巧合. That just means 'by chance.' If you want to emphasize the 'same result,' stick with 不约而同. It is the most common and versatile choice for daily life.
使用说明
This phrase is extremely versatile and fits into almost any social register. Just remember it functions as an adverbial modifier, so it almost always sits right before the action it describes.
The 'De' (地) Secret
In modern Chinese, you often add `地` (de) after the phrase when it's followed by a verb, like `不约而同地笑`. It makes your sentence flow much better!
Don't Force It
Never use this if you actually planned the meeting. If you said 'let's meet at 5,' use `准时` (on time) instead.
The 'Silent' Bond
Using this phrase about a friend is a huge compliment. It suggests you are so close that you don't even need to talk to know what the other is thinking.
例句
6我们不约而同地点了一杯珍珠奶茶。
We both ordered a pearl milk tea without even talking about it.
Shows a shared preference in a casual setting.
进球的那一刻，全场观众不约而同地站了起来。
The moment the goal was scored, the entire audience stood up as one.
Describes a collective, spontaneous reaction.
开会时，我们两个不约而同地拿起了那份报告。
During the meeting, we both reached for that report at the same time.
Adds a bit of lightheartedness to a work scenario.
太巧了！我们竟然不约而同地发了同样的消息。
What a coincidence! we actually sent the same message at the same time.
Perfect for digital 'jinx' moments.
听完那个笑话，大家都不约而同地笑了起来。
After hearing that joke, everyone burst out laughing together.
Highlights the shared humor of a group.
周末我们不约而同地想去那个公园散步。
This weekend, we both happened to want to go for a walk in that park.
Implies a romantic or close connection.
自我测试
Choose the correct phrase to describe two people wearing the same shirt by accident.
今天我和小王___穿了件红色的衬衫。
Since it happened by accident and they both did the same thing, '不约而同' is the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence describing a group reaction.
看到美丽的日出，游客们___地拿起手机拍照。
The tourists acted simultaneously without planning, which is exactly what this phrase describes.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 不约而同
Texting a friend about a coincidence.
我们真是不约而同！
Describing a scene in a story or blog.
大家不约而同地鼓掌。
News reports or literature.
两国代表不约而同地提出了相似的方案。
Where to use 不约而同
Fashion Faux Pas
Wearing the same outfit.
Office Harmony
Suggesting the same idea.
Public Events
Standing for an anthem.
Daily Life
Buying the same snack.
常见问题
10 个问题It literally means 'not invited/agreed, yet same.' It describes people doing the same thing without a prior agreement.
No, you need at least two people. It describes a shared action or thought between multiple parties.
It's quite neutral. You can use it in a casual text like 我们真是不约而同 or in a formal book.
心有灵犀 is more about mental telepathy or romantic connection. 不约而同 is focused on the actual action happening at the same time.
Technically yes, but it's usually used for neutral or positive coincidences. Using it for a disaster might sound a bit strange.
It's very common to use 地 when it's an adverb before a verb, but in short exclamations like 真是不约而同, you don't need it.
Yes, it is a classic four-character idiom (Chengyu) with a long history in Chinese literature.
Yes! You can say 我们不约而同地想到了这个主意 (We both thought of this idea without talking about it).
The most common mistake is using it for things that were actually planned. It must be a coincidence!
The closest are 'great minds think alike' or 'as if by prior agreement' (though the latter is more formal).
相关表达
心有灵犀
To have a mutual soul connection/telepathy.
异口同声
To speak with one voice/say the same thing at once.
巧合
Coincidence.
志同道合
To share the same ambitions and path.
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