相依为命

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xiāng yī wéi mìng
• English Translation: To rely on each other for survival, to live supporting one another
• Idiom Composition: 「相」（Mutually, each other）＋「依」（To depend on, to rely）＋「为」（To be, to act as）＋「命」（Life, livelihood）
• Meaning: To live by relying on and supporting each other. It especially describes the situation where two or more people or entities mutually support each other to survive in difficult circumstances.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「相依为命」 contains the following nuances:

• Deep interdependence: Expresses a deep emotional and physical dependence that goes beyond mere cooperation.
• Shared destiny: Suggests that the existence of each party is indispensable, as if sharing one life.
• Mutual support in adversity: Emphasizes the act of helping and supporting each other to survive through difficult or adverse situations.
• Strong bond: Implies a strong bond or affection nurtured through sharing joys and hardships over many years.

3. Usage

「相依为命」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing relationships: Used to describe relationships among people bound by deep ties, such as family members, spouses, or close friends.
  • Example:「这对老夫妻相依为命，生活虽然清贫，但感情十分深厚。」
    （This elderly couple relies on each other for survival; although their life is poor, their affection is very deep.）
• Overcoming adversity: Describes the act of overcoming difficult situations by supporting each other.
  • Example:「在这个小岛上，他们几个家庭相依为命，共同抵御外界的困难。」
    （On this small island, several families live supporting each other, jointly resisting external difficulties.）
• Figurative usage: Can be used figuratively to describe close interdependence not only in personal relationships but also between countries or organizations.
  • Example:「这两个小国家在国际政治中相依为命，共同维护自己的利益。」
    （These two small countries rely on each other for survival in international politics, jointly protecting their interests.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这对双胞胎兄弟从小就相依为命，无论遇到什么困难都一起面对。
   （These twin brothers have relied on each other for survival since childhood and face any difficulties together.）
2. 他们两个是多年的老朋友，一直相依为命，互相支持。
   （They have been old friends for many years, always supporting each other and helping one another.）
3. 地震后，幸存者们相依为命，重建家园。
   （After the earthquake, the survivors relied on each other for survival and rebuilt their homes.）
4. 在那个战火纷飞的年代，他们一家人相依为命，艰难地生活着。
   （In that war-torn era, their family relied on each other for survival and lived a difficult life.）
5. 这只母猫和小猫相依为命，形影不离。
   （This mother cat and her kitten live relying on each other and are inseparable.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, the family is considered the most fundamental social unit, with strong bonds and mutual support among family members highly valued. The idiom '相依为命' reflects this family-centered worldview.
• Confucianism emphasizes virtues such as benevolence and filial piety, highlighting compassion for others and respect for elders. '相依为命' is deeply connected to these Confucian values.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 同舟共济 (tóng zhōu gòng jì): To be in the same boat and overcome difficulties together.
  • 唇齿相依 (chún chǐ xiāng yī): Mutually dependent like lips and teeth.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 各行其是 (gè xíng qí shì): Each acts according to their own will without cooperation.
  • 分道扬镳 (fēn dào yáng biāo): To part ways and go separate paths.

6. Summary

'相依为命' is an idiom that expresses a deep emotional and physical interdependence beyond mere cooperation. It is especially used to emphasize mutual support and survival in difficult circumstances. This idiom is closely connected to traditional Chinese family values and Confucian ethics, making it an effective expression to convey the beauty and strength of human relationships. Understanding this cultural background will allow for a deeper appreciation and more meaningful use of the idiom.