素不相识

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: sù bù xiāng shí
• English Translation: To be complete strangers (never having met before)
• Idiom Composition: 「素」（Hitherto, usually, or 'all along' (indicating a state that has existed for a long time)）＋「不」（Not (negation)）＋「相」（Each other or mutually）＋「识」（To know or to recognize）
• Meaning: A state where people have had no prior acquaintance or interaction whatsoever; being total strangers to one another from the past up to the present.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「素不相识」 contains the following nuances:

• Temporal Continuity: The character 素 (sù) implies 'hitherto' or 'always.' This suggests that the individuals have never crossed paths in the past, emphasizing a total lack of history between them.
• Neutral Fact vs. Contextual Nuance: While the idiom itself is a neutral statement of fact (simply 'not knowing each other'), its emotional weight changes with the context. It can be positive (the kindness of strangers) or negative (the coldness of being ignored by others).

3. Usage

「素不相识」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Emphasizing Kindness: Often used when someone is helped by a stranger. The contrast of 'being strangers' makes the act of kindness feel more moving and significant.
  • Example:「虽然我们素不相识，但在我遇到困难时，他毫不犹豫地伸出了援手。」
    （Although we were complete strangers, he didn't hesitate to lend a hand when I was in trouble.）
• Denying a Relationship: Used in formal or legal contexts to assert that one has absolutely no connection to a specific person involved in an incident.
  • Example:「嫌疑人声称自己与受害者素不相识，否认了作案动机。」
    （The suspect claimed to be completely unacquainted with the victim, denying any motive for the crime.）
• Describing a First Meeting: Used to describe the 'before' state of two people who have just met and become close.
  • Example:「两个素不相识的年轻人因为共同的爱好，很快就成了无话不谈的好朋友。」
    （Two young people who were total strangers quickly became best friends who could talk about anything, thanks to their shared hobbies.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在这个陌生的城市里，周围都是素不相识的人，让他感到有些孤独。
   （In this unfamiliar city, surrounded by complete strangers, he felt a bit lonely.）
2. 我们要感谢那些素不相识的志愿者们的无私奉献。
   （We must thank those strangers who volunteered their selfless dedication.）
3. 既然我们素不相识，你为什么要告诉我这些秘密？
   （Since we are total strangers, why are you telling me these secrets?）
4. 哪怕是面对素不相识的路人，我们也应该保持基本的礼貌。
   （Even when facing strangers on the street, we should maintain basic politeness.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Social Trust: In Chinese society, where the concept of 关系 (guānxì) or 'connections' is traditionally paramount, helping someone with whom you are 素不相识 (sù bù xiāng shí) is considered a highly virtuous act, often associated with the selfless spirit of figures like Lei Feng (雷锋).
• Register and Usage: This idiom is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. Its synonym 素昧平生 (sù mèi píng shēng) carries a more literary and formal tone.
• The Character 素 (sù): While often associated with 'vegetarian' or 'plain' in modern contexts, here it means 'usually' or 'hitherto.' This usage is also found in other idioms like 素有大志 (sù yǒu dà zhì), meaning 'to have long harbored great ambitions.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 素昧平生 (sù mèi píng shēng): To have never met in one's life; it is slightly more formal and literary than 素不相识 (sù bù xiāng shí).
  • 萍水相逢 (píng shuǐ xiāng féng): To meet by chance like floating duckweed; often used to describe meeting strangers while traveling.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 一见如故 (yī jiàn rú gù): To hit it off from the first meeting as if they were old friends.
  • 莫逆之交 (mò nì zhī jiāo): A friendship so close that there is no disagreement; very intimate friends.
  • 似曾相识 (sì céng xiāng shí): To have a feeling of déjà vu, as if having seen or met before.link
  • 久别重逢 (jiǔ bié chóng féng): To meet again after a long separation.link

6. Summary

素不相识 (sù bù xiāng shí) is the most common idiom used to describe the state of being 'complete strangers.' It does more than just state a lack of acquaintance; it is often used to highlight the selflessness of people helping one another despite having no prior connection, or to formally deny any relationship between individuals. It is a versatile expression used frequently in both daily conversation and formal writing.