密不可分

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: mì bù kě fēn
• English Translation: Closely connected and inseparable; an unbreakable relationship
• Idiom Composition: 「密」（Close, tight）＋「不」（Cannot, not）＋「可」（Can, able to）＋「分」（To separate, to divide）
• Meaning: Describes two or more things that are so closely connected that they cannot be separated.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「密不可分」 contains the following nuances:

• Strong connection: Indicates not just a simple relation but a very strong and deep connection.
• Mutual dependence: Represents a relationship where two or more things depend on each other and cannot function properly if one is missing.
• Unity: Shows that the things are so closely connected that they seem like one entity and cannot be separated.

3. Usage

「密不可分」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Explaining relationships: Used to describe the close relationship between two or more things.
  • Example:「教育和科技的进步密不可分，教育可以培养科技人才，科技可以推动教育发展。」
    （The progress of education and technology is closely connected and inseparable; education cultivates talents for technology, and technology promotes the development of education.）
• Emphasizing importance: Used to emphasize that one element is indispensable to another.
  • Example:「健康和幸福是密不可分的，一个健康的身体是幸福生活的基础。」
    （Health and happiness are inseparable; a healthy body is the foundation of a happy life.）
• Metaphorical expression: Also used metaphorically to describe relationships between non-physical things such as human relationships or abstract concepts.
  • Example:「这对双胞胎兄弟性格迥异，但他们的关系密不可分。」
    （These twin brothers have very different personalities, but their relationship is inseparable.）

Additional Examples:

1. 家庭和事业对他来说密不可分，他总是努力平衡两者。
   （Family and career are inseparable to him, and he always strives to balance both.）
2. 文化和经济的发展是密不可分的，它们相互促进。
   （The development of culture and economy is closely connected and inseparable, and they promote each other.）
3. 理论与实践密不可分，两者相辅相成。
   （Theory and practice are inseparable; they complement each other.）
4. 我们的成功与客户的支持密不可分。
   （Our success is closely connected and inseparable from the support of our customers.）
5. 空气和水对人类的生存密不可分。
   （Air and water are inseparable for human survival.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Influence of Chinese philosophy: '密不可分' reflects the Chinese philosophical idea that all things are interconnected and mutually dependent.
• Positive connotation: It is usually used in a positive context to emphasize the importance of strong connections and mutual dependence.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 息息相关 (xī xī xiāng guān): Closely related and tightly connected.
  • 唇齿相依 (chún chǐ xiāng yī): Mutually dependent like lips and teeth.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 分道扬镳 (fēn dào yáng biāo): To go separate ways; to part company.
  • 各行其是 (gè xíng qí shì): Each doing things their own way; acting independently.

6. Summary

'密不可分' is an idiom that describes two or more things being so closely connected that they cannot be separated. It emphasizes a strong bond and mutual dependence beyond mere association, reflecting the Chinese philosophical concept of interdependence among all things. Using this idiom appropriately allows you to effectively express deep relationships between things.