相依为命

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xiāng yī wéi mìng
• English Translation: To depend on each other for survival
• Idiom Composition: 「相」（Mutually; each other）＋「依」（To lean on; to depend on）＋「为」（To act as; to be）＋「命」（Life; survival）
• Meaning: To rely on one another as the sole means of survival. It describes a situation where two or more individuals are in a difficult or lonely environment and have no one else to turn to but each other, forming an inseparable bond.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「相依为命」 contains the following nuances:

• Indispensable Relationship: This term does not just mean 'getting along well'; it implies a level of dependency where one party feels they cannot survive without the other.
• Shared Adversity: The idiom is almost always used in the context of hardship, such as poverty, disaster, or social isolation, highlighting the emotional weight of the bond.

3. Usage

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

• Family Bonds: Most frequently used when remaining family members, such as an orphan and a grandparent, must support each other after losing others.
  • Example:「自从父母去世后，他和奶奶便相依为命，过着清贫的生活。」
    （Since his parents passed away, he and his grandmother have depended on each other for survival, living a simple and frugal life.）
• Relationship with Pets: In modern contexts, it describes a person living alone who considers their pet as their only family and source of support.
  • Example:「这位独居老人只有一只老猫陪伴，多年来一人一猫相依为命。」
    （This elderly person living alone has only an old cat for company; the two of them have been each other's sole support for many years.）
• Metaphorical Usage: Occasionally used to describe two objects or an object and a person that are inextricably linked.
  • Example:「在这个荒岛上，只有这座灯塔与守塔人相依为命。」
    （On this deserted island, only this lighthouse shares a life of mutual dependence with the keeper.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在那段艰难的战争岁月里，这对夫妻相依为命，终于熬到了和平。
   （During those difficult years of war, the couple depended on each other for survival and finally made it to a time of peace.）
2. 虽然没有血缘关系，但这两个孤儿在福利院里相依为命，比亲兄弟还亲。
   （Although not related by blood, these two orphans supported each other through thick and thin in the orphanage, becoming closer than real brothers.）
3. 由于子女都在国外，这对老夫妇只能在国内相依为命。
   （Since their children are all abroad, this elderly couple has no choice but to rely solely on each other at home.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom originates from the Memorial to the Emperor (陈情表) written by Li Mi (李密) during the Jin Dynasty. He wrote it to decline a government post so he could care for his elderly grandmother, stating that the two of them 'depended on each other for their very lives.' His sincere devotion moved the Emperor.
• Emotional Nuance: This is a highly evocative expression that often elicits sympathy or admiration. It suggests a 'survival-level' connection rather than a simple partnership.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 患难与共 (huàn nàn yǔ gòng): To share trials and tribulations together.
  • 形影相吊 (xíng yǐng xiāng diào): To have only one's body and shadow to comfort each other; describes extreme loneliness.
  • 形影不离 (xíng yǐng bù lí): To be inseparable, always together.link
  • 息息相关 (xī xī xiāng guān): Closely related or interconnected.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 各奔前程 (gè bēn qián chéng): Each going their own way to pursue their own future.link
  • 势不两立 (shì bù liǎng lì): To be irreconcilable enemies who cannot coexist.
  • 视同陌路 (shì tóng mò lù): To treat someone as a stranger.link

6. Summary

相依为命 (xiāng yī wéi mìng) is a poignant idiom describing a deep, vital bond between individuals who support each other through hardship. Originating from the classic text Memorial to the Emperor (陈情表), it emphasizes a relationship where survival depends on mutual reliance. It is most commonly used to describe the relationship between family members (such as a grandparent and grandchild) or a person and a beloved pet in challenging circumstances.