Chinese word

相辅相成

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

Meaning

  • idiomcomplement each other

Example

理论与实践相辅相成，缺一不可。lǐ lùn yǔ shí jiàn xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng quē yí bù kě

Theory and practice complement each other, and neither can do without the other.

Illustration for 相辅相成 (complement each other)

More examples

教学与科研相辅相成，有利于学科发展。jiào xué yǔ kē yán xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng yǒu lì yú xué kē fā zhǎn

Teaching and research complement each other, benefiting the development of the field.

Core concept

Like two fitted pieces, each supplies what the other lacks and their cooperation completes the result.

Common phrases

  • 教学与科研相辅相成jiào xué yǔ kē yán xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

    teaching and research complement each other

  • 经验与理论相辅相成jīng yàn yǔ lǐ lùn xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

    experience and theory complement each other

  • 两者相辅相成liáng zhě xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

    the two complement each other

Similar words

相得益彰xiāng dé yì zhāng: The strengths of two sides enhance each other, leading to a better overall effect.
缺一不可quē yí bù kě: Both parts are needed for the result to stand, because either missing part makes it incomplete.

Definition in Chinese

两个方面互相帮助、互为补充，通过相互配合使整体更完整或效果更好。liǎng gè fāng miàn hù xiāng bāng zhù hù wéi bǔ chōng tōng guò xiāng hù pèi hé shǐ zhéng tǐ gèng wán zhěng huò xiào guǒ gèng hǎo

Word origin

The components 相 (xiāng, "mutually"), 辅 (fǔ, "support"), and 成 (chéng, "make complete") build the image of mutual support bringing a shared result to completion.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this idiom can sound polished or formal, while ordinary speech often favors simpler wording for the same relationship.

Other meanings

  • reinforce each otheridiom

Opposites

Word lists with this word