彼此 (each other)

• Pinyin: bǐcǐ
• Formation: 彼此 + Verb / Verb + 彼此
• Hanzi breakdown: 彼 = 彳 (step) + 皮 (skin/surface); 此 = 止 (stop) + 匕 (spoon/person)

Meaning

彼此 (bǐcǐ) means 'each other' or 'one another,' expressing mutual and reciprocal relationships between two or more parties. It can appear before or after a verb to indicate that the action flows in both directions.

彼此 has two primary positions in a sentence. When placed before the verb (彼此 + Verb), it functions as an adverb meaning 'mutually' — emphasizing the shared nature of the action. When placed after the verb (Verb + 彼此), it acts as the object. 彼此 also appears in the standalone expression 彼此彼此, a polite response meaning 'the same to you' or 'likewise.' Unlike 互相 which only functions as an adverb before verbs, 彼此 is more flexible and carries a slightly more literary or elegant tone. 彼此 implies a pre-existing relationship between the parties.

Examples

1. 我们虽然很久没见，但彼此都还记得对方。 Although we haven't seen each other for a long time, we both still remember one another.
2. 同事之间应该彼此帮助，共同进步。 Colleagues should help each other and make progress together.
3. 认识了这么多年，我们早已了解彼此。 Having known each other for so many years, we already understand one another well.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 好朋友之间要彼此坦诚，不要隐瞒。
• 经过多年相处，我们已经非常了解彼此。
• 邻居们彼此关心，社区氛围很好。

Don't Say

• 我彼此喜欢他。(彼此 requires both parties to be subjects — a single subject cannot use 彼此 to describe one-way feelings) → 我们彼此喜欢。
• 三个人彼此自己做作业。(彼此 indicates reciprocal action, not individual independent action — use 各自 instead) → 三个人各自做作业。

Origin & History

彼此 is a classical Chinese compound where 彼 means 'that one' and 此 means 'this one.' Together they represent both parties in a relationship, a usage dating back to pre-Qin texts.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal