不约而同

• Pinyin: bù yuē ér tóng
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 约 = 纟(silk) + 勺, meaning to arrange or agree; 而 = and/yet; 同 = same

Meaning

To do something coincidentally; without prior arrangement; spontaneously in unison. When people independently reach the same conclusion or take the same action.

Emphasizes the lack of coordination — the similarity is coincidental. Often used to describe shared reactions, conclusions, or behaviors that happen naturally without planning. Can suggest like-mindedness or universal response.

Examples

1. 听到这个消息，在场的人不约而同地鼓起掌来。 Upon hearing the news, everyone present spontaneously burst into applause.
2. 两位科学家在不同国家不约而同地发现了同样的现象。 Two scientists in different countries independently discovered the same phenomenon.
3. 毕业多年后，老同学们不约而同地选择了回到家乡发展。 Years after graduation, the old classmates all independently chose to return to their hometowns to develop their careers.

Usage Guide

Context: coincidence, shared reactions, consensus

Tone: noting

Do Say

• 大家不约而同地站了起来。(Everyone stood up in unison without prior arrangement.)
• 我们不约而同地想到了同一个人。(We independently thought of the same person.)

Don't Say

• 我们不约而同地约好了见面。(Contradictory — 不约而同 means without arranging, so you can't use it for planned meetings)

Origin & History

不约 (without arranging) + 而同 (yet the same). Describing actions that align despite no prior agreement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal