同伙

• Pinyin: tóng huǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = together; 伙 = 亻 + 火 — partner, group member

Meaning

Accomplice; confederate; partner in crime.

People who work together, especially in illegal or questionable activities. Has a negative connotation implying partnership in wrongdoing. Sometimes used humorously among friends.

Examples

1. 警方逮捕了主犯和他的三名同伙。 The police arrested the ringleader and his three accomplices.
2. 别把我拉下水，我可不想当你的同伙。 Don't drag me into this — I don't want to be your accomplice.
3. 调查发现这起诈骗案背后有一整个同伙团伙在运作。 The investigation revealed that an entire gang was operating behind this fraud case.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, legal, colloquial

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他的同伙。(His accomplices.)
• 同伙作案。(Committed crimes together.)

Don't Say

• 用'同伙'描述正当的合作伙伴 (同伙 implies criminal partnership — for legitimate partners, use 伙伴 or 合作方)

Origin & History

同 means together, 伙 means partner/group — partners together (often in crime).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal