同舟共济

• Pinyin: tóng zhōu gòng jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = same; 舟 = boat; 共 = together; 济 = to aid, to cross water

Meaning

To be in the same boat; to pull together in times of trouble; to share a common fate.

An idiom describing people who must cooperate to overcome difficulties because they share the same predicament. Often used in speeches, company meetings, or crisis situations to emphasize solidarity and mutual support.

Examples

1. 公司遇到危机时，全体员工同舟共济，终于渡过了难关。 When the company hit a crisis, all employees pulled together and finally got through the tough times.
2. 夫妻就应该同舟共济，有困难一起面对，有福气一起分享。 Couples should be in it together — facing difficulties together and sharing blessings together.
3. 疫情期间各国同舟共济，共同研发疫苗，展现了人类命运共同体的精神。 During the pandemic, countries worked together to jointly develop vaccines, demonstrating the spirit of a shared human destiny.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, crisis management

Tone: inspirational

Do Say

• 我们要同舟共济。(We must pull together.)
• 同舟共济，共克时艰。(Work together to overcome difficulties.)

Don't Say

• 用于日常小事 (Reserve this idiom for significant challenges — don't use it for minor inconveniences)

Origin & History

From 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, describing how people from rival states Wu and Yue would help each other if their boat was caught in a storm.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal