不约而同

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

Significado

coincidir sin haberse puesto de acuerdo

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.

Ejemplos

1. 听到这个消息，在场的人不约而同地鼓起掌来。
2. 两位科学家在不同国家不约而同地发现了同样的现象。
3. 毕业多年后，老同学们不约而同地选择了回到家乡发展。

Guía de uso

Contexto: coincidence, shared reactions, consensus

Tono: noting

Correcto

• 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.)

Incorrecto

• 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)

Origen e historia

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

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal