呉越同舟

• Reading: ごえつどうしゅう
• Romaji: goetsu doshu
• Kanji breakdown: 呉 (go) — ancient state of Wu; 越 (etsu) — ancient state of Yue; 同 (dou) — same; 舟 (shuu/fune) — boat
• Pronunciation: /ɡo.e.t͡sɯ.do.ː.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Rivals in the same boat; sworn enemies who must cooperate due to shared circumstances.

A four-character idiom (yojijukugo) from the story of the ancient Chinese states of Wu (呉) and Yue (越), bitter enemies. It describes a situation where adversaries must work together because they share the same danger or goal. The modern implication is often ironic — forced cooperation between parties who would normally oppose each other.

Examples

1. 選挙戦では呉越同舟の連立が組まれることも珍しくない。 It's not uncommon for rival parties to form coalition governments during election campaigns.
2. 利害の一致した呉越同舟の関係が、この業界再編を動かしている。 A relationship of rivals in the same boat, united by shared interests, is driving this industry reorganization.
3. 呉越同舟とはいえ、二人の協力は案外うまくいっていた。 Although they were rivals forced together by circumstance, their cooperation was going surprisingly well.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, alliances, irony

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the ancient Chinese military text Sunzi (孫子). The Wu and Yue kingdoms were historical rivals, and the story describes them crossing a river in the same boat — forced to row together despite their enmity.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient China → Classical Japan

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated