fu6 geoi1 soeng1 ji1輔車相依辅车相依
Jyutpingfu6 geoi1 soeng1 ji1
Yalefuh gēui sēung yī
Definition
To rely on one another as cheek and jowl; to be as dependent on each other as the jawbone and the cheek.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
Originating from ancient military strategy, this idiom describes a relationship where two parties are so closely linked that the survival of one depends entirely on the other. It is rarely used in casual daily chatter and carries a formal, literary weight. You will most often encounter it in political commentary, business analysis, or historical discussions.
Examples
The two companies are collaborating, they are truly interdependent.
Those two departments are interdependent, how can they be separated?
Related words
Common phrases
an interdependent relationship
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe casual friendships or simple cooperation, as it implies a deep, structural, and often existential level of mutual reliance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
