# 莫逆之交

mò nì zhī jiāo

A deeply compatible friendship

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Friends with no opposition between hearts

**Register:** Warm · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe intimate friends who understand each other.

Does not require agreement on every detail.

## Understanding the expression

The image centers on minds that fit together without a deep clash. Modern use describes close friends whose trust and understanding go beyond casual company. They may share values, recognize each other's intentions, or support one another through difficulty. The expression sounds literary and affectionate. Close friendship does not mean never disagreeing; a respectful difference can exist alongside the deeper compatibility that keeps the relationship strong over time.

## Examples

他们是多年的莫逆之交。

### Traditional Chinese

他們是多年的莫逆之交。

tā men shì duō nián de mò nì zhī jiāo 。

They have been close, deeply compatible friends for years.

两位作家逐渐成为莫逆之交。

### Traditional Chinese

兩位作家逐漸成為莫逆之交。

liǎng wèi zuò jiā zhú jiàn chéng wéi mò nì zhī jiāo 。

The two writers gradually became intimate friends.

她把老师视为莫逆之交。

### Traditional Chinese

她把老師視為莫逆之交。

tā bǎ lǎo shī shì wèi mò nì zhī jiāo 。

She regards her teacher as a deeply understanding friend.

莫逆之交也会有不同意见。

### Traditional Chinese

莫逆之交也會有不同意見。

mò nì zhī jiāo yě huì yǒu bù tóng yì jiàn 。

Even close friends can have different opinions.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%8E%AB%E9%80%86%E4%B9%8B%E4%BA%A4)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=156&webMd=1&la=0)

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