# 相辅相成

xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

Complement and strengthen each other

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Help each other and bring each other to completion

**Traditional Chinese:** 相輔相成

**Register:** Positive · formal

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

## When to use it

Use for two qualities, methods, or roles that work better together.

Explain how they support each other rather than simply listing them.

## Behind the words

The expression joins mutual support with mutual completion. It describes a relationship in which each side improves the other.

辅 conveys assistance and 成 suggests successful completion. The expression describes things that support each other and jointly produce a stronger result. It is more specific than merely existing together. Explain what each contributes: the relationship should be complementary or mutually helpful rather than a coincidence.

## Examples

阅读和写作相辅相成，可以一起练习。

### Traditional Chinese

閱讀和寫作相輔相成，可以一起練習。

yuè dú hé xiě zuò xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng ， kě yǐ yì qǐ liàn xí 。

Reading and writing reinforce each other, so they can be practiced together.

规律运动和充足睡眠相辅相成。

### Traditional Chinese

規律運動和充足睡眠相輔相成。

guī lǜ yùn dòng hé chōng zú shuì mián xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng 。

Regular exercise and sufficient sleep support each other.

课堂学习和实际练习应该相辅相成。

### Traditional Chinese

課堂學習和實際練習應該相輔相成。

kè táng xué xí hé shí jì liàn xí yīng gāi xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng 。

Classroom learning and practical exercises should complement each other.

这两项政策相辅相成，单独实施效果会差一些。

### Traditional Chinese

這兩項政策相輔相成，單獨實施效果會差一些。

zhè liǎng xiàng zhèng cè xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng ， dān dú shí shī xiào guǒ huì chà yì xiē 。

The two policies reinforce one another and work less well separately.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=8907&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%9B%B8%E8%BC%94%E7%9B%B8%E6%88%90)

## Keep exploring

- [相敬如宾 xiāng jìng rú bīn Maintain mutual courtesy within marriage ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiang-jing-ru-bin)

- [笑容可掬 xiào róng kě jū Wear a warm, abundant smile ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiao-rong-ke-ju)

- [笑逐颜开 xiào zhú yán kāi Beam with happiness ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiao-zhu-yan-kai)

- [心花怒放 xīn huā nù fàng Feel joy bursting inside ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-hua-nu-fang)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 相得益彰 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiang-de-yi-zhang) [Next idiom 相敬如宾 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiang-jing-ru-bin)