📖 Meaning
To share resources and help each other by exchanging what one has for what one lacks. It refers to mutual assistance and the pooling of assets between parties. The idiom emphasizes cooperation and reciprocity in meeting each other's needs.
📜 Origin Story
The concept of mutual exchange of goods and resources has deep roots in classical Chinese economic thought, dating back to texts such as the Book of Changes and early discussions of trade. The phrase reflects the traditional ideal of communities supporting one another by sharing surpluses and filling deficits. While no single definitive literary source is cited, the expression embodies longstanding Confucian values of reciprocity and mutual aid.
💡 Example Usage
邻里之间应当通共有无，共同渡过难关。
Neighbors should share resources and help one another to get through difficult times together.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 通共有无
- Pinyin: tōng gòng yǒu wú
- Literal Translation: 通(mutual) 共(share) 有(have) 无(lack)
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4