📖 Meaning
Describes people who share the same ambitions, ideals, and goals in life. It is commonly used to express a deep sense of mutual understanding and alignment of purpose between friends, colleagues, or comrades.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom appears in the Sanguozhi (三国志·魏志·陈思王植传), a memorial submitted by Cao Zhi (曹植) to the Wei court during the Three Kingdoms period. In it, Cao Zhi cites the legendary ministers Yi Yin, Gao Yao, Ji, and Xie as paragons who shared one will and one way, and whose unity helped establish great dynastic achievements. The phrase thus carries the weight of classical political philosophy, linking personal harmony to collective success.
💡 Example Usage
我们虽然来自不同的地方，但因为志同道合，很快就成了好朋友。
Although we come from different places, we quickly became close friends because we share the same ambitions and ideals.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 志同道合
- Pinyin: zhì tóng dào hé
- Literal Translation: will, same, path, together
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4