Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'lips and teeth depend on each other'. It describes a relationship where two parties are so interdependent that neither can survive without the other — like lips and teeth that protect each other. Use it for countries, organizations, or close allies in a mutually dependent situation.
idiom
mutually dependentinterdependent like lips and teeth
Examples
- 唇齿相依，，。Zhè liǎng gè guójiā chún chǐ xiāng yī, yì róng jù róng, yì sǔn jù sǔn.These two countries are as interdependent as lips and teeth — if one prospers, both prosper; if one suffers, both suffer.
- ，唇齿相依，。Zài shāngyè hézuò zhōng, shuāngfāng chún chǐ xiāng yī, shéi yě lí bù kāi shéi.In business cooperation, the two sides are mutually dependent — neither can do without the other.
- 唇齿相依，。Tāmen gōngsī hé wǒmen chún chǐ xiāng yī, hézuò cái néng gòng yíng.Their company and ours are interdependent like lips and teeth; only through cooperation can we both win.
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