Definition
有来有往 is a four-character set phrase (成语) that describes a reciprocal relationship where giving and receiving are balanced — gifts, favors, or help go both ways. The literal meaning is 'there is coming and going,' and it's used to emphasize mutual exchange rather than one-sided generosity. You'll hear it in social contexts like gift-giving, helping a friend, or maintaining a relationship.
f.e.
reciprocalgive-and-take (of exchanges, favors, or gifts)
Examples
- 有来有往，。Péngyou zhījiān yīnggāi yǒu, hùxiāng bāngzhù.Between friends, there should be reciprocity — helping each other.
- 有来有往，。Sòng lǐ yào yǒu, bù néng zhǐ shōu bù sòng.Gift-giving should be reciprocal; you can't just receive without giving.
- 有来有往，。Tāmen liǎng jiā yǒu, guānxi yìzhí hěn hǎo.The two families have a give-and-take relationship and have always gotten along well.
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