"Tong gan gong ku" literally means to share sweetness together and endure bitterness together. It describes a close relationship between people (often referring to spouses, friends, colleagues, or team members) who can share prosperity and face hardships together, without changing their attitude because of changing circumstances. This idiom originates from the record in Zhan Guo Ce: Yan Ce Yi, "The King of Yan mourned the dead and asked after the living, sharing sweetness and bitterness with the common people," reflecting the values of valuing loyalty and upholding righteousness in traditional Chinese culture. It is used in a wide range of contexts, such as praising a couple who stay together through hardship, a team that remains united and never abandons one another, or describing leaders and subordinates who weather difficulties together. Its emotional tone is positive, emphasizing loyalty, responsibility, and solidarity, and it is often used to express affirmation and praise for deep bonds of friendship.
📝 Example
1. This couple has been married for thirty years, and through poverty and prosperity they have always shared joys and hardships together, which is truly admirable. (It means sharing happiness and bearing difficulties together, describing a strong and unbreakable relationship.)
2. When the startup team faced a shortage of funds, they still shared joys and hardships together, and ultimately welcomed the company's successful listing. (It means team members go through difficult times together and also share the joy of success together.)