Meaning
彼此 is a reciprocal pronoun meaning 'each other' or 'one another.' It emphasizes mutual action or relationship between two or more parties. The word combines 彼 (that, the other) and 此 (this), literally meaning 'that and this,' which evolved to mean the parties involved in a mutual relationship.
Usage
彼此 is used in formal and informal contexts when describing mutual actions, feelings, or relationships. It often appears in phrases like 彼此帮助 (help each other) or 彼此了解 (understand each other). Native speakers commonly use it to acknowledge mutual experiences or to express politeness, such as in the set phrase 彼此彼此 (same to you, likewise).
Examples
- 01我们应该彼此尊重，彼此理解。, .We should respect each other and understand each other.
- 02认识你很高兴。——彼此彼此！. —— !Nice to meet you. —Likewise!
Characters
Common collocations
- 彼此帮助help each other
- 彼此了解understand each other
- 彼此彼此same to you, likewise
- 彼此尊重respect each other
Origin
The word combines the classical Chinese demonstratives 彼 (that/the other) and 此 (this), creating a pairing that naturally evolved to mean the two sides of a reciprocal relationship.